Restructuring in the independent education sector: what does the future hold?

The UK’s independent education sector has shown great resilience in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. Schools have been quick to adapt to new online teaching channels, and have retained – and in some instances increased – student numbers as a result.

However, while their flexibility has helped keep many in a strong position, independent schools cannot afford to be complacent. New shifts in the way we live and work, economic headwinds and increased competition from public sector offerings could pose further hurdles for schools in the months and years ahead.

In our latest publication, Restructuring Advisory Partners Philip Watkins and Andrew Sheridan draw on their experience in the sector to review the pressures schools are facing, future risks and opportunities and how the sector can adapt in the immediate and long-term.

This includes how challenging economic conditions could affect student numbers and consequently, revenue – and how the pandemic could accelerate mergers and acquisitions (M&As) within the sector as an effective way of breathing new life into schools’ operations.