Education recruitment specialist Operam Education Group has announced the completion of its ninth acquisition, as part of the Company’s ambitious 10-year growth strategy.
Operam – backed by Three Hills, a private markets investment firm specialised in providing bespoke capital solutions to entrepreneurs and management teams in Europe and North America, together with BGF, the UK and Ireland’s most active growth capital investor – has acquired Lancashire and Hitchen-based Choice Teachers and its brand, Bespoke Education, for an undisclosed sum.
The strategic transaction has been funded by Three Hills’ lower middle market sustainability-focused strategy (Three Hills Impact), BGF, Operam management, as well as long-term banking partner, HSBC. As part of the deal, the directors of Choice Teachers will remain within the business, together with its 50-strong team.
Choice Teachers is an education recruitment agency that specialises in the recruitment of long-term and daily supply teachers and education support staff across nursery, primary, secondary and further education settings, as well as special educational and additional learning needs schools. It has offices in Leigh, Lancashire, Hitchin in Hertfordshire, and Liverpool.
It is the largest acquisition to date by multi-award winning Operam and forms part of a long-term buy-and-build drive. The deal strengthens the company’s footprint in North West England, while creating a wider reach in London and the home counties where Choice Teachers has a strong presence.
Commenting on the acquisition, Operam CEO Eddie Austin said: “The North West has always been a traditional heartland for Operam and a key region when it comes to executing our 10-year growth strategy.
“The acquisition of Choice Teachers will help to deepen our existing roots in the North West, while materially growing our footprint in the south of England, where we’ve been growing following our first London acquisition in 2024.”
He added: “With deep sector knowledge and a strong local network, Choice Teachers has built a fantastic brand profile across its three regional offices over nearly 20 years. It will perfectly complement our current portfolio of businesses and we are delighted to have the 50-strong team onboard.”
Pablo Velez, Partner at Three Hills, commented: “We are proud to support Operam on the completion of its largest acquisition to date and its first since our investment. With Choice joining Operam, the group materially increases the scale of the business, taking it to more than £50 million of revenues, while further strengthening Operam’s position as a leader in education recruitment. By expanding the company’s capabilities and reach, the acquisition enhances Operam’s ability to support schools and improve student outcomes. We look forward to continuing our close partnership with the management team as they deliver the next phase of growth.”
Rob Johnson, investor at BGF, said: “Operam has built an excellent reputation in the market through strong organic growth and a well-executed buy and build strategy, bringing together like-minded businesses that together form part of an ambitious and progressive recruitment group.
This is yet another statement acquisition and a significant milestone in the second phase of its growth strategy. It perfectly positions Operam as one of the pre-eminent education specialists in the UK.”
To date, Operam has acquired Provide Education, The Education Specialists, Teachers UK, Key Stage Teacher Supply, First for Education, Bridge Education, Provision Recruitment, and Horizon Teachers.
