Advtech is expanding its private school network in South Africa as the education group looks to add capacity and make better use of its existing properties.

The group is converting its former Vega Bordeaux site into Abbotts High School Bordeaux, with the new school expected to open in January 2027. The project will turn a property previously used for tertiary education into a mainstream school campus.

The move comes as Advtech works to simplify its school brands and focus investment on established names. The company said the Bordeaux redevelopment is part of its plan to increase capacity at existing sites and respond to demand for private education.

The new campus will offer the Independent Examinations Board curriculum, covering languages, mathematics, sciences and humanities. It will also have science laboratories, a STEAM laboratory, computer facilities, a library and research areas.

New campus targets academic growth

Marion Kohler, principal of Abbotts High School Bordeaux, said the school would focus on strong academic performance while giving students support as they prepare for further study and work.

“Abbotts High School Bordeaux is an exciting addition to the Abbotts family,” Kohler said. She said the school would combine high academic standards with practical learning and help students build confidence and independence.

The campus will also provide space for art, drama and performances, along with educational trips, social activities and leadership programmes. Formal sports will not be offered, although students will have access to informal sporting activities and recreation areas.

Advtech reshapes school brands

The Bordeaux opening is part of a wider brand consolidation by Advtech. From January 2027, Southdowns College will move under Crawford International, while Tygervalley College and Glenwood House School will become part of Trinityhouse. Pecanwood College and Greenwood Bay College will move under Pinnacle Colleges.

The changes are designed to reduce the number of school brands in the group and create greater scale across operations and academic systems. Advtech is also phasing out the Charterhouse brand and recorded a R9.5 million($593,284) impairment against its brand value following the change.

Advtech is a South African education group with schools and tertiary education businesses across Africa. In the six months ended June 30, 2026, its South African schools division increased revenue by 8% to R1.86 billion($116.2 million), while operating profit rose 9% to R388 million($24.23 million).

The division’s operating margin improved to 20.9%, reflecting stronger operating leverage. Across the group, revenue rose 8% to R5.06 billion and operating profit increased 14% to R1.12 billion($69.95) in the period.