Maple Bear plans 40 franchised schools across Portugal and Spain

Maple Bear plans to open 50 schools in Portugal and Spain over seven years, 40 of which will operate as franchises. Fred Gabrielli, the network’s Director of Expansion for both countries, outlined the plan to PÚBLICO Brasil in a report published on 10 November 2026. In Portugal, the strategy began with the acquisition of three existing private schools.

Three acquisitions mark entry into Portugal

Since entering Portugal in 2025, Maple Bear has acquired schools in Estoril, Porto and Gaia. According to the report, initial investment totalled €2.5 million.

Gabrielli described an approach based on buying existing schools and converting them to the Maple Bear brand. Expansion therefore starts with schools already in operation, rather than relying exclusively on setting up new schools from scratch.

The three acquisitions represent the Portuguese presence identified in the report. They are not, however, presented as three franchise agreements: acquiring schools and developing future franchises are separate elements of the announced plan.

This distinction matters when tracking the network’s growth. Bringing an acquired school under the brand does not, in itself, mean that it is operated by a franchisee. The announcement links franchising to the expansion strategy across both countries.

Franchising will be central to the Iberian plan

The target of 50 schools covers Portugal and Spain together, with a seven-year timeframe. Of these, 40 are expected to operate as franchises, placing the model at the heart of the planned growth.

An investment fund will also support part of the expansion, according to the financing structure described by Gabrielli. The report therefore sets out a strategy combining investment funding with the development of a franchisee network.

The announced target covers the Iberian market: it is not a forecast of 50 schools in Portugal or 40 franchises exclusively in the Portuguese market. It should also be understood as a development goal, rather than a series of openings already completed.

For Portugal’s franchising community, the key development is the scale of the role assigned to franchising within this education project. The network intends to use the model for most of its planned schools, while its initial entry into the country was through the acquisition of existing establishments.

Bilingual education from nursery to primary school

Founded in Canada and now owned by Brazilian businessman Chaim Zaher, Maple Bear intends to prioritise schools for children aged from birth to 10. The stated scope runs from nursery through the first cycle of primary education, following the approach the network also adopts in Brazil.

All schools will be bilingual. According to Gabrielli’s description, subjects taught in Portuguese will be limited to those required by Portuguese law. The educational offer therefore combines the brand’s bilingual approach with the legal requirements applicable in Portugal.

Children of Brazilians living in Portugal and Spain are among the groups the network hopes to reach, but they are not its only intended audience. The expansion director said the aim was to attract families from all backgrounds.

The age range and teaching model help define the announced project: this is an expansion focused on younger children and bilingual education, rather than a broad plan covering every stage of schooling.

Teacher training accompanies expansion

Gabrielli also highlighted Maple Bear’s focus on teacher training, linking it to the shortage of teachers in Portugal. Preparing teaching teams is therefore among the priorities the network has identified as it develops its presence in the country.

For anyone assessing an education franchise opportunity, the practical next step is to distinguish the Iberian target from opportunities actually available in Portugal, and to clarify the operating model, educational requirements and training support with the brand before making a commitment.