AQA acquires Realise Training to boost vocational education offer
Realise will operate as an independent subsidiary of AQA, a not-for-profit education charity, following the deal
Register to get 1 more free article
Reveal the article below by registering for our email newsletter.
Want unlimited access? View Plans
Already have an account? Sign in
Exam board AQA has officially acquired Realise Training Group in a move aimed at expanding its work in apprenticeships and adult education.
Realise will operate as an independent subsidiary of AQA, a not-for-profit education charity, following the deal. AQA said the move would help raise standards across vocational and technical qualifications alongside its existing GCSE and A-level work.
The purchase, for an undisclosed sum, transfers ownership from private equity firm Endless (Enact Fund), which backed a management buyout of Realise in 2020.
According to AQA, the acquisition would provide long-term stability for Realise, which supports more than 18,000 learners a year. The provider delivers apprenticeships in areas including early years, health and social care, business services and transport, as well as adult skills programmes in West Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, the West Midlands, Lincolnshire and the Liverpool City Region.
Colin Hughes, chief executive of AQA, said: “Acquiring a training provider is a tremendously exciting development for AQA. We’re well-known as the most popular exam board for GCSEs and A-levels but for some time we’ve been building our presence in the vocational sector.
“I’m confident that, with our new acquisition, we will be well-placed to enhance our offer to employers and young people in line with our charitable purpose.”
Gregg Scott, chief executive of Realise Training Group, added: “We are delighted to announce this acquisition which provides Realise with a new, long-term home while creating a unique link between two of the country’s leading educational organisations.
“This is fantastic news for our colleagues, the employers we partner with and our learners. It also means that all our profits will be re-invested into education for the benefit of many thousands of people in the UK.”
Realise employs more than 500 staff and will retain its existing management team, continuing to operate under its current structure across the country.