Sancta Maria International School (SMIS) is one of India’s most respected Cambridge international schools, offering a globally focused curriculum to students aged 4–18. Established in 2011 and part of the St. Mary’s Group, SMIS is headquartered in Hyderabad and known for its academic excellence and values-driven education.

International Schools Partnership (ISP) is a London-based global school group operating 50 schools across 13 countries, educating more than 45,000 students. ISP is recognized for its international scale, high standards of learning, and focus on collaborative, cross-border school networks.

Sancta Maria engaged Novistra Capital to advise on a strategic investment that would enable it to scale and align with a global education partner. Novistra led a competitive, high-conviction process during the height of COVID-related uncertainty—navigating regulatory and operational complexity across multiple stakeholders.

With deep sector knowledge and a strong understanding of operator dynamics, Novistra positioned SMIS as a flagship India platform for global groups seeking local depth, strong governance, and academic outcomes.

ISP acquired a majority stake in the services company of Sancta Maria International School, marking the group’s formal entry into the Indian market. The partnership brings together ISP’s global reach with SMIS’s local expertise and leadership —setting the stage for continued investment in infrastructure, pedagogy, and student outcomes.

This transaction strengthens Novistra’s track record in K-12 education and international school investments, and highlights the rising global interest in India’s premium education segment.