Pvt education poised for further growth, driven by tech, NEP, skill development: Zee Learn COO

NSE and BSE-listed Zee Learn Limited, an arm of the Essel Group Company, is one of the leading education companies in India and is pioneer in providing quality education through its branded Pre-school, K-12 schools and through vocational learning institutes. The education chain, also listed on Luxemburg Stock Exchange, also provides Certificate courses in the areas of Creative Arts, Media Arts and Teacher Training respectively. Zee Learn’s Preschool brand Kidzee is today Asia’s largest chain of Pre-schools with over 1500 Pre-schools across over 500 cities in towns across India. Besides providing best in class learning experience in the ECCE segment, Kidzee also support entrepreneurs who wish to set up a Kidzee franchise.

Zee Learn also acts as a consultant to local entrepreneurs who wish to set up K-12 schools, under its brand name Mount Litera Zee Schools and provides end-to-end Education management and Advisory services. Mount Litera Zee School network is one of the fastest growing brands of K-12 schools in the private-unaided category with over 80 schools in 70+ cities in India. Speaking to Bizz Buzz exclusively, Himanshu Yagnik, COO, Zee Learn Ltd, outlines group’s future growth plans

How many K-12 schools do you have at this point in time under the two brand names? How many more would you like to add over the next 2-3 years?

We currently have 100 operational franchisees and five company owned company operated schools in Mount Litera Zee Schools. Plan is to add 50 new schools in the next two years. MLSI is an international board school which has special requirements and caters to a niche market. We plan to restrict this to key cities only.

How do you see the education business growing in the private sector? Do you think that this growth momentum will pick up significantly in the days to come?

The education business in India's private sector has shown robust growth due to increasing demand for quality education. Factors like technology integration, innovative learning approaches, and personalized education are likely to drive significant momentum in the future. As India continues to emphasize skill development and specialization, the private education sector is poised for continued expansion, catering to diverse educational needs and contributing to the nation's learning ecosystem.

What is your take on NEP? And what is the new trend you are expecting following this?

The NEP brings a significant shift in the Indian education system. It emphasizes holistic development, flexibility, and a multidisciplinary approach. It's a forward-looking initiative and encourages critical thinking, creativity, and skill development of children. We believe NEP's emphasis on vocational education, early childhood care, and multidisciplinary learning will help children to be future ready. We anticipate NEP to bring a surge in experiential learning methodologies, greater integration of technology, and an increased focus on skill-based education, enabling students to be more future-ready.

Private sector K-12 schools have mushroomed and have grown through the franchise model. There are often complaints about the quality of education. What would be your suggestion to audit, regulate and maintain the quality of education?

We are a large country and to cater to the education needs of a larger population, the private sector expanding the K-12 schools is a must. Quality assurance in K-12 education is also very crucial. A lot of it depends on the willingness and commitment of the franchisee partners managing the schools. Implementing robust auditing mechanisms, standardized curriculum benchmarks, and teacher training programs can significantly enhance educational quality. Regular assessments, parent and student feedback mechanisms, and transparent reporting systems also play a pivotal role. Continuous monitoring and feedback loops are essential to address any deviations in educational quality.

How many such institutes do you have? How many more would you add over the next 2-3 years? How many centres do you have currently and in which countries? What are your plans on overseas expansion?

We operate India’s largest chain of franchisee pre-schools called Kidzee which has over 2000 centres across 750 cities in India. It also has its presence in Nepal. We add 500 centres every year to this list.

We have more than 100 schools by the name of Mount Litera Zee Schools. We plan to open 50 more in the next two years. In the vocational training space, our institute ZICA operates 25 centres and we plan to add another 50 in the coming year. We are exploring expansion opportunities overseas in Kidzee but with our schools we will currently focus on India as it has great opportunities ahead.

What and how has been your experience in the vocational education/skill development space?

We are one of the oldest players in the vocational education space. We started our venture in multimedia space way back in 1995. Our experience in the vocational education and skill development space has been transformative. We've witnessed an increasing demand for skill-based courses, especially in sectors like animation, where there's a burgeoning need for specialized talent. Our focus in this space is on providing a University recognized graduation degree that comes with hands-on training, industry-relevant curriculum, and collaborations with leading industry players to ensure students acquire practical skills essential for today's job market.

How have you embraced technology in the education space? What are your plans in this regard?

We’ve embraced technology as an integral part of our educational approach. All our school classrooms are equipped with smartboard based classrooms, online resources, and personalized learning platforms to enhance the learning experience. Additionally, we're exploring AI-driven learning systems, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) to create immersive learning environments. Our future plans involve further leveraging technology to facilitate personalized learning, adaptive assessments, and real-time feedback mechanisms to cater to diverse learning needs effectively.

Do you foresee any consolidation taking place in the education space, going forward, like many other industries?

Education is a basic requirement and its importance is well understood by every segment of society. India is a large country and our literacy rate varies across states. Bihar with least at 61 per cent and Kerala max at 100 per cent. With untapped potential, high population, and high birth rate there is still a lot to be done in the education space before it starts consolidation. However, in order to make reach easier and affordable, there may be tie-ups or collaborations that could take place to leverage synergies, enhance infrastructure, and broaden educational offerings. This could potentially lead to stronger institutions with improved capabilities to address evolving educational needs.

What is your take on the entry of foreign institutes into India?

The entry of foreign institutes could bring diverse perspectives, global best practices, and specialized programs, benefiting Indian students. Collaborations and partnerships with foreign institutes can create avenues for knowledge exchange, faculty development, and access to international standards of education. However, it's crucial to ensure that collaborations maintain the essence of local educational needs while embracing global excellence.

How much would you be investing to back up your expansion plans over the next two to three years?

Over the next two to three years, we plan to strategically invest in infrastructure development, curriculum enhancement, technology integration, faculty training, and expanding our reach. The projected investment is aimed at bolstering quality education, fostering innovation, and meeting the growing demands across our schools and vocational education institutes.