Prime Highlights

• Kings Education retains its brand but will now operate as a distinct entity under INTO’s global umbrella.
• The acquisition follows Kings Education’s closure of its Beckenham campus due to VAT pressures on UK private school fees.

Key Facts

• INTO University Partnerships specialises in international student recruitment and university pathway programmes across the UK, US and beyond.
• Kings Education covers UK and US university pathways, English language learning, K-12 institutions and transnational partner schools.

Background

International education provider INTO University Partnerships has acquired Kings Education in a strategic agreement that brings together two major university pathway organisations. Kings Education will retain its brand identity and operate as a distinct group under the INTO umbrella.

Kings brings expertise in UK and US university pathways, English language learning, independent K-12 institutions and transnational education partner schools to INTO’s existing global university partnerships network. The two organisations are also exploring potential program exchanges alongside new micro-credential and upskilling offerings.

Kings Education CEO Andrew Hutchinson welcomed the deal, saying the organisation was delighted to join such a dynamic and successful group. He added that their combined people, infrastructure and capabilities would create new opportunities for students and partners alike.

INTO University Partnerships CEO John Sykes called the deal an important milestone. He said the partnership would strengthen INTO’s ability to engage students earlier, broaden study and progression opportunities, and deliver greater value to university partners worldwide. Sykes also noted that Kings’ expertise across pre-university, pathway and transnational education would make the combined organisation more resilient and globally connected.

The acquisition follows a difficult period for Kings Education. In the first week of March, the organisation underwent a strategic reconfiguration of its portfolio, closing its Beckenham campus as external pressures mounted — including the addition of VAT on UK private school fees.

The deal positions INTO as a stronger force in international education at a time of rapid change in the global student mobility landscape.