Kings Education businesses transfer to INTO University Partnerships following administration

INTO University Partnerships, a leading international education provider, has secured the assets of the Prime Group, including private schools Kings Oxford, Kings Bournemouth, and Kings Brighton, enabling students to continue their life-changing education without disruption and seeing employees transferred to the new operating structure.

The Prime Group, which specialises in academic and English language pathways for international students, alongside training services across the UK and the USA, appointed Stephen Katz and David Birne of BTG Begbies Traynor as Joint Administrators on 9 April 2026, after revenue was impacted by the removal of VAT exemption for UK private schools and the introduction of restrictions on student visas to the USA.

Working closely with colleagues across BTG, including financial advisory and BTG Eddisons real estate teams, the Joint Administrators undertook a comprehensive valuation of the Prime Group’s assets, drawing on extensive experience in complex insolvency situations.

BTG also initiated a sales process to achieve the best possible outcome for creditors, while giving priority to safeguarding continuity for the Prime Group’s 1,600 enrolled students and supporting continuity of employment during the transition.

The process, which was completed at pace, culminated in the transaction with INTO University Partnerships.

Stephen Katz, Partner at BTG Begbies Traynor, said:

“This is a significant deal in the education sector and by completing this deal we enabled the transfer of more than 250 employees into the new operating structure, but also the education of around 1,600 students. Importantly, the process was carried out in such a way as to see little disruption to the education services delivered.

“As part of the INTO group, we are confident that the business will be able to move positively forward. INTO’s involvement provides a strong platform for the business going forward and we’re grateful to all of those that progressed this transaction efficiently to completion.”

John Sykes, CEO, INTO University Partnerships said:

“We are delighted to have completed this transaction and to welcome these businesses into the INTO group. Acting quickly was essential, and this deal provides clarity and stability at a crucial time.

“Ensuring that students could continue their studies with minimal disruption and supporting continuity for employees through the transition into the INTO group was a key priority. We are confident that this transaction strengthens our global offering and positions the business firmly for future success. We would like to thank BTG for their collaborative approach and for progressing the transaction most efficiently.”