Montessori Academy agrees to acquire nine Edge services as 11 centres face closure

Montessori Academy has agreed to acquire nine Edge Early Learning services across Queensland and South Australia, as administrators progress proposed sales for much of the network and identify 11 centres for closure.

The proposed acquisition includes six Queensland services and three in South Australia. It follows Goodstart Early Learning’s conditional agreement to acquire 31 Edge centres, with administrators KordaMentha securing proposed sales for 53 services overall.

“We recognise this has been a period of uncertainty for families and educators. Our focus is on providing stability and continuity, supporting high standards of safety, quality and education, and being of genuine service to the communities these services support,” said Montessori Academy Director and Co-Founder Colette Assaf.

Montessori Academy outlines transition plans

Edge entered voluntary administration in August. Beyond the proposed Goodstart transaction, a further 22 services are covered by agreements or term sheets involving six operators, including Montessori Academy.

Montessori Academy, which operates more than 70 services nationally and has more than 25 years’ experience, plans to introduce its child safeguarding and quality assurance systems at the services.

The organisation also outlined investment in leadership, professional development and educator training, while working with individual services to maintain local relationships during the transition.

“Our priority is to build on the strengths of these services and invest in their future, ensuring educators have the training, resources and support to deliver the highest standards of education and care,” Mrs Assaf said.

Eleven centres identified for closure

Administrators were unable to secure viable offers for seven centres in Queensland, three in South Australia and one in the ACT.

The affected Queensland services are Cannon Hill, Kelvin Grove, Milton, Morayfield East, South Brisbane, Strathpine’s Railway Avenue service and West End’s Jane Street service.

The South Australian services are Oaklands Park, Plympton and Royal Park, alongside Ngunnawal in the ACT.

ABC News reported that some families received approximately 48 hours’ notice ahead of closures scheduled for 14 October.

KordaMentha said affected families were being advised about nearby services with potential enrolment availability. The closures leave families seeking alternative care and educators facing uncertainty about their employment.

Lease assignments and approvals remain outstanding

Arena REIT’s ASX update confirmed that the latest proposed transactions cover the seven remaining Edge-operated businesses at Arena-owned properties.

These involve Montessori Academy at two South Australian centres and three other operators across five Queensland properties. Arena is undertaking due diligence before deciding whether to consent to the lease assignments.

Arena reported that rent continued to be received across all 27 properties occupied by Edge. Separately, of four former Edge centres controlled by Arena, one had executed lease documentation and two had signed term sheets with Montessori Academy, subject to regulatory approval.

The property owner also holds approximately $4 million in bank guarantees and security deposits against the Edge leases.

The proposed sales remain subject to due diligence, final documentation, service approval transfers and lease assignments. Securing agreements provides a pathway towards continued operation, while completion and transition arrangements remain important next steps for families and service teams.