Education Today Education Today Magazine
Specialist independent education provider Pivot Group is targeting its next phase of growth after securing a significant funding package from Barclays Business Banking.
The funding will support Pivot Group as it expands its specialist education provision across Yorkshire, helping the organisation extend its offer to more learners, broaden its age-range provision and develop additional specialist hubs in local communities.
The investment comes as Pivot marks its 10th anniversary and sets out its ambitions for the decade ahead. Founded on the belief that “children deserve better”, Pivot has grown from a single school into a trusted, multi-site specialist education provider supporting young people with complex needs across West Yorkshire and Humberside.
The specialist SEND education sector is currently at an important moment, with Government proposals for system-wide reform placing renewed focus on how children and young people with complex needs are supported. For providers such as Pivot, that creates an opportunity to demonstrate what high-quality, specialist provision can deliver for learners, families and local communities.
The new funding will help Pivot continue scaling its model, including through an expanded age-range provision in Kirklees and the development of specialist hubs in Wakefield. The organisation’s aim is to “go where the learners are”, bringing support closer to the young people and families who need it and widening Pivot’s capabilities to match the evolving needs of students.
Pivot’s growth is also underpinned by its newly launched Pivot 2030 Charter, a public commitment to the young people, families and communities it serves. The Charter sets out five commitments across People, Places, Progress, Partnerships and Sustainability, creating a framework for how Pivot will strengthen its workforce, expand local access, deliver meaningful outcomes, deepen partnerships and build a model designed to last.
Michael Smith, CEO of Pivot Group, said: “Pivot was founded on a simple belief that children deserve better. Ten years on, we are proud of the outcomes we have delivered for young people, but we also know the need for specialist, community-connected education has never been greater.
“This support from Barclays gives us the platform to take the next step in our journey. It will help us reach more learners, closer to home, and widen our capabilities so that our provision continues to match the needs of the young people we support.
Benjamin Booth, Business Development Manager at Barclays Business Banking, said: “Pivot Group is a strong example of an ambitious regional organisation investing in growth while delivering real impact for the communities it serves. The team has built a specialist model rooted in local access, partnership and a deep understanding of learners’ needs.
“We’re pleased to support Pivot as it enters its next phase of growth, helping the organisation expand its provision and continue delivering important outcomes for young people and families across Yorkshire and the Humber.”
The funding forms part of Barclays’ wider commitment to supporting growing UK businesses. Barclays has allocated its £22bn Business Prosperity Fund to support Business Banking and UK Corporate Banking clients that want to invest, innovate and grow.
