 3E's was brought in to set up Bexley Business Academy |
The largest chain of private schools in England has bought into the state sector for the first time. Gems - or Global Education Management Systems - has taken over a group set up to turn around failing state schools.
It recently took over a chain of independent schools, offering what it calls a cheaper, "no-frills" approach to private education at its 13 schools in England.
The company, set up by a Dubai millionaire, has 50 schools worldwide.
It is taking over a non-profit company called 3E's which was the first private firm to be awarded a contract to open and manage a state school.
3E's was brought in to set up Bexley Business Academy in Kent and has a 10-year contract from Surrey Council to run two schools in the county.
It was originally set up as a subsidiary of the successful and oversubscribed Kingshurst City Technology College, Solihull.
A new profit-making company, 3E-Gems Ltd, has been set up to take over 3E's' existing work and bid for other contracts in the state sector.
A trust is being set up to put some of the profits back into the education sector, it says.
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