Alternative education provider.

Reference

S13475

Turnover

£1m to £2m

Sector(s)

Education, Service industries

Region(s)

South East England

Added

03 June 2026

Business description

Based in the South East of England, the company is an independent alternative education provider delivering academic and vocational training to students outside mainstream education. Established in 2018 and transitioning into an independent school in 2020, the business operates under a funded placement model, working closely with local authorities to support students with social, emotional and mental health needs, including those with autism.

The company delivers a blended curriculum combining core subjects with practical vocational training, including catering, welding, motor mechanics and multi-trade skills such as plumbing, carpentry and electrical work. This approach supports student engagement while developing employable skills.

The business operates from leasehold and freehold premises, including a fully equipped training centre with significant investment in specialist facilities such as a commercial kitchen and welding workshops.

Revenue is entirely derived from local authority-funded placements, providing a secure and visible income stream. Approximately 75% of placements are repeat, with demand currently exceeding capacity and additional referrals waiting to be onboarded.

The business reported turnover of £1.m with EBITDA of £477,972 in 2022, rising to £1.3m and £732,697 in 2023. In 2024, turnover peaked at £1.5m with EBITDA of £600,95 showing the business’s capability. In 2025 turnover of £968k with an adjusted EBITDA of £423,747.

The company currently supports 32 placements, with capacity to increase to between 64 and 88 students, offering clear scope for growth using existing infrastructure.

The business presents an opportunity to acquire a well-established education provider with secure income, consistent demand, and strong expansion potential.

Highlights

• Secure income model with 100% of revenue derived from local authority-funded placements.
• Strong financial profile, with turnover reaching £1.5m and EBITDA of £600,950 in 2024.
• High levels of repeat business (c.75%) demonstrating consistent demand and client retention.
• Clear expansion opportunity to increase capacity from 32 up to 64–88 placements.

Financials

	Turnover (£'000)	Adjusted EBITDA (£'000)
2023 (Actual)	1,307,020	732,697
2024 (Actual)	1,543,470	600,950
2025 (Actual)	968,755	423,747

Opportunities

• Increase student capacity from 32 up to 64–88 placements using existing facilities.
• Expand recently introduced outreach services to generate additional revenue streams.
• Develop relationships with additional local authorities beyond the current client base.
• Maximise utilisation of existing training facilities to improve efficiency and scale operations.

Prospective purchasers

• Prospective purchasers will be required to sign an NDA.

Reason for sale

The shareholder is seeking a sale to enable the next phase of growth under new ownership with the resources to expand capacity and scale the operation.