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

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Fiona Alston

Oct 14, 2026

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The developments follow Edge Early Learning's entry into voluntary administration in August, with administrators KordaMentha securing proposed sales for 53 services across Queensland and South Australia.

Goodstart Early Learning has agreed to acquire 31 centres, while a further 22 are subject to agreements or term sheets involving six other operators.

However, seven centres in Queensland, three in South Australia and one in the ACT will close after administrators were unable to secure viable offers.

Montessori Academy plans for continuity and stability

Montessori Academy, which has more than 25 years of experience and operates more than 70 services nationally, said its agreement would provide greater certainty for children, families and educators.

The proposed acquisition includes six Queensland services and three in South Australia.

Montessori Academy Director and Co-Founder Colette Assaf acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Edge's administration.

“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,” Mrs Assaf said.

Montessori Academy plans to introduce its established child safeguarding and quality assurance systems, alongside investment in leadership, professional development and educator training.

“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.

The organisation will work with individual services to preserve local relationships and support the transition.

Eleven centres to close after unsuccessful sale process

Despite securing proposed buyers for most Edge services, administrators confirmed that 11 centres would close after attempts to find viable purchasers were unsuccessful.

The closures affect Cannon Hill, Kelvin Grove, Milton, Morayfield East, South Brisbane, Strathpine's Railway Avenue service and West End's Jane Street service in Queensland.

Three South Australian centres at Oaklands Park, Plympton and Royal Park will also close, alongside Ngunnawal in the ACT.

Some families received approximately 48 hours' notice, with closures scheduled for 14 October.

KordaMentha said affected families were being advised about nearby services with potential enrolment availability, while staff and families faced the challenge of making alternative arrangements.

The closures highlight the uncertainty experienced by families and educators despite progress in securing new operators for much of the portfolio.

Arena confirms progress on remaining properties

Property owner Arena REIT confirmed that the latest proposed transactions include seven remaining Edge-operated businesses at Arena-owned properties.

These involve Montessori Academy at two South Australian centres and three other experienced operators across five Queensland properties.

Arena is undertaking due diligence as it considers consent to the proposed lease assignments.

Rent continues to be received across all 27 Arena-owned centres occupied by Edge while the transactions progress.

Of four former Edge centres controlled by Arena, one has executed lease documentation and two have signed term sheets with Montessori Academy, subject to regulatory approval.

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

Approvals remain outstanding

The proposed sales remain subject to final documentation, regulatory requirements, service approval transfers and lease assignments.

While the agreements represent progress towards securing the future of many Edge services, the closures demonstrate the significant consequences for children, families and educators where alternative operators cannot be found.

Read the ASX announcement here.

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