Education Consulting

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Education is shifting from a localized, institution-led model to a global, demand-driven ecosystem.

With students studying across borders and expecting more flexible options, institutions are becoming platforms rather than just physical campuses.

Globalization, digitization, and outcomes-based accountability continue to promote the adoption of cross-border models like branch campuses and hybrid delivery. This provides forward-looking institutions with opportunities to expand their reach and increase revenue.

Traditional degrees are giving way to shorter programs and lifelong learning, as students and employers focus on job skills and career readiness. Institutions must shift focus from access to results. Long-term degrees are being replaced by short-cycle credentials and lifelong learning models, which reward agility and innovation.

Public and private organizations alike face challenges in selecting the right geographical markets for expansion, creating the right educational offerings for each locality and making the appropriate digital investments for education delivery. EdTech is advancing from basic digitization to a comprehensive full-stack transformation. Platform-based models are transforming how education is delivered and monetized, attracting investment and enabling consolidation, innovation, and growth. Institutions that fail to adapt risk falling behind in a competitive global market.

3x growth

in global micro-credential offerings between 2018 and 2022 highlights the rapid expansion of short-term learning pathways worldwide
Source: OECD (2023)

6.6% YoY growth

in certificate programs outpaced both associate degrees (3.1%) and bachelor’s degrees (1.2%)
Source: National Student Clearinghouse Research Center

Why L.E.K.

We help education leaders make critical decisions with confidence and clarity. By analyzing global and regional markets, demand trends, and competitive forces, we identify opportunities to strengthen business models and deliver innovative strategies for growth. Our global perspective, combined with local agility, ensures that strategies are actionable and timely.

We support expansion into EdTech and related sectors, as well as the evolution of delivery models, by translating insights and signals into clear, confident decisions. Our data-driven approach uncovers growth opportunities, enhances performance, and creates value across strategy, investment, and operations.

L.E.K. connects clients with partners, innovators, and investors across the education ecosystem to accelerate results. For corporate clients and investors, we offer comprehensive transaction support, from target identification to exit planning. The outcome: a clear, actionable path from insights to outcomes, helping education organizations adapt, grow, and thrive in a rapidly changing world.

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K-12 Outlook: Why the Fundamentals Still Hold Strong

In this second keynote session video from EducationSummit2025, the focus turns to the accelerating momentum in global education deal activity over the past 12–14 months.

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Riding the Wave: Trends Shaping the Education Deals Landscape

The education sector continues to demonstrate strong resilience, marked by rising transaction volumes and increased global deal activity.

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Education Pulse Survey

Priorities and Perspectives from K-12 and Higher Education Administrators

As the education sector faces an uncertain funding and regulatory environment, leaders are shifting from expansion to optimization.

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U.S. Education Focus: Key Segments Across the Market

In this video, Jitin Sethi shares key deal insights across education subsectors and highlight the segments gaining the most traction. Our analysis shows that K-12, professional learning and upskilling are the most active education subsectors by transaction volume in 2025.

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