Forfar Education Acquires Escola Internacional de Torres Vedras
The British international school group, Forfar Education, has officially announced its acquisition of the Escola Internacional de Torres Vedras (EITV), a private educational institution located in the Oeste region of Portugal. This strategic purchase, for an undisclosed sum, marks Forfar's second major investment in the Portuguese education market, following its acquisition of Colégio do Vale in Almada approximately one year ago. The deal expands Forfar's global portfolio, which already includes schools in the United Kingdom, Spain, and Andorra, signaling a clear investment thesis focused on the growing demand for international education in Portugal.
The acquisition is positioned as the start of a new phase for EITV, with Forfar Education outlining a comprehensive plan for investment and development. The transaction includes significant changes to the school's academic and extracurricular offerings, as well as a commitment to upgrade its physical infrastructure. A key part of this new direction is the appointment of Kate Sommerville as the new school director. Sommerville brings over two decades of experience in international education across Europe and Asia and was a founding member of The Lisboan International School, an institution backed by a €75 million investment from the Artemis Education group.
A central component of the investment is the enhancement of the school's campus, which is situated near the A8 motorway, a key transport link to Lisbon. Forfar has announced plans for significant improvements, including the development of outdoor spaces and adventure learning areas based on the 'Forest School' pedagogical model. This approach emphasizes learning through direct contact with nature and is aimed at promoting sustainability and student well-being. The investment in high-quality facilities is a strategic move to attract families seeking a premium educational environment.
Academically, the new owners plan to introduce internationally recognized qualifications, including the Cambridge A Levels, and will offer a dual diploma option. These programs are designed to provide students with structured pathways to leading universities and specific career fields. Furthermore, personal development programs such as Character Strengths, the Junior Dukes, and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award will be integrated into the curriculum. The school will also leverage its position within the Forfar network to offer international exchange programs and collaborative projects for both students and staff.
John Forsyth, the Chief Executive Officer of Forfar Education, stated in a formal announcement that the partnership is based on a shared philosophy of providing an enriching education grounded in academic rigor and traditional family values. "Together, we are committed to investing in the future of EITV, expanding opportunities, deepening the international curriculum, and strengthening the existing foundation to support the potential of each student," Forsyth explained. The expansion plans also hint at creating new partnerships with universities and developing projects linked to the professional job market.
Kate Sommerville, the incoming director, added that the integration into the Forfar group represents an "extraordinary opportunity for EITV to continue to grow and innovate, without ever losing its identity." The school has been under the management of Eduardo Castro since 2004, who served as both manager and pedagogical director. This acquisition represents a significant shift in ownership and strategic direction for the institution, reflecting broader trends of consolidation and foreign investment within Europe's private education sector.
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