Dukes Education, a UK-based premium private schools operator, has received a growth investment from Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), Macquarie, Nomura and a perpetual capital vehicle from KKR.

This capital raise comes in form of further senior debt and long-term permanent minority equity.

Following the deal, USS will remain the largest shareholder, while chairman and founder Aatif Hassan will continue to lead the group and remain as a significant minority shareholder.

Dukes Education was founded by Hassan in 2015. Today, the group has 35 schools with over 10,000 pupils in England, Wales, Ireland, Switzerland and Portugal. In addition, Dukes Education, via its Dukes Plus brand, offers activity camps, residential summer schools, university admissions consultancy, tutoring and immersive career programmes.

“We are delighted to raise capital to continue developing our brand and our distinctive purpose; for young people to lead an extraordinary life,” said Hassan. “The capital will enable Dukes Education to continue to invest in our people, our curriculum and facilities, as well supporting further growing across UK and mainland Europe.”

The transaction will close by the end of summer following the customary regulatory clearances