Synova Backs Chatsworth Schools

March 2019

Leading growth investor Synova Capital (“Synova”) is pleased to announce that it has completed an investment into Chatsworth Schools (“Chatsworth”), supporting the management team to acquire an initial platform in the independent schools sector and putting in place a package of further funding to support future organic and acquisitive growth.

The initial platform comprises five schools in London and the Home Counties with a strong pipeline of future acquisitions. The intention is to build a market-leading group of outstanding schools in developed markets around the world and also to build new schools in rapidly growing and developing areas.

The Chatsworth Schools team is led by CEO and Founder Anita Gleave who has extensive experience in the education sector, spanning from her initial roles as a teacher and head teacher to managing and successfully growing large private equity backed schools groups in both the UK and overseas with Alpha Plus, WCL and ISP. Anita is joined by an experienced team who will utilise their combined expertise to grow and develop the schools joining the Chatsworth Schools group.

Commenting on the news, Anita Gleave, Founder and CEO of Chatsworth Schools, said: "We are delighted to make this announcement. The Chatsworth team has a passion for schools as learning communities and a commitment to enabling outstanding futures for all our children. By continually raising standards and fostering a love of learning, we aim to create world citizens and strong communities with resilience and integrity. With Synova’s support, we look forward to expanding the Chatsworth Schools family and bringing our extensive experience to each and every one of our schools."

Tim Ashlin, a Partner at Synova, commented: "We are delighted to be partnering with the Chatsworth team, who have a track record of exceptional educational leadership. Their focus on quality as the foundation for building a successful, education-led group fits with Synova’s approach to long-term value creation and our commitment to providing support throughout the life of our investments. We look forward to continuing to work with Chatsworth Schools in the years ahead and seeing the group grow from strength to strength."