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Education and skills

Strategic thinking in education and skills to boost the UK’s productivity.

Higher education providers face multiple questions in a transforming world. Cost pressures are universal. Improved digital infrastructure is urgently needed, but requires significant investment. Student expectations of learning flexibility and value for money are increasing; while volumes of international students are not guaranteed. Alternative routes such as apprenticeships and the government’s Lifelong Learning Entitlement have implications for the traditional tertiary education model.

At KPMG, we have the deep understanding and knowledge of the sector built up over many years to help it deal with the challenges. We bring incisive insights and fresh thinking to create a dynamic way forward. We draw on sector specialists and technical expertise to bring multi-disciplinary solutions in a trusted relationship that helps institutions transform. As an organisation that recruits over 1500 graduates and 600 apprentices each year, we also bring an inside perspective on the skills and attributes that are needed by employers to withstand the challenges in an industry that is also being disrupted by policy, technology and regulation

We worked with 130+ Universities last year and we ranked 'Diamond' in the top education consultancy firms by consultancy.uk. We work in close partnership with higher education providers, such as our strategic partnerships for innovation with Leeds, Nottingham and Cambridge as well as UA92 and South Central Institute of Technology. In addition, our connections with government departments, regulators and funders gives us a wider strategic view of the policy making environment and direction of travel.

Sam Sanders

Partner, Consulting Lead for Education, Skills & Productivity (ESP)

KPMG in the UK


How KPMG can help

Our unique 360 degree insight means we bring both challenge and understanding. We deliver work that bridges the gap between strategy and execution across areas including:

  • Strategy development, including growth and deal options
  • ESG strategy and approach
  • Funding and debt advisory
  • Organisational transformation
  • Digital transformation
  • Modernised systems and cloud migration
  • Enhanced decision making through data & analytics
  • Risk and assurance to boards and executives
  • International support and advice, including international tax
  • Place based skills strategies
  • Informing policy making at all levels


Our difference

Our deep technical skills, sector knowledge and track record set us apart. We help institutions chart new pathways to sustainable systems, opening the door to greater efficiency, cost effectiveness and data-driven decision making.

Working collaboratively alongside universities and colleges as a trusted partner, we catalyse change for improved outcomes – helping build thriving centres of lifelong learning and knowledge.

Our main areas of support for our clients

Audit

Get deeper insight and increase audit transparency by harnessing the latest innovative technologies.

Tax

Helping you navigate tax policy with specialist knowledge and technology.

Corporate services transformation - HR

Shape your workforce for the future.

Powered systems - IT

Get more from your technology.

Corporate finance

Whether you are selling your business, raising capital or making an acquisition, our corporate finance experts can help you execute your M&A strategy.

Cyber security

Cyber security is more than a technology issue – it’s a golden thread that runs throughout your business, enabling it to operate effectively, efficiently, and securely. Our Cyber experts can help you to protect your future.

Who are we working in collaboration with?

Successful finance system implementation in higher education

A BUFDG guide in partnership with KPMG based on insights provided by UK universities.

Wonkhe

A series of opinion pieces engaging with Higher Education in exciting new ways.

UCISA

We've joined the discussion around the digital opportunities for universities.

University Partnerships

In 2021, KPMG launched a number of strategic partnerships to benefit our clients, colleagues and communities.

Powering London

How universities drive growth through people, place and knowledge.


Financial Sustainability

How can Higher Education Institutions navigate their cost pressures?

Powered Student

A modern and digital student education experience that connects the whole of the university.


Our infrastructure, government and healthcare insights

Uninterrupted Business Continuity at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners – Award Winners!

Our IT/OT outage work with CCEP’s BCR team won the ‘Strategy through Partnership’ category at the Business Continuity Awards.

Retail Think Tank July 2024

Who will be the winners in this growth challenged environment?

Gloabl Leisure Perspectives 2023

Unveiling industry trends and insights



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Our case studies

Establishing the building blocks for IT evolution

A case study with Lancaster University
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How we can help

Future of skills

How do you make your organisation ready?

Woman using a laptop

Harnessing AI in Education

Enrich your university's future

Financial Sustainability

How can Higher Education Institutions navigate their cost pressures?

Skills-led Organisational design

Suffering from a talent shortage? Move to skills-led organisation design.


A future for all, a world for one

A future for all, a world for one

Accelerate the shift towards being digital-first

Infrastructure, government and healthcare

Powered by technology, delivered by collaboration, driven with purpose.

Our people

Sam Sanders

Partner, Consulting Lead for Education, Skills & Productivity (ESP)

KPMG in the UK

Justine Andrew

Head of Education, Skills and Productivity in the UK

KPMG in the UK


Connect with us

KPMG combines our multi-disciplinary approach with deep, practical industry knowledge to help clients meet challenges and respond to opportunities. Connect with our team to start the conversation.

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