UK’s Forfar buys Torres Vedras International School

Torres Vedras International School (EITV) has been acquired by the UK’s Forfar Education and is now part of the education group that has a presence in Almada (Lisbon), the UK, Spain and Andorra.

The private education investment, whose value has not been published, has arisen around one year after it purchased the Colégio do Vale in Charneca de Caparica.

The latest acquisition marks the start of a new era at the education establishment because it implies changing the curriculums, and provides new opportunities for international mobility (i.e attracting overseas citizens living and working in Portugal) and taking into account that it part of a global network of schools. The new director is Kate Sommerville.

With 20 years of experience in international education in Europe and Asia, Kate Sommerville implemented pupil-centric pedagogical projects in different school contexts.

From the International Sharing School in Taguspark, Kate Sommerville went to Torres Vedras after being one of the founders of the Lisboan International School which belongs to the Artemis Education Group (also based in the UK) and involved a €75 million investment.

As part of the transaction, there will also be an investment in infrastructures: the campus, which is close to the A8 motorway, will be subject to improvements, including open-air spaces and adventure learning areas according to the Forest School model, an educational approach that encourages contact with nature, sustainability practices aimed at the wellbeing of the students.

The new owners will also introduce Cambridge A Levels and the option of a double diploma with educational curriculums aimed at university entrance and specific careers.

“Personal development programmes, such as Character Strengths, Junior Dukes and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, will be reinforced. Students, teachers and teaching assistants will be able to participate in exchanges, collaborative projects and training with the schools of the Forfar Education group,” says Forfar Education.

Source: ECO Online