35 Education, a British-based philanthropic education enterprise, has taken over The Glenalmond Group, encompassing Glenalmond College and Craigclowan School & Nursery.

Glenalmond College is a co-educational independent boarding school in Perth and Kinross, for children aged between 12 and 18. Craigclowan School & Nursery is a private day preparatory school for boys and girls aged three to 13 in Perth.

35 Education is led by Professor Basak Akdemir, a former chief executive of several international education organisations.

Lucy Elphinstone, former headmistress of Francis Holland School, Sloane Square and chair of the education committee on Glenalmond’s governing council for two years, will be leading on strategy and development.

Elphinstone said: “Glenalmond College and Craigclowan School offer children the chance to develop their individual potential and character through the unparalleled opportunities in this beautiful location, far from the distractions and dangers of the city. We will provide a dynamic curriculum which will develop young people’s mental strength and emotional resilience – and fire them with the determination and imagination to change the world.”

In a statement 35 Education said: “Under the stewardship of 35 Education, the Group is set to further enhance its outstanding offerings in enterprise, outdoor education, sport and wellbeing. The organisation remains dedicated to transforming lives through access to world-class educational experiences, while continuing to uphold the proud legacy of academic excellence and exceptional pastoral care shared by the College and Craigclowan School & Nursery.

“The collaboration ushers in significant benefits for both schools, including:

• A generous endowment by 35 Education of 40 transformational scholarships of up to 100% of fees at the college for talented children.
• Long-term stability and resilience – long-term finance securing the future of the Glenalmond Group by reinforcing its foundations amidst a challenging economic landscape for the education sector.
• Transformational campus investment in both schools – major enhancements across campus infrastructure, including pupil accommodation, sports and arts facilities, cutting-edge technology and outdoor education resources.

• World-class educational pathways: the creation of innovative academic programmes that promote excellence, with a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship and business leadership, fostered within a supportive and inspiring environment.

Akdemir said: “Glenalmond College has long been recognised for its prestigious, well-rounded education. Our goal is to build upon this foundation, enhancing its academic and sporting excellence on the world stage while staying true to the school’s enduring values.”

35 Education will make substantial investments in Glenalmond and Craigclowan’s sporting facilities and programmes, and stated: “Already known for its excellence in rugby, football, tennis, hockey, lacrosse, golf and cricket, the college’s objective is to continue to establish and grow one of the UK’s most comprehensive and elite sports programmes – enlisting top-tier coaches and sporting ambassadors to nurture high-performance international standards.”

Mike Farnan, former managing director of Manchester United International, has been appointed as head of sports strategy. Experienced in global sports marketing, Farnan brings decades of expertise from senior roles at Jordan F1 and Williams F1.

Akdemir said: “[Farnan’s] unparalleled experience in international sport and his deep commitment to youth development make him the ideal person to bring our sporting vision for Glenalmond and Craigclowan to life.”

Akdemir added: “We are honoured to become stewards of such a remarkable legacy. The beauty of the campus and the energy of its community offer boundless potential. Our vision is to transform it into one of the most inspiring and innovative schools in the UK, while expanding its presence globally as a school rooted in tradition and driven by a forward-thinking spirit.”

Ian Gray, chair of the Glenalmond board of governors, said: “We are thrilled to enter into this pioneering partnership with 35 Education led by Professor Akdemir. Her global expertise, strategic vision, and dynamic leadership align seamlessly with our team’s drive for bold, innovative change. The immediate substantial cash injection will ensure the Glenalmond Group remains financially robust, allowing us to achieve our dynamic plans for growth.”