Willow School secures six figure MEIF II funding to support expansion

Willow Independent, the holding company behind Willow School, an independent specialist education provider based in Sleaford, Lincolnshire, has secured a £250,000 loan from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II, through appointed Fund Manager for the East and South East Midlands, Maven.

Founded by James Mackay and Rebecca Miller, Willow School provides tailored support for children with communication, interaction, cognition and learning needs who require specialist provision beyond that available in mainstream settings. The school supports pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and currently operates across three sites in Sleaford.

Demand for high quality specialist education continues to grow across Lincolnshire, with increasing need from both families and Lincolnshire County Council for provision closer to home.

The funding will support the refurbishment of a new school in Bracebridge Heath, Lincoln, enabling Willow to increase capacity and expand its provision in response to growing local demand for specialist school places.

The new Bracebridge Heath premises is expected to accommodate up to 100 pupils once fully operational, with the school aiming to begin welcoming pupils in 2027. The additional site will also support the planned introduction of Key Stage 4 provision, enabling pupils to continue their education with Willow through to age 16.

By opening a site in Lincoln, the school will help reduce travel times for pupils while creating additional capacity for children who require tailored educational support.

“Maven took the time to understand both our organisation and what we are trying to achieve. Their support will help us build upon the strong foundations established at Willow School, Sleaford and progress our plans for a new school nearer to Lincoln, in Bracebridge Heath. Our focus remains firmly on providing an exceptional learning environment in which every pupil can access and have the opportunity to thrive."

James MacKay, Managing Director of Willow School

“James and Rebecca have built a high-quality specialist education provider with a strong reputation across Lincolnshire. Demand for specialist school places continues to grow, and this funding will enable Willow Independent to increase capacity, expand its provision and support more children and families across the region. We look forward to working closely with the team as they deliver their growth plans and continue to provide exceptional outcomes for pupils."

Richard Altoft, Investment Director at Maven

“Supporting ambitious businesses like Willow School and providing access to finance helps growing businesses realise their potential, while contributing to sustainable economic growth across the Midlands. The investment will provide the business with the funding it needs to expand its offering and create further opportunities for children and families."

David Tindall, Senior Investment Manager at the British Business Bank

Maven was introduced to the opportunity by James Lamb of Funding Round.

This latest investment adds to a growing list of businesses backed by MEIF II - Debt Finance East and South East Midlands. To date, the Fund has backed a diverse range of businesses including, Acres Insurance Brokers, a special agricultural insurance broker, Sleaford Building Services, mechanical, electrical and construction contractor, Lemon and Lime, a home staging business, TextureJet, a DeepTech firm, Sunset Commercial, a commercial brokerage business, Panoramix, an IP law firm, Advance Tapes, an independent adhesive tapes manufacturer, DUKE Distribution, a logistics and trackway installation provider and Vision4Sport, a sports hospitality specialist.

As Fund Manager of MEIF II - Debt Finance East and South East Midlands, Maven can provide business loans from £100,000 to £2 million to support both earlier and later stage businesses with real growth potential across a range of sectors. If your business, or the business you advise, is considering debt finance to support future growth please, click here.