Axis Education Group, which brings together The Dublin Academy of Education, Independent College, International House Dublin, and Public Affairs Ireland, has unveiled plans for a €7 million investment in a state-of-the-art, 28,000-square-foot campus in the area.
The campus, located in the neighbourhood’s former Zurich Insurance building, is being transformed into a modern, energy-efficient school through a €7 million makeover. From September, it will be home to an expanded Dublin Academy of Education, offering a transition year program and able to cater to an “advanced student capacity” of 500.
It marks the first major announcement from the Axis Education Group, which was established following a recent share divestment by Padraig Hourigan, president of Independent College. The group is fully Irish-owned, with education entrepreneur Chris Lauder, founder of The Dublin Academy of Education, and investor Donagh Barry as joint owners.
Lauder has taken on the role of Group CEO, while Hourigan remains president of Independent College and assumes the position of group director of strategy and partnerships.
By combining the expertise of its four institutions, the group aims to support learners at every stage, whether they are preparing for exams, transitioning to third-level education, improving language proficiency, or advancing in their careers.
Lauder emphasised that education should not just focus on exam preparation but also equip students with the mindset and skills they need for success beyond the classroom.
“It’s about more than just achieving high grades – it’s about preparing students for life after the Leaving Certificate, helping them develop confidence and the ability to thrive in higher education and their chosen careers,” he said.
Hourigan highlighted the increasing focus on exams and qualifications in today’s education system.
“Many students see education as just a stepping stone to a job, but real success requires more than just good results,” he said. “Our approach is about giving students both the academic knowledge and the critical thinking skills to apply that knowledge in the real world.”
Axis Education Group currently employs over 220 staff members and provides both in-person and online educational services to more than 20,000 students, generating a combined turnover of €20 million.
It’s about preparing students for life after the Leaving Certificate, helping them develop confidence and the ability to thrive in higher education and their chosen careers
Chris Lauder, Axis Education Group
In addition to the Blackrock campus investment, Axis Education Group has ambitious expansion plans for the next two to three years.
This includes an increasing the range of postgraduate programs at Independent College, with new offerings in digital business, AI, and business analytics, as well as further expanding the group’s presence in Dublin.
“Our institutions have already made a transformative impact in the education sector, but we want to do even more,” said Hourigan.
“With the introduction of the transition year program at the Academy and the expansion of our postgraduate offerings, we’re focused on growing our reach and continuing to innovate in education.”
