South African private education group ADvTECH reported strong growth in the first half of 2026, with headline earnings per share rising 16% to 130.8 cents. The tertiary division was the group's strongest performer, while the company said its ongoing brand consolidation and improved operating efficiencies were supporting growth and margins.
ADvTECH delivered strong financial growth in the first half of 2026, supported by higher enrolments, improved margins and continued momentum in its education businesses.
The Johannesburg-listed private education group reported headline earnings per share of 130.8 cents for the six months ended June 30, representing a 16% increase from the same period a year earlier. The company also increased its interim dividend by 18% to 53 cents per share.
The tertiary division was the group's strongest growth driver, with revenue increasing 17% during the period. The division benefited from continued enrolment growth and the consolidation of several education brands under a simplified structure.
ADvTECH has been consolidating its tertiary brands as part of a broader effort to create a more streamlined education offering. The group has brought several institutions together under the Emeris brand, while Rosebank College remains another major component of its tertiary operations.
The company's schools division also delivered growth. South African schools generated revenue of R1.858 billion, an 8% increase from R1.722 billion a year earlier, while operating profit increased 9% to R388 million. The division's operating margin improved to 20.9% from 20.6%.
Growth outside South Africa also remained an important contributor. ADvTECH has continued expanding its education operations elsewhere in Africa, where demand for private schooling has supported enrolment and revenue growth.
The improved first-half performance follows a strong 2025 financial year, when ADvTECH reported more than R2 billion in operating profit for the first time. Its education division had already been the main contributor to group growth, with revenue increasing 13% in the 2025 financial year.
ADvTECH's latest results indicate that its strategy of concentrating its education brands, expanding its tertiary offering and improving operational efficiency is beginning to translate into stronger financial performance.
The company also continues to position its tertiary institutions for further growth. Its Rosebank International and Emeris businesses are preparing to apply for university status under South Africa's newer regulatory framework for private higher-education institutions.
Overall, the first-half results show continued momentum across ADvTECH's education portfolio, with tertiary education leading revenue growth while the schools business contributes through higher revenue and improved operating margins.
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