National Learning Group, a Gateshead-based online tutoring specialist, is set to create new jobs following a seven-figure investment from the North East Elevate Fund, managed by FW Capital. The funding will support expansion of operations, development of proprietary software, and establishment of an Alternative Provision Centre for children unable to attend mainstream schools.
Investment Details and Growth Plans
The investment comes from the North East Elevate Fund, part of North East Mayor Kim McGuinness’ £100m regional investment framework administered by The North East Fund. Alongside the North East Accelerate and North East Spinout Inspire funds, it aims to improve access to early-stage finance for startups and growing companies in North East England, addressing market failures that have hindered innovation-led growth.
National Learning Group provides one-to-one tutoring for students from reception to adult learners, covering exam preparation for GCSEs, A-Levels, and adult skills training. The firm enrolls 4,000 students annually and has a network of over 350 tutors, serving national and international educational boards. It recently moved to a new office in Gateshead, with a registered office in Hexham.
Senior Management Strengthened
The funding will also bolster the senior management team with key appointments, including Neil Stephenson as Chairman. Stephenson, an active tech investor with experience scaling businesses and working with institutional funders, said: “I’m an active tech investor with vast experience of scaling businesses rapidly and working alongside institutional funders. My commercial and marketing expertise alongside the vast executive experience I have makes me a good fit. I was attracted to the opportunity to work in a business which makes a positive impact to young people’s lives and to support a fabulous chief exec as he personally and professionally grows.”
Alternative Provision Centre
A significant portion of the investment will back the development of a high-quality Alternative Provision Centre, providing facilities for children unable to attend mainstream schools. This will also aid expansion into more commercial education opportunities.
Quotes from Key Figures
Oliver Batten, Managing Director at National Learning Group, said: “We’re experiencing significant growth and this funding is helping us to expand our presence. The addition of a new alternative provision educational centre means we can meet the increased demand for accessible high-quality tuition. We’ve been very pleased with the backing from FW Capital who have recognised our potential and are excited to have an investor on board who is aligned to our vision. Keith Charlton and the team at FW Capital couldn’t have been more supportive, they were patient and ensured we got the funding quickly. That speed and understanding allowed us to move from the planning phase to being fully operational without losing any momentum. We’ve also welcomed Neil Stephenson as Chairman of the business, he is a highly experienced and respected businessman who will make a great impact at The National Learning Group. I’m looking forward to working together to take the business to the next level of growth.”
Keith Charlton, Fund Manager at FW Capital, said: “There is a clear and growing demand for high-quality online tutoring, and the National Learning Group team has shown they have the vision to meet it. We’re proud to fund this next chapter, strengthening senior management and launching the new educational centre, to help drive both economic opportunity and educational excellence.”
David Wilson, Corporate Finance Partner at Armstrong Watson, which introduced FW Capital to National Learning Group, said: “Oliver and the team at National Learning Group are a valued client of Armstrong Watson and they have managed to build a strong, highly credible business which is growing at an exceptional rate. It was clear during the investment process that FW Capital were very much aligned with the business and their aspirations and goals, and I look forward to following Oliver and the teams progress on the back of this significant investment.”
