Downing-backed specialist education group Bridges Care and Education (BCE) is continuing to expand with the opening of a new school in Gloucester

21/11/24
5 min
Specialist education
News

BCE, which trades under the name Spaghetti Bridge, currently operates eight schools in the UK. The company was established by Downing and management in 2020.  

Downing has invested £10.9m to fund BCE’s acquisition and refurbishment of Valley Bridge, a school in Gloucester. With the refurbishment works now completed, the new independent day and SEND school will provide education services for children with a range of learning needs, including social, emotional and mental health difficulties, autistic spectrum conditions including Asperger’s syndrome and associated complex needs.

All students attending the schools will have an Educational Health Care Plan and will be provided with additional support connected to their individual needs. BCE is working closely with local authorities and commissioners to meet local demand.

Downing has now opened eight operational sites with BCE with an additional two sites due to be completed soon, as it continues to build a market-leading specialist education business in the UK. BCE also operates schools in Paignton, Taunton, Yeovil, Cricklade, Yelverton and Plymouth.  

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BCE, which trades under the name Spaghetti Bridge, currently operates eight schools in the UK. The company was established by Downing and management in 2020.  

Downing has invested £10.9m to fund BCE’s acquisition and refurbishment of Valley Bridge, a school in Gloucester. With the refurbishment works now completed, the new independent day and SEND school will provide education services for children with a range of learning needs, including social, emotional and mental health difficulties, autistic spectrum conditions including Asperger’s syndrome and associated complex needs.

All students attending the schools will have an Educational Health Care Plan and will be provided with additional support connected to their individual needs. BCE is working closely with local authorities and commissioners to meet local demand.

Downing has now opened eight operational sites with BCE with an additional two sites due to be completed soon, as it continues to build a market-leading specialist education business in the UK. BCE also operates schools in Paignton, Taunton, Yeovil, Cricklade, Yelverton and Plymouth.  

We are delighted to announce that Mark Gross, Partner and Head of Development Capital, has been named Equity Investor of the year at the HealthInvestor Power List 2024 Awards.

Following Mark’s achievement last year when he won the “Leading Investor” award at HealthInvestor’s Power50, this year’s win further highlights his continued success and expertise in investing across the healthcare sector. 

The judges praised Mark for finding success both in value and volume this year, delivering good returns and growth. They were impressed by how Mark has continued to strengthen a strong track record with further growth in the team and new funds securing further backing. We extend our thanks to Mark and the Downing Development Capital team for their continued dedication and support in expanding our healthcare investment activities with a focus on quality, performance and reputation. 

Congratulations Mark!

Development Capital  

Downing Development Capital is an award-winning investor focused on investment opportunities into asset-backed operating businesses with downside protection. Typical sectors they invest in include healthcare, specialist education, hospitality, leisure and IT infrastructure.

Learn more about our Development Capital team

BCE, which trades under the name Spaghetti Bridge, currently operates eight schools in the UK. The company was established by Downing and management in 2020.  

Downing has invested £10.9m to fund BCE’s acquisition and refurbishment of Valley Bridge, a school in Gloucester. With the refurbishment works now completed, the new independent day and SEND school will provide education services for children with a range of learning needs, including social, emotional and mental health difficulties, autistic spectrum conditions including Asperger’s syndrome and associated complex needs.

All students attending the schools will have an Educational Health Care Plan and will be provided with additional support connected to their individual needs. BCE is working closely with local authorities and commissioners to meet local demand.

Downing has now opened eight operational sites with BCE with an additional two sites due to be completed soon, as it continues to build a market-leading specialist education business in the UK. BCE also operates schools in Paignton, Taunton, Yeovil, Cricklade, Yelverton and Plymouth.  

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Torsten Mack, Investment Director, Downing, said:

“We are delighted to continue to support BCE with the opening of its eighth school marking the latest stage in their growth journey. This strengthens its position as one of the leading providers of specialist education in southern England. There is a growing need for SEND schools and BCE management continues to focus on filling this gap by opening high quality schools with Downing’s support.”

Dan Alipaz, CEO, Bridges Care and Education, said:

 “The opening of Valley Bridge is a significant milestone for BCE, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to inclusivity and quality education. The school will provide much-needed specialised education and support to children with diverse needs and will also contribute to the overall growth and well-being of the Gloucester community. We are proud to play a pivotal role in not only expanding educational opportunities for children with special needs, but also to provide new and innovative educational models that give children the opportunity to develop the necessary skills for a rapidly changing 21st century.”  

Torsten Mack, Investment Director at Downing, said:

"We are proud to support this exceptional management team, whose strong track record positions them well to build a new business in dementia care. This needs-based sector is underpinned by a lack of quality supply and we are investing in Fortava Healthcare to set and deliver high standards, and to help make a difference."

Johann van Zyl, CEO at Fortava, added:

"I’m thrilled to be working with Jamie, as we share the same values. We plan to grow Fortava into a leading provider of dementia care over the next five to seven years. But growth isn’t our primary focus—our goal is to deliver outstanding care and foster a joyful, supportive environment for both residents and staff. We’re delighted to be partnering with Downing who also share our values and we look forward to this journey with them."

Jamie Stuart, CFO at Fortava, commented:

“For me, it's about being more than just another care home provider. While dementia care in the UK is generally of a good standard, we want to set ourselves apart with a fresh approach. That’s why, after over 25 years in banking, I chose to partner with Johann and Downing on this venture.”

Downing's award-winning Development Capital team partners with exceptional management teams to help realise their growth ambitions and maximise the potential of their business by providing flexible funding solutions, strategic support, and access to its networks.

Typically, it looks for initial investment of between £5 million and £50 million and focuses on sectors including healthcare, education, leisure and hospitality, housing, and other specialist sectors.

Downing integrates analysis of ESG factors into its investment decision-making and supports companies to achieve positive outcomes in corporate governance, natural capital and societal factors.

Find out more information about the Downing Development Capital team.

BCE, which trades under the name Spaghetti Bridge, currently operates eight schools in the UK. The company was established by Downing and management in 2020.  

Downing has invested £10.9m to fund BCE’s acquisition and refurbishment of Valley Bridge, a school in Gloucester. With the refurbishment works now completed, the new independent day and SEND school will provide education services for children with a range of learning needs, including social, emotional and mental health difficulties, autistic spectrum conditions including Asperger’s syndrome and associated complex needs.

All students attending the schools will have an Educational Health Care Plan and will be provided with additional support connected to their individual needs. BCE is working closely with local authorities and commissioners to meet local demand.

Downing has now opened eight operational sites with BCE with an additional two sites due to be completed soon, as it continues to build a market-leading specialist education business in the UK. BCE also operates schools in Paignton, Taunton, Yeovil, Cricklade, Yelverton and Plymouth.  

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