New jobs are set to be created at National Learning Group, a Tyneside online learning specialist, thanks to a seven-figure investment. The company, based in Gateshead, provides one-to-one tutoring to students of all ages, from reception to adult learners, and helps with exam preparation for GCSEs and A-Levels as well as adult skills training.
The investment, which comes from the North East Raise Fund, will enable the company to invest in infrastructure, including the development of its own proprietary software, and strengthen its senior management team with key appointments, such as Neil Stephenson as chairman, to support its growth.
The company has recently relocated to a new office in Gateshead and has a registered office in Hexham. It currently enrols 4,000 students a year and has a network of over 350 tutors.
This funding will help the company to expand its operations and create new jobs.
The North East Raise Fund is part of the North East Mayor Kim McGuinness‘ £100m regional investment framework, which aims to strengthen access to early-stage finance for start-ups, scale-ups, and growing companies in North East England.
FW Capital, which manages the North East Raise Fund, was introduced to National Learning Group by Armstrong Watson. Oliver Batten, managing director at National Learning Group, said: “We’re experiencing significant growth and this funding is helping us to expand our presence.”
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.”
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They are also backing the development of a high-quality Alternative Provision Centre, which will provide facilities for children who are unable to attend mainstream schools.
This will aid expansion into more commercial education opportunities, and with the new investment, they are well-positioned for further growth.
Neil Stephenson, the new chairman of National Learning Group, has vast experience of scaling businesses rapidly and working alongside institutional funders.
He said: “I’m an active tech investor with vast experience of scaling businesses rapidly and working alongside institutional funders.”
The company’s focus on providing high-quality online tutoring and its commitment to making a positive impact on young people’s lives have made it an attractive investment opportunity.
It is likely to have a significant impact on the education sector in North East England.
The development of its proprietary software and the expansion of its Alternative Provision Centre will help to increase access to high-quality education for students of all ages.
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