Christie & Co has announced the sale of London-based Pippa Pop-ins Nursery Schools to Dukes Education.

Pippa Pop-ins is a long-established, family-owned portfolio comprising four prestigious nursery schools located on the borders of Kensington, Notting Hill, Holland Park, Chelsea, and Fulham in London.

Originally founded in 1992, this market-leading nursery group is widely regarded as one of London’s leading early childhood education providers, having also featured in the Tatler guide to the top nurseries.

Following a confidential sales process facilitated by Courteney Donaldson and Sophie Willcox at Christie & Co, the business has been purchased by Dukes Education in what is considered to be the highest-value independent small nursery group OpCo transaction to have been completed in the UK.

Dukes Education Group is the leading, largest premium school group in the UK.

Founded by Aatif Hassan in March 2015, it has over 30 school brands with 10,000 pupils as well as summer schools, activity camps, and a university entrance consultancy service.

Hassan said: “I am thrilled that Pippa Pop-ins Nursery Schools is joining the Dukes Family and extend a very warm welcome to principal, Rachel Watson, the staff, and families.

“I have long admired the success of these wonderful nursery schools, having originally visited for my children over 10 years ago.

“Pippa Pop-ins nursery schools, following the best of traditional standards, wholly align with our foundations for creating a happy childhood, a fulfilling future, and an enduring love of learning.”

The nursery group is widely regarded as one of London’s leading early childhood education providers

Donaldson, managing director of childcare and education at Christie & Co, adds: “I first visited Pippa Pop-ins nursery schools over 15 years ago and was immediately struck then by how truly exceptional they were.

“Following our client’s acquisition of the business in 2012, this prestigious portfolio of leading London nursery schools has further expanded via the opening of a school in Kensington.”

Pippa Pop-ins Nursery Schools was sold for an undisclosed price.