Study Active, one of the UK’s most respected providers of health and fitness qualifications, is proud to announce a significant leadership transformation following its recent acquisition by industry leaders Debra Stuart, Carly Wallace, and Julian Berriman.
The acquisition marks the start of an exciting new chapter, one that honours the past while boldly reimagining the future of fitness education.
At the helm is former Premier Global CEO Debra Stuart, who returns to the sector she helped shape. She is joined by highly respected leaders Julian Berriman, appointed Director of Education, and Carly Wallace, stepping in as Managing Director; both of whom were central to the success of Premier Global from an education and global expansion point of view.
This dynamic new leadership team brings unmatched experience in education, curriculum development, commercial growth, and international expansion. Together, they are committed to modernising training delivery, raising standards across the board, and bridging the gap between qualifications and real-world careers in fitness.
“We are not just evolving the brand; we are reigniting a movement,” said incoming CEO Debra Stuart. “This is about excellence, inclusion, and creating long-term impact for both learners and the industry as a whole.”
This strategic move follows Study Active’s acquisition of the Premier Global brand in March 2024—a bold decision made to preserve and evolve the prestigious legacy of Premier as the gold standard in health and fitness education.
This next chapter would not be possible without the incredible vision and work of James Luscombe, founder of Study Active, who now transitions into a shareholder role.
Stuart acknowledged: “James, together with Justine Luscombe has done something truly remarkable; building one of the UK’s most respected fitness education providers from the ground up. His integrity, innovation, and deep commitment to learners have shaped what Study Active is today. We’re honoured to continue that journey with their support.”
James Luscombe added: “This is an exciting new era for Study Active. With Debra, Carly, and Julian now leading the charge, we are perfectly placed to drive innovation and raise the bar for fitness education in the UK and beyond.”
The newly united Study Active team is committed to creating a world-class learning experience that supports every learner from the very first module to their first job and beyond. The vision is simple but ambitious: to set a new benchmark in fitness education.