Justin Craig

Exited in 2014

Justin Craig Education is the UK’s leading provider of group tuition and revision courses, operating from 20 centres (both day and residential) throughout the country.

With over 12 GCSE and 22 AS and A2 subjects covered the Company offers a broader range than any of its competitors.

The business was established by Marilyn Craig in the early 1980s, who began by offering revision classes around her kitchen table. As demand grew, Justin Craig Education began to expand working in and with some of the UK’s leading independent and state schools.

In 2008 Piper led the MBO of Justin Craig Education enabling its founder to pursue other interests and allow the business to grow and develop.

As part of the investment, Piper introduced a Managing Director, a Head of Finance and a highly experienced Chairman to help move the business forward.

As Chairman at the time of the investment Philip Walters said “Piper are really great with consumer brands. They are great at brand developement, marketing strategy, packaging and communication of brands. Consumer brands playto their strengths.”

Building on the brand’s reputation established over 27 years, Piper’s investment and resources enabled the business to redefine the brand’s positioning and brand identity and collateral; support the development of infrastructure and systems to support growth and investment in SEO and PPC as well as expanding both the number of centres as well as the academic calendar, introducing New Year courses and 1 day courses.

Key processes such as the recruitment and vetting of tutors, and contractual arrangements with schools were put in place to provide the business with a stable platform for growth.