The Brightstar Group launches Schools-Finance to support independent schools with specialist funding and growth ambitions
01 September 2026
The Brightstar Group has launched Schools-Finance, the 6th company in its business portfolio, and which follows the introduction of The School Fees Company to the Group earlier on this year.
Schools-Finance has been established to provide independent schools with support across a wide range of funding requirements, including banking facility reviews, debt restructuring, estate development finance, property acquisition, working capital facilities, sustainability projects and strategic investment initiatives.
Schools-Finance will draw on The Brightstar Group’s established lender relationships and more than 15 years of experience in specialist finance to help schools secure funding solutions aligned with their individual objectives.
The launch comes at a time when many independent schools are reviewing their commercial strategies, exploring additional income opportunities and assessing how their estates and assets can support long-term sustainability and growth.
Clare Jupp, Managing Director of Schools-Finance, said:
“I’m hugely excited to be leading this business which is our latest exciting addition to the Brightstar Group. “Independent schools are facing an increasingly complex operating environment. Alongside delivering outstanding education, many are also looking at how they can strengthen their long-term financial sustainability, invest in their facilities and maximise the value of their assets.
“Schools-Finance has been created to provide schools with access to specialist funding expertise that understands both the opportunities and challenges they face.
“Whether a school is looking to refinance existing facilities, fund development projects, improve cash flow flexibility or invest in future growth, our role is to help identify the right funding strategy and connect them with the most appropriate lenders and funding partners.
“We have spent more than 15 years building relationships across the specialist finance market and we believe schools deserve access to the same expertise, insight and funding options that other sectors have benefited from for many years.”
Schools-Finance has recently become a Corporate Partner of the Schools’ Enterprise Association (SEA), an independent members' organisation supporting more than 250 schools across the independent sector.
The SEA works with schools to identify commercial opportunities, optimise the use of school assets and facilities, and develop sustainable income streams that support their educational mission.
As a Corporate Partner, Schools-Finance aims to support member schools with specialist funding advice and access to finance solutions that can help bring strategic projects and commercial initiatives to fruition.
Dorothy McLaren, Chief Executive Officer at the Schools’ Enterprise Association added:
“The Schools’ Enterprise Association is doing important work helping schools think creatively about their futures and how they can make the most of their assets while always keeping education at the heart of their decision-making. “Our vision is to support schools as they plan for the future, invest in their estates and create sustainable foundations for future generations.”
“We are pleased to welcome Schools-Finance to the SEA where they will join a valued group of trusted corporate partners who are on hand to provide support and advice wherever needed. Schools increasingly need trusted specialist partners who understand both the educational environment but also the funding landscape.
Nick Baker, Chief Commercial Officer at Allica Bank, said:
"The independent education sector is entering a period where strategic financial planning will be more important than ever.
“Schools are increasingly exploring how they can maximise the value of their estates, diversify income streams and fund investment in facilities while maintaining their focus on delivering exceptional educational outcomes. "The launch of Schools-Finance is a timely and hugely innovative development that recognises the specialist nature of the sector and the need for expert funding advice.
"At Allica Bank, we have a history of supporting educational institutions and we understand the important role that specialist finance can play in helping schools achieve their objectives.
“We look forward to working collaboratively with Schools-Finance and supporting schools as they invest in their future growth and sustainability."
