What Roots School System does

Roots School System is a privately held Pakistani K-12 and higher education institution founded on 10 April 1988 in Rawalpindi by Mrs. Riffat Mushtaq, operating 100+ campuses across Pakistan with a combined enrollment of approximately 25,000 students and a 1:10 teacher-student ratio. The institution delivers continuous education from Montessori (ages 2.5-5) through undergraduate degrees at IVY College, organized around Pearson Edexcel International Early Years, the proprietary Roots International Primary Programme (RIPP) benchmarked against Cambridge, O Levels/IGCSE and AS/A Levels via Cambridge Assessment International Education, and SSC/HSSC programs affiliated with FBISE Islamabad. Roots claims multiple 'first in Pakistan' designations including first International Montessori school, first ISO 9001:2015 certified school, first Microsoft Certified School, first to launch Chinese language at elementary level, and first to introduce robotics system-wide.

The underlying technology stack centers on Microsoft Teams-based digital learning delivery, Intel co-developed ICT curriculum for Grades 1-7, and physical infrastructure including smart boards, ICT/E-Learning labs, robotics labs, and libraries with 8,000+ books. Specialized programs include the STEM-Based Robotics Programme, Smart Brain mental arithmetic (in partnership with Smart Brain, operational in 16 countries), Film & Drama Making Club, and 15+ after-school clubs. Differentiated extracurricular offerings include the annual Roots Model United Nations, Roots Olympiads (multi-city competitive events), and RootsIVY Career Counselling that has produced placements at Ivy League, Oxford, Cambridge, Cornell, and NYU.

The business model is a direct-to-consumer, tuition-driven private school network with revenue streams including tuition fees (quarterly billing for O Levels/IGCSE/A Levels and university programs), non-refundable registration/admission fees, Cambridge and Edexcel examination registration fees remitted to the British Council, refundable security deposits, and ancillary services (student ID cards, branded merchandise, ICT/computer/science lab fees, and the annual Roots NEWS magazine). Distribution is campus-based direct admissions across Rawalpindi (five campuses including the Harley Street cluster and Askari X flagship), DHA-1 Islamabad, Gujar Khan, and Clifton Karachi, supplemented by an online student registration portal. Marketing leverages alumni networks, events (Sports Day, MUN, Olympiads), and active social media (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp).

Name

Roots School System

Legal name

Roots School System

Website

https://rootsschool.edu.pk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1988

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Roots School System is a privately held Pakistani K-12 and higher education institution operating 100+ campuses serving approximately 25,000 students with continuous education from Montessori through undergraduate degrees at IVY College.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Private K-12 Education Services

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (611110), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

International/Global Curriculum Schools (IB, Cambridge, etc.) (EDAJABAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Montessori K–12 Schools (EDAJABAD), Curriculum, Lesson Planning & Instructional Content Platforms (EDAJAMAD)

Keywords

• K-12 education services
• Montessori primary education
• Cambridge IGCSE programs
• STEM robotics education
• Private school network

Headquarters

HQ city

Rawalpindi

HQ country

Pakistan

HQ region

Asia

Offices9 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Tuition Fees: Tuition fees form the primary revenue stream. Fee policy varies by region and campus. For O Levels, IGCSE, AS & A levels, and BSc/LLB studies, tuition fee is payable quarterly. Annual Resource Charge is payable once a year or at admission.
2. Registration and Admission Fees: Non-refundable registration and admission fees charged at the time of enrollment. Prospectus and Admission Form charge is Rs 1,000.
3. Examination Fees: Revenue from Cambridge CIE and Edexcel examination registration fees collected and remitted to British Council Pakistan by Roots.
4. Security Deposit: Refundable security fee collected at admission.
5. Ancillary Services: Revenue from student ID cards, annual Roots NEWS magazine, branded bags, badges, ICT charges, computer lab fees, and science lab fees.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Roots School System operates a private K-12 and higher education network delivering continuous schooling from Montessori (ages 2.5-5) through university level at 100+ campuses across Pakistan, serving nearly 25,000 students with a 1:10 teacher-student ratio. Core academic offerings include Pearson Edexcel Early Years, Roots International Primary Programme (RIPP), Cambridge IGCSE/O Levels, FBISE-affiliated SSC and HSSC, A Levels, and IVY College undergraduate degrees, complemented by STEM Robotics, Smart Brain mental arithmetic, Chinese/German languages, and a Microsoft Teams digital learning platform.

Product overview

Roots School System operates as a comprehensive educational institution offering continuous education from Montessori (Early Years, age 2.5-5 years) through undergraduate level. The institution functions as a unified educational ecosystem with its core products including the Montessori Programme (using Pearson Edexcel International Early Years Integrated Programme), RIPP (Roots International Primary Programme for Grades I-V benchmarked against Cambridge International), O Levels/IGCSE (Cambridge Assessment International Education), SSC and HSSC (Federal Board certifications), AS & A Levels, and IVY College university programmes. Supporting these academic offerings are specialized programmes like the STEM-based Robotics Programme, Smart Brain mental arithmetic, and Film & Drama Making, alongside extracurricular activities through 15+ clubs and societies. The institution also provides professional development through RCPDD (teacher training) and maintains extensive facilities including ICT labs, robotics labs, and science laboratories across its 100+ campuses serving approximately 25,000 students.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Roots International Primary Programme (RIPP): Customized primary curriculum benchmarked with Cambridge International Primary Programme covering grades I to V
• IVY College
• Pearson Edexcel International Early Years Integrated Programme
• Smart Brain Programme

Products and services

• Montessori Programme (Early Years / Pearson Edexcel Early Years) Early childhood education programme for children aged 2.5 to 5 years (Play Group through Advanced Montessori), following Dr. Maria Montessori methodology with sensory exploration, practical life skills, language development, and mathematical concepts, delivered in partnership with Pearson Edexcel.
• RIPP - Roots International Primary Programme Primary education programme for Grades I to V (children aged 5-11) focusing on English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Urdu, Religious Education, and ICT with emphasis on 21st-century skills (critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity).
• O Levels / IGCSE Programme International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) for students aged 14-16, a globally recognized qualification accepted by universities worldwide and administered via Cambridge Assessment International Education.
• SSC - Secondary School Certification (Matriculation) Secondary School Certification for students aged 13-16 years affiliated with FBISE Islamabad, with subject groups including Pre-Medical, Pre-Engineering, ICS, and Humanities.
• HSSC - Higher Secondary School Certificate (FA / F.Sc / ICS) Higher Secondary School Certificate for students aged 15-18 years, offering Pre-Medical, Pre-Engineering, ICS, and Humanities groups affiliated with FBISE Islamabad, leading to university education in medicine, engineering, arts, law, and business.
• AS & A Levels Programme GCE Advanced Level qualification for students aged 17-18, recognized globally as a 'gold standard' with flexible subject selection and credit equivalency at universities in the USA, Canada, and Pakistan.
• IVY College - University Programme Undergraduate higher education institution offering degree programmes including BSc and LLB, branded as IVY International Schools & Colleges and IVY College of Management Sciences.
• STEM Based Robotics Programme Robotics and STEM education programme cultivating cognitive development, analytical/logical/critical thinking for students ages 8-14 through teamwork, collaboration, and leadership activities in robotics labs with advanced equipment.
• Roots Clubs and Societies After-school clubs portfolio including Debating, Dramatic & Art, Environment & WWF, Language, Sports & Games, Reading & Book, STEM & Robotics, Adventure & Outdoor, Law & Mooting, Microsoft, Girl Up, Library, Fashion & Photography, Social Action & Community Services, and Digital Entrepreneurship.
• School Facilities (ICT & E-Learning Labs, Robotics Lab, Science Lab, Libraries, Sports) Physical campus infrastructure including ICT and E-Learning Labs, Robotics Lab, Science Lab, Libraries with 8,000+ books, Indoor Gaming, Indoor Swimming Pool, and Sports facilities supporting instruction across all campuses.
• RCPDD - Roots Continuous Professional Development Department Teacher training and professional development programmes, including Montessori Philosophy & Pedagogy Course certification, Intel Skills for Success Curriculum, and ongoing faculty development workshops delivered through Roots' in-house RCPDD function.
• Roots Model United Nations Annual Model United Nations conference where students engage in diplomatic discussions on global and local issues, developing debate, public speaking, and global citizenship skills.
• Roots Olympiads Annual 3-day mega competitive events held in different cities across Pakistan, with thousands of students participating in various academic competitions.
• Smart Brain Mental Arithmetic Programme Mental arithmetic programme developed in partnership with Smart Brain to enhance concentration, memory, self-confidence, problem-solving, mental speed, logic, and reasoning in children.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% pass rate in SSC with CGPA 5.00 maintained since 1988
• +3 more outcomes

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Pearson EdexcelcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPearson Edexcel is Roots' official learning partner for the International Early Years Integrated Programme (PEIEYIP). Roots is an Approved Centre for Pearson Edexcel International Early Years Programme, offering Level 1 (Junior Montessori) and Level 2 (Advance Montessori) certifications. The partnership enables Roots to deliver globally benchmarked early childhood education with age-appropriate integrated themes.
• Intel Education PakistancoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst initiative at elementary level globally by Roots and Intel. Customized ICT curriculum for Grades 1-7 developed in collaboration with Intel to develop technology literacy, critical thinking, and collaboration skills. Teachers are Intel certified and undergo continuous training through RCPDD in collaboration with Intel for 21st century teaching methodologies.
• MicrosoftcoreTechnology or IntegrationRoots is the 1st Microsoft Certified School in Pakistan. Microsoft Teams platform used for world-class digital education delivery, enabling uninterrupted digital learning during COVID-19. Partnership focuses on digital literacy and technology integration across curriculum.
• Eurasia Institute, GermanyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for German Language Program delivery at Roots schools, expanding foreign language offerings for students alongside Chinese language education.
• Cambridge International Examinations (CAIE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCambridge IGCSE and A Level examinations delivered at Roots campuses. Students register through Roots for CAIE examinations held in June and November. Roots maintains consistent excellence in Cambridge results with students achieving placements at world-renowned institutions.
• Oxford University PressminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRoots utilizes Oxford Reading Tree and Oxford Progressive Readers for literacy development. Oxford Discover and Junior English Series used for English language proficiency. Partnership supports the comprehensive reading programme integrated across Montessori and primary levels.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• The City School: Pakistan-wide private K-12 network offering CIE (Cambridge) curricula from early years through A Levels across 50+ campuses. Closely comparable to Roots in target segment (premium private, urban Pakistani families) and curriculum mix (IGCSE/A Levels).
• Karachi Grammar School: Elite single-campus private school in Karachi offering Cambridge O/A Levels with strong university placement track record. Comparable to Roots' flagship model in premium positioning and Cambridge curriculum delivery.
• Beaconhouse School System: Largest private school network in Pakistan operating 300+ campuses with K-12 international curriculum (O Levels, A Levels). Directly comparable as a multi-campus private K-12 chain competing for the same Pakistani middle-class families seeking international curricula.
• Bay View High School: Premium private K-12 school in Karachi offering Cambridge and local curricula with strong university placements. Comparable to Roots in Cambridge curriculum focus and premium Karachi/Pakistani parent segment.
• PakTurk International Schools and Colleges: Pakistan-based private K-12 network with international curriculum orientation (mix of FBISE and foreign curricula). Comparable to Roots as an established multi-branch Pakistani private school chain targeting middle-class families.
• Lahore Grammar School (LGS): One of Pakistan's oldest and most prestigious private school chains, offering Montessori through A Levels across multiple branches in Punjab and beyond. Comparable to Roots on premium positioning, university placement outcomes, and multi-branch urban strategy.
• Allied Schools: Large nationwide private K-12 school network in Pakistan with 200+ campuses offering national and international curricula. Comparable as a multi-campus Pakistani private school operator competing for similar demographic.

Emerging players

• Habib University: Premium liberal-arts focused university in Karachi. Comparable to Roots' IVY College extension as a higher-education institution in Pakistan targeting high-achieving Pakistani secondary graduates.

Regional players

• Aga Khan Academies: Network of Aga Khan Academies in East Africa and South Asia offering IB curriculum with strong university placements. Comparable to Roots as an internationally-accredited K-12 school network with globally portable brand in the broader Islamic/developing-market context.

Broad incumbents

• GEMS Education: One of the world's largest private K-12 operators with global footprint including Middle East/Asia campuses. Comparable as a large-scale premium international-curriculum school network; relevant for Roots' potential expansion/franchise strategy outside Pakistan.

Market position

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/rss.founder.director
• Instagraminstagram.com/rootsgardenschools.official/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Roots School System