Cognita Schools

Global private schools group operating over 100 schools across 20 countries, educating approximately 95,000 students with emphasis on academic excellence and character development.

Company Type

public

Founded

2002

Headquarters

London, United Kingdom

About Cognita Schools

Cognita Schools is one of the world's leading global schools groups, operating a network of premium independent schools across five continents. The group educates approximately 95,000 students and employs over 21,000 staff members.

Cognita schools teach 14 different curricula including National, International Baccalaureate, American, Australian, Spanish, Chilean, Colombian, Greek, Mexican, Indian, Swiss, Italian, Brazilian, and Omani curricula. This diversity allows schools to serve their local communities while maintaining global standards.

The group's educational philosophy emphasizes rigorous academic standards, student well-being, character development, and a global perspective. Each school maintains its own unique ethos and identity while benefiting from Cognita's shared knowledge, resources, and best practices.

History of Cognita Schools

Cognita Schools was founded in 2002 by Chris Woodhead, the former Chief Inspector of Schools in England. Woodhead established the group with a vision to create a network of premium independent schools sharing common standards of academic excellence and character development while maintaining individual school identities.

Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, Cognita expanded organically, acquiring and partnering with schools across Europe and other regions. The group developed a reputation for rigorous academic standards, student well-being, and global perspective.

In September 2018, Jacobs Capital acquired Cognita, providing significant capital for expansion and modernization. Following the acquisition, Cognita accelerated its international expansion, entering new markets including Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas.

In 2019, Cognita expanded into Spain with the acquisition of Colegio Europeo de Madrid and British School of Valencia. The group continued expanding with strategic partnerships and acquisitions, including Repton UAE schools (2023), Brighton College Prep Kensington (2023), and multiple schools across the Middle East and South Asia.

In 2025, Cognita launched Cognita AI, announced Masters Academy International in the US, and acquired five new schools in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman. The group also opened Alleyn's Regent's Park through a partnership with Alleyn's School.

Brands Owned by Cognita Schools

View all 20 brands

Cognita Schools owns 20 brands in our database. Showing featured brands below.

Alleyn's Regent's Park

Owned by Cognita Schools

Premium independent senior school in London offering co-educational education for students aged 11-18, with emphasis on academic excellence and character development.

private-schoolsenior-schoollondon

Australian International School Singapore

Owned by Cognita Schools

Premium international school in Singapore offering Australian curriculum education for students aged 3-18, with emphasis on academic excellence and global perspective.

international-schoolprivate-schoolsingapore

Brighton College

Owned by Cognita Schools

Premium independent boarding and day school in England offering co-educational education for students aged 3-18, with emphasis on academic excellence and character development.

private-schoolboarding-schoolpremium-education

British School of Barcelona

Owned by Cognita Schools

Premium international school in Spain offering British curriculum education for students aged 3-18, with emphasis on academic excellence and global perspective.

international-schoolprivate-schoolspain

British School of Valencia

Owned by Cognita Schools

Premium international school in Spain offering British curriculum education for students aged 3-18, with emphasis on academic excellence and global perspective.

international-schoolprivate-schoolspain

CHIREC International

Owned by Cognita Schools

Premium international school in India offering co-educational education for students aged 3-18, with emphasis on academic excellence and global perspective.

international-schoolprivate-schoolindia

View all 20 brands owned by Cognita Schools

Cognita Schools Ownership: Pros & Cons

Advantages

+One of the world's leading global schools groups with proven track record
+Diverse portfolio of schools serving different educational philosophies and markets
+Access to global educational best practices and resources
+Strong emphasis on academic excellence and character development
+Multiple curriculum options (14 different curricula)
+Experienced leadership with deep expertise in premium education
+Significant investment backing from Jacobs Capital, BDT, and Sofina
+Commitment to innovation including Cognita AI launch

Considerations

-Premium pricing positioning schools for affluent families
-Decentralized structure may create consistency challenges across schools
-Rapid expansion through acquisitions requires integration management
-Dependence on maintaining premium brand positioning and academic excellence
-Regulatory compliance across 20 different countries and education systems
-Competition from other international school groups
-Economic sensitivity affecting enrollment in premium education segment

Frequently Asked Questions About Cognita Schools

Is Cognita Schools publicly traded?

No, Cognita Schools is a privately held company. Jacobs Capital is the majority owner, with minority stakes held by BDT Capital Partners and Sofina SA. The company is not listed on any stock exchange.

Who founded Cognita Schools?

How many schools does Cognita Schools operate?

Cognita Schools operates over 100 schools across 20 countries, educating approximately 95,000 students and employing over 21,000 staff members.

What curricula do Cognita Schools teach?

What countries does Cognita Schools operate in?

Cognita operates schools across 20 countries including the United Kingdom, Spain, Switzerland, Italy, Greece, Middle East countries (UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia), South Asia (India), East Asia (Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam), and the Americas (Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, United States).

About Cognita Schools

History of Cognita Schools