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Family Offices

In a world of shifting investment priorities, family offices are quietly making bold moves in one of the most mission-aligned, stable, and undervalued sectors available: education.

Traditionally viewed through the lens of philanthropy or CSR, education is now being redefined as a serious asset class, one that offers steady returns, defensible value, and long-term impact. And leading the charge are family offices, uniquely positioned to think beyond the next quarterly return and invest with a generational mindset.

So whatโ€™s changed?

And why are so many family offices doubling down on education investments in 2025?

Letโ€™s explore.

๐Ÿงฑ What Makes Education an Asset Class?

An asset class is more than just an industry, itโ€™s a category of investment with distinct characteristics: risk profile, return potential, liquidity, and strategic role in portfolio construction.

Education ticks all the right boxes:

AttributeWhy It Matters
โœ… Recurring RevenueTuition-based income = predictable cash flow
โœ… Real Asset BackingLand, buildings, and licenses hold intrinsic value
โœ… Inflation-Linked PricingTuition fees can rise with cost of living
โœ… Low CorrelationLess tied to economic cycles than other sectors
โœ… Mission-Aligned ReturnsOffers both financial and social return on investment

Family offices, often driven by a mix of legacy thinking, social purpose, and capital preservation, find this combination hard to resist.

๐Ÿ‘ช Why Family Offices Are Leaning In

1. Intergenerational Vision

Unlike PE firms or VC funds, family offices invest for decades, not just exits. Education fits beautifully into that timeline. A school built today can generate income, appreciation, and impact for generations to come.

2. Control and Brand Alignment

Family offices value control. Whether through ownership, advisory roles, or custom-built platforms, they can shape the mission, quality, and governance of the institutions they back, often naming schools or scholarships in the process.

3. Strong, Low-Volatility Returns

Schools in mature or emerging markets can deliver EBITDA margins of 25โ€“35% (or sometimes higher), with relatively low volatility and high customer retention. Many family offices are choosing education over commercial real estate or hospitality for precisely this reason.

4. Dual Mandate: Purpose + Profit

Education delivers blended value. Family offices donโ€™t have to choose between social impact and financial returnsโ€”they can achieve both. Supporting educational access, innovation, or global citizenship becomes part of the family legacy.

๐ŸŒ Education Investment Opportunities for 2025

๐Ÿ“Œ Kโ€“12 International Schools

Ideal for markets like Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, and Mexico, where demand for quality global education outpaces supply.

๐Ÿ“Œ Higher Education & Pathway Colleges

University-affiliated models, dual-degree programs, and international pathway providers are in high demand, especially for students targeting the UK, US, and Canada.

๐Ÿ“Œ Education Real Estate

Land-banked school developments and built-to-lease models offer stable income backed by long-term tenant operators.

๐Ÿ“Œ Hybrid & Digital Platforms

Combining in-person education with proprietary tech is a scalable model with global upside, appealing to both impact-focused and tech-driven portfolios.

๐Ÿ“Œ Vocational and Skills-Based Education

Especially relevant in Africa, Southeast Asia, and MENA, where unemployment and skills gaps require scalable, job-ready education.

๐Ÿง  What Makes a Good Education Asset for Family Offices?

  • Track record or credible founding team
  • Defined mission and educational philosophy
  • Strong leadership and governance
  • Revenue visibility and capacity for scale
  • Barriers to entry (licensing, accreditation, real estate)

Many family offices are partnering with firms like ours to co-develop schools or acquire operating assets where the investment is de-risked and growth plans are clear.

๐Ÿงญ Final Thought: It’s More Than a School

For family offices, education isnโ€™t just an investment. Itโ€™s a statement of values.
Itโ€™s about building institutions that outlive the founder, shape communities, and generate meaningful financial returns.

In a world of digital distraction and economic uncertainty, education remains a constant, a cornerstone that will always matter.

As one family office principal recently told us:
“If I can invest in something that changes lives, protects my capital, and leaves a legacy, why wouldnโ€™t I?”

Looking to explore education as part of your family office investment strategy?
Letโ€™s talk. Visit www.gsineducation.com or connect with me on LinkedIn.

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If you want to learn more about the steps required to set up a school, explore these essential resources: โœ… Steps to Setting Up a New School โœ… 10 Steps and Articles on How to Set Up a New School โœ… GSE International School Franchise Models

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GSE provides specialist services for all types of educational institutions, including: โœ” International Schools โœ” Kindergartens & Early Learning Centres โœ” Vocational Colleges โœ” Universities & Higher Education Institutions โœ” Online & Virtual Schools

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Meet Our CEO & Education Expert

Greg Parry โ€“ International School Leadership Authority

Greg Parry is a renowned global expert in education leadership, having led projects in Australia, the Middle East, the United States, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and China. His accolades include: ๐Ÿ† Ministerโ€™s Award for Excellence in School Leadership ๐Ÿ† School of Excellence Award for Industry/School Partnerships ๐Ÿ† School of Excellence Award for Technology Innovation ๐Ÿ† Recognised for Best Global Brand in International Education (2015 & 2016)

With a strong track record in school start-up projects, leadership training, and curriculum development, Greg is a trusted authority in building and managing high-performing international schools.

๐Ÿ“ฉ Contact Greg Parry Directly [Contact Link]

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GSE offers end-to-end solutions tailored for new and existing schools, covering: โœ” School Management & Operations โœ” Strategic Planning & Feasibility Studies โœ” Architectural & Interior Conceptual Design โœ” School Resources & ICT Planning โœ” Marketing, Branding & Admissions โœ” Staffing, Recruitment & Training โœ” Curriculum Design & Accreditation Support โœ” School Audits & Action Plans

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