The Britannica International School Shanghai – which has seen millions invested into it – will be able to accommodate 750 pupils from 3 to 18 years old. Officially opened this week, it will be offering British education and a British management team, the school hopes to attract expat families primarily, as well as local families keen to ensure a Western-style education for their children.

McNeaney said, “I am delighted to recommend my new Shanghai school to all international families in the city. It is a great pleasure to be active once again in the vibrant city of Shanghai.

This is the third British school I have founded in this city and I am honoured that the Shanghai Education Commission have entrusted me again with a licence to operate an international school.”

The Founding Principal is Alun Thomas, a highly qualified and experienced international educator. “I have been Principal of international schools in Africa, the Middle East and Asia and have a deep understanding of, and empathy with, international education and the needs of expatriate parents and their children,” he said.

Pupils are prepared for International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) at 16 and the International Baccalaureate at 18. There is an extensive language programme, including Mandarin for all pupils and specialist English-as-an-Additional Language (EAL) tuition.

Facilities include a swimming pool, basketball court, running track and theatre.

Orbital also operates international schools or kindergartens in Hungary, Spain, South Korea and Russia. McNeaney, along with Orbital colleagues Brian Frakes and Trevor Wilson, were previously involved in the launch of the successful Nord Anglia schools in Shanghai, BISS.