The Institute of Education, a co-education grinds school based on Dublin’s Leeson St, has been sold to a British group for an undisclosed sum.

In a statement this morning, management announced it had been acquired by Dukes Education – an international schools group which runs schools across Britain, Portugal and Switzerland.

Its acquisition of the Institute marks its first foray into Ireland.

The Institute was founded in 1969 by the late Ray Kearns, whose children Peter and Úna have been managing the business for over 25 years.

The school currently provides senior cycle tuition and exam preparation courses in nearly 30 Leaving Cert subjects, catering for over 7,000 pupils and a staff of 200.

Following the acquisition, management said there are no plans to change the name, current operating model or teaching arrangements, adding that “it will very much be a case of business as usual”.

Managing Director Peter Kearns will step down from his current role, but will continue in a strategic advisory role, while fellow director Úna Kearns will leave entirely.

School principal Yvonne O’Toole is to continue in her current role.