CVC Takes 20% Stake in ISP, Accelerating Global School Growth - InforCapital

Partners Group has brought in CVC Strategic Opportunities as a new minority investor in International Schools Partnership (ISP), marking a major strategic milestone in the company’s evolution as a global K‑12 education leader.

CVC has acquired a 20% stake in ISP, joining current investors Partners Group — which remains the majority shareholder — and OMERS, the Canadian pension fund that took a minority stake in 2021. The move aims to fuel the next phase of global expansion and innovation for ISP, with the transaction expected to close in early 2026.

ISP currently operates 111 schools across 25 countries, serving more than 110,000 students worldwide. The organization follows a proven acquisition model: acquiring high‑quality schools in regions with strong education demand, and enhancing them through a distinctive and holistic educational approach.

With the support of its new investor base, ISP plans to scale its footprint in fast-growing education markets, especially in regions like Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. The company’s long-term strategy focuses on:

• Expanding its global portfolio through targeted acquisitions in high-demand territories
• Implementing proprietary education technology to personalize and modernize the learning experience
• Investing in infrastructure upgrades to support capacity growth and enhance student outcomes

Steve Brown, CEO of ISP, said the group aims to be the top choice in every community it serves. He highlighted the focus on developing resilient, adaptable, lifelong learners prepared for the future of work. He also reaffirmed ISP’s student-first mission and welcomed CVC’s alignment with that vision.

Andrew Deakin, Partner at Partners Group, reflected on ISP’s journey from a startup concept in 2013 to one of the largest K‑12 platforms globally. He credited disciplined execution and a strong leadership team with turning thematic conviction into a global education platform and expressed optimism about the next chapter of growth alongside CVC.

Jan Reinier Voûte, Managing Partner and Co-Head of CVC Strategic Opportunities, emphasized the long-term value creation opportunity: “ISP is uniquely positioned for sustainable growth and delivers high-quality education to families across the world.”

The transaction is part of a broader trend of private equity investment in the global K‑12 education sector. CVC has previously shown interest in other major platforms, including Cognita, a UK-based network of international schools. Similarly, GEMS Education — based in the UAE — has seen rising interest from international investors. In many of these cases, valuation multiples have surged due to the resilience and recurring revenue of the private education model.

According to industry reports, ISP is now valued at approximately €7 billion including debt, a significant increase from the €1.9 billion valuation it received in 2021 when OMERS joined. This upward trajectory reflects investor confidence in education platforms with global scale, consistent enrollment, and strong reputations in academic delivery.

Private capital continues to flow into education due to strong secular tailwinds: growing middle-class populations, increasing demand for English-language instruction, and a broader shift toward international curricula and private alternatives in both developed and emerging markets.

Beyond ISP, other private equity-backed platforms — such as Nord Anglia Education and Maple Bear — have also raised capital or pursued M&A activity to scale globally. This suggests that the sector remains highly active, with significant room for consolidation and innovation.

As ISP prepares for its next phase of growth, the success of the partnership between Partners Group, CVC, and OMERS will depend on continued strategic acquisitions, successful technology integration, and robust student outcomes. If executed effectively, ISP could become the most influential global private school operator in the coming decade.