The deal marks Mubadala’s latest move into the global education sector, with the sovereign fund citing rising global demand for premium private education. Nord Anglia operates more than 80 schools across 33 countries, with a student population of over 90,000 ranging in age from two to eighteen.
The acquisition adds to EQT’s ongoing strategy to scale Nord Anglia’s reach and infrastructure. Mubadala’s entry into the group is expected to strengthen the platform’s international positioning, particularly in regions where the demand for high-quality private education continues to expand. According to ISC Research, enrolment in premium international schools globally surpassed 6.5 million students in 2023 and is projected to grow steadily, particularly across Asia and the Middle East.
Nord Anglia schools focus on personalised learning, with curricula tailored to individual students. Graduates frequently secure placements at top global universities. The group has made investments in digital learning and global partnerships, including collaborations with institutions such as Juilliard, MIT, and UNICEF.
Alvin Teh, Head of Consumer at Mubadala, said the investment reflects the fund’s interest in scalable, globally relevant platforms. “The increasing demand for high-quality education, coupled with Nord Anglia’s approach and commitment to individualised learning, makes this a compelling opportunity,” he said in a statement.
This investment follows Mubadala’s growing focus on consumer, healthcare, and education assets, aligning with its diversification strategy away from hydrocarbons. Education is viewed as a long-term, countercyclical sector, with demand often resilient during broader economic downturns.
EQT acquired a controlling interest in Nord Anglia in 2017 and has since expanded the company’s global footprint through acquisitions and organic growth.
Jack Hennessy, Partner at EQT Private Capital, said Mubadala’s inclusion is an “important milestone” and brings “strategic reach” to Nord Anglia’s global expansion efforts.
The acquisition comes amid increasing investor interest in private education providers, particularly those with cross-border reach and high brand equity. The global K-12 private education market is projected to reach $385 billion by 2030, according to research from HolonIQ, with Middle Eastern and Asian markets driving much of the growth.
