Curro CEO explains the secret behind their rapid growth

Curro Holdings, an independent-school operator in South Africa, has been a phenomenal success story since its official listing on the JSE in 2011. Founded in 1998 with just 300 learners, Curro now manages 110 schools on 47 campuses, providing education to approximately 41,900 students. The company has exceeded expectations and continues to deliver impressive growth, with a 50% return on investment for shareholders over the past five years. Curro Holdings was recently recognized as one of the top three performers at the prestigious Sunday Times' Top 100 Companies Award ceremony. Chris van der Merwe, the CEO of Curro Holdings, attributes the company's success to a dedicated team and a clear vision for the future. Van der Merwe stated that despite the challenges of maintaining growth, Curro remains committed to its goal of establishing 200 schools or 80 campuses by 2020. One of the key strategies for Curro's growth has been its focus on affordability in the private education sector. While private education can be costly, Curro aims to provide a more accessible option compared to some state schools that also come with high fees. With an estimated market of 3 million children who can afford their product, Curro aims to capture approximately 100,000 of them, presenting significant opportunities for expansion. In addition to its success in the primary and secondary education space, Curro Holdings has also ventured into tertiary education through its Teachers College, Embury Institute. Despite concerns over student protests and the potential impact on the tertiary education sector, Curro remains committed to expanding its presence in higher education. The company believes there is a growing demand for teacher training and aims to support the state in providing access to quality education for all students. Overall, Curro Holdings' journey since its listing in 2011 reflects a commitment to innovation, affordability, and excellence in education. With a strong leadership team and a clear vision for the future, Curro is poised to continue its remarkable growth trajectory in South Africa's education sector.