City Education Group, a respected Dublin-based educational institution, is thrilled to announce that Planet Education Networks Limited, a leading education and technology company headquartered in Canary Wharf, London, has acquired a majority stake in the group. This strategic move underscores both organisations’ dedication to enriching the educational landscape in Ireland, offering enhanced learning opportunities for students and for Planet Education Networks Ltd to expand its global footprint.
City Education Group is known for its strong presence in Irish education and includes a network of well-regarded institutions such as City Colleges (Higher Education and Professional), Ashfield College (High School), City Language School (ELT), and Progressive College (Higher and Further Education, Vocational). This acquisition will not only broaden Planet Education Networks’ portfolio but also significantly bolster the educational offerings available to students in Ireland.
Philip Burke, Chief Executive of City Education Group, expressed CEG’s enthusiasm about the partnership: “This marks an exciting new chapter for City Education Group. Joining forces with Planet Education Networks enables us to expand our reach and enhance our educational offerings. We remain steadfast in our mission to provide outstanding education and are eager to explore the new opportunities this partnership brings to our students, staff, and the wider community.”
With the acquisition, both Planet Education Networks and City Education Group are poised to share resources, expertise, and innovative technologies, further enhancing the quality of education available to students. The partnership will also foster cross-border collaborations, providing Irish students with access to a broader network of educational programmes and opportunities.
“We are delighted to welcome City Education Group into the Planet Education family,” said Professor Cedric Bell, Director of Planet Education Networks Limited. “This acquisition aligns with our strategy to expand our educational footprint in Ireland and beyond. We are eager to work with the talented team at City Education Group to continue delivering top-tier educational experiences and explore new avenues for growth.”
The collaboration aims to maintain the high standards of education both entities are known for, while also tapping into new growth prospects. Students at City Colleges, Ashfield College, City Language School, and Progressive College will benefit from this enhanced focus on educational excellence and innovation, further positioning Ireland as a hub for high-quality education.
As Ireland continues to host some of the world’s leading STEM corporations like Google, Intel, Microsoft, Pfizer, and Apple, there is a growing demand for skilled professionals. The City Education Group, with its new partnership, is better equipped to address this skills gap, offering specialised programmes through its newly established Life Sciences Academy and the Technical Skills Academy.
City Education Group will continue to operate under its established brand with the current management team, ensuring continuity and stability for students and staff. The focus remains on providing a supportive and innovative educational environment, aligned with the evolving needs of the Irish and global job markets.
