Schools have not been used as an asset in property funds before, and Varkey admitted that this made some potential backers cautious.
He said: "Financial institutions have not seen the likes of our business, so they are not too bullish about greenfield schools. The institutions need a change of mind, as the continuous need for schools makes the project virtually recession-proof."
GEMS is looking at sites across the country for the brand, and recently bought one in Sheffield.
The company has also signed a contract with a party in Afghanistan to manage schools as part of the country's reconstruction.
No comments yet