Standard Bank Funds Curro Holdings to Support Growth In The Independent Education Sector

Standard Bank is pleased to announce a renewal of its total funding commitment to Curro Holdings ("Curro"), a leading South African independent school operator with 189 schools across 81 campuses, and 72,109 registered learners in 2025. This recent refinancing sees Standard Bank providing R1.4bn in term funding, bringing Curro’s total funding package to R3.7bn.

This transaction further strengthens the long-standing partnership between Standard Bank and Curro, which began over a decade ago with Curro’s initial term debt raise. The debt refinance and upsize supports Curro’s strategic objectives as it focuses on optimising its existing schools and expanding its network to meet the growing demand for high quality independent education in South Africa.

Curro has seen significant growth in learner numbers, particularly in high schools, as the group continues to develop its educational infrastructure and enhance capacity utilisation. Curro’s ambitious investments in digital optimisation enhance learners' educational experiences and enable greater operational efficiency. Curro intends for the refinanced facilities to become sustainability-linked, once the sustainability structure is finalised.

This reflects Curro's ongoing commitment to sustainable finance and development within the independent education sector. The refinance and upsized debt package provides continuity and flexibility for Curro to drive its growth. By supporting both infrastructure and digital transformation, Standard Bank is supporting Curro's response to the increasing need for quality, accessible independent schooling in South Africa.

This transaction also highlights Standard Bank’s broader impact in the education sector. In December 2024, the bank provided standalone funding to Curro's Meridian group of schools—a joint investment with Old Mutual and the Public Investment Corporation (PIC)—furthering access to affordable, high-quality independent education from pre-primary through to Grade 12.

We remain committed to enabling Curro and our core clients to achieve their strategic ambitions and driving sustainable growth across Africa. Supporting innovative, high-growth businesses like Curro Holdings is central to our purpose and vision for the continent’s future.