A group you can trust

Ester Alavei’s experience in the public sector has shaped her experience regarding how public funds should be utilised and ensuring that taxpayer money is used or for the greatest public good. Her transition to the private school sector is motivated by her desire to contribute in this area.

“One in four students in Sweden has chosen to attend a private school. That’s a lot. The free choice has come to stay, and it is completely obvious that all these schools must provide and maintain a high quality education. As long as there are private schools that do not meet the quality standards, the public debate will continue to focus on the operating model and the issue of profit. I want to help change that.”

The group’s status is multifaceted.

Her conclusions after her first six months as CEO are that the true picture of how Edukatus Alliance functions is considerably more multifaceted than what has been presented by the media.

“It’s not black or white; it’s both and a bit grey in between. We have units that are truly fantastic, with nearly 100% goal achievement. They are attractive to both students and employees, maintaining order and focusing on knowledge and skills. That’s where the entire group is headed; we will turn around what needs to be turned around.

The School Inspectorate, which exists to ensure that all students in Sweden receive a quality education, has pointed out serious deficiencies within the group. When Ester Alavei was hired, the board’s mandate was clear: focus on the core operations, namely education.

“That’s why I am pleased that we settled on the new name Edukatus Alliance for our group. It sends a clear signal that our focus is on education.”

“Another important goal is for the group to earn a reputation as a professional player in the field.”

“In addition to our obvious responsibility towards our students, we also have a responsibility to each other within the group, a responsibility towards other independent schools, and a responsibility towards societal development in Sweden. An independent school that does not meet standards in all areas casts a shadow over all the others.”

A reliable actor.

When Edukatus Alliance has reached its goal, it should not only be evident that the group meets the external requirements.

“We need to be better than that. We should be so much more than the sum of all our parts and be seen as a serious and reliable actor that one can count on. An organisation that is not hesitated to be chosen as a partner in matters concerning education and the provision of the right skills to the labour market. Our brand should be so strong that we are recommended: ’See if Edukatus Alliance is available in your area; they are professionals at organising education with quality.’

High quality is ensured by making systematic quality work a natural part of everyday operations.”

Quality work as part of everyday life.

“Quality work is not an additional task, but rather an integral part of what we already do: planning, implementing, evaluating, and, when necessary, developing the teaching. It should be easy to do things right from the start. It’s when we need to correct things afterward that extra work is created. Having professional, engaged, and, above all, motivated employees is the key.

“What fundamentally drives us? I believe it’s important for all employees to feel that their skills are valued, that they feel significant, and that they have the opportunity to influence the organisation.

“I would like all employees to feel that “I am part of a larger context, there is a plan, we have a direction, and I am to contribute to it.”

Keeping up with societal development

Ester Alavei sees the role of group CEO as multifaceted:

“My role internally is to be the strategist and visionary who points out the direction and guarantees that we achieve our set goals. I also have a responsibility to be attentive to the outside world and ensure the quality of our organisation, that we keep up with societal development, and that we remain a relevant educational option for students, guardians, and citizens.

“There are currently significant differences between the fundamental conditions of children and adults that the educational institutions need to be able to address.

Everyone who comes to us, regardless of level and age, should experience that there are dedicated educators who meet them where they are in their development and create the conditions for them to move forward in their growth, both academically and personally.”