Education
Divisional Profiles/Education
The Education Division was formed in June 2007 following the acquisition of PGL, the leading school trips organiser. The division expanded in September 2007 with the acquisition of UK and Ireland educational tour organiser NST and again in June 2008 with the acquisition of European Study Tours (EST).
PGL is the market leader in the residential, outdoor education and adventure sector for UK schools, operating principally at the key stage two level for eight to twelve year olds. NST provides and operates educational travel tours to schools and colleges in the UK and Ireland. Tours are offered worldwide, but principally in the UK and Western Europe and are on a subject-specific basis to complement learning activities and developed in line with existing curriculum needs.
NST is particularly strong in the secondary and higher education stages, whereas PGL leads at the primary school stage.
EST specialises in bespoke educational travel and subject specific conferences for 16+, higher and further education students. StudyLink is a leading provider of specialist study tours, student group travel and student conferences for universities and colleges.
Product Details
PGL provides outdoor education courses, activity trips and ski trips for children each year, serving over 4,600 schools. It operates 28 activity centres positioned in key locations across the UK, France and Spain. It has a total capacity of approximately 7,500 beds. The company owns 20 of the sites and leases or hires in the remainder.NST offers educational tours for schools and colleges to destinations in the UK, Europe and Worldwide.
EST and StudyLink offers conferences around the world on a range of subjects across the curriculum including Art and Design, Business and Economics, History and Politics, Language and Culture, Hospitality and Catering, Leisure and Tourism, Performing Arts, ICT and Geography.
Offices and Employees
The UK head office of PGL is based in Ross-on-Wye in Herefordshire. The company employs up to 2,000 staff over the course of the year, including approximately 150 head office staff.NST is headquartered in Blackpool and has an office in Dublin. The company employs approximately 300 staff.
EST is headquartered in Hertford and employs 19 staff.
