Travelopia has agreed to sell its UK educational travel platform Experience Education to European investment group Rockaway Capital.
The transaction, announced today, is expected to complete in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.
Experience Education works with around 1,400 schools each year and takes close to 100,000 pupils on trips.
The business comprises six specialist brands: Travelbound, which offers study tours; SkiBound, which runs ski trips; Edwin Doran and Masterclass, which specialise in sports tours; World Challenge, which offers expeditions and adventures; and JCA, which provides outdoor activity residentials.
Travelopia is owned by funds managed by KKR. The sale will see Experience Education move to Rockaway Capital, which plans to expand the business through organic growth and acquisitions.
Rockaway says it intends to consolidate the fragmented educational travel market, aiming to build Europe’s leading educational travel group.
The deal follows Travelopia’s sale of Specialist Holiday Group brands Sovereign Luxury Travel, Citalia and American Holidays to TravCorp last year.
Travelopia Corporate Development Director Christine Franks said: “Experience Education has grown strongly under Travelopia’s ownership, and we are pleased it will continue its journey with a new owner fully focused on its potential. We wish John and the team every success.”
Experience Education Managing Director John Upton added: “Our team takes real pride in what we do for schools, teachers and the young people who travel with us. Rockaway knows travel, understands our business and shares our ambition for it. With their long-term backing and expertise, we can reach even more schools, keep investing in our people and products, and grow through acquisitions.Â
“For our existing school partners, our focus remains unchanged as we continue to support your teachers, reassure your parents and inspire your students. This is a really exciting new chapter for all of us in Experience Education.”
