UK-based Global Education Holdings announced the acquisition of the Australian Performing Arts Conservatory in Brisbane in December, following a string of takeovers the education group made in 2023.
The performing arts school offers undergraduate courses in acting, screen production, and song and dance in Queensland’s capital city.
“GEDU is creating a diverse portfolio of educational institutions and services to offer high quality, accessible, skill-oriented higher education across the globe,” deputy chief executive officer, Ray Lloyd, said.
“The acquisition of APAC, with its outstanding reputation in delivering performing arts education, allows us to extend our curricula offer whilst also extending our geographical reach into Australia.”
In 2023, GEDU expanded in the UK, the US and France, with the acquisitions of Tampa-based institution Schiller International University, École de Management Appliqué in Paris and MLA College in the UK.
It also owns English Path, which expanded in Ireland through the takeover of NCG Dublin, after the English language provider – which mainly operates in the UK and Dubai – opened a location in Malta in 2022. English Path also has a centre in Toronto, Canada.
Locations in Berlin and Riyadh will also open soon.
APAC, which was previously known as the Australian Stage Combat School, is TEQSA accredited and registered with CRICOS.
GEDU said the entry to the Australian market marks a further expansion of its global footprint. APAC is the fourth brand to be added to the GEDU group within the three months to December, it noted.
Notable APAC alumni include actor Mirko Grillini (The Chronicles of Narnia and Home and Away) and Australian standup comedian Mark McConville.
