FutureLearn buys College SA

Eloise Nolte, newly appointed MD of College SA

FutureLearn provides accessible learning solutions across a range of education market segments. It owns a number of well-known brands, including home education provider Impaq, as well as adult education and training provider Media Works. Learning software specialists CAMI, examination preparation workbooks Quanta, and on-demand tutoring service Tuta-Me are also part of the FutureLearn Group. Within the schools market, FutureLearn provides teacher and learner solutions through Teach360 and ITSI.

Founded in 2007, College SA is a distance learning private college that offers Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to thousands of adult students across South Africa. College SA’s more than 200 courses cover areas such as Bookkeeping and Accounting, Tourism, Engineering Studies, Marketing and Beauty Therapy, and many more. These courses include programmes that are accredited by national and international bodies.

College SA accommodates students with various educational qualifications (also those without matric). For example, matriculants who want to pursue engineering studies, but who lack proficiency in Mathematics and Physical Science, can access College SA’s NTC bridging course. This course gives them the opportunity to gain entry into N1 level courses like motor trade, electrical studies and welding. In addition, College SA offers both accredited and provider courses that don’t require a Matric. These include the likes of ICB foundation level courses in Financial Accounting which require only Grade 10, and Public Sector Accounting which only needs Grade 11.

FutureLearn, therefore, sees the acquisition of College SA as an opportunity to enter the TVET market and bring the quality and accessible learning it is known for to this new market segment.

Eloise Nolte, newly appointed MD of College SA, says: “This acquisition will complete FutureLearn’s strategy of providing accessible learning from NQF level 1-5 by adding more solutions for adult learners. In addition to our current Home, School and Tertiary, and Corporate offerings, FutureLearn is now set to offer lifelong learning using our proprietary GuidEd Learning model.”

Nico de Waal, CEO of PSG Alpha, says: “The acquisition of College SA affords FutureLearn an exciting entry into the TVET sector which focuses on vocational training for adults. FutureLearn is excited to partner with College SA as an established TVET provider and to leverage its educational technology and know-how to make education more accessible and affordable in the TVET sector.”