MOUNT Kelly has partnered with international educational consultants EduReach to launch Mount Kelly International, the first stand-alone prep school in Hong Kong offering the Common Entrance curriculum.

Opening in September 2017, Mount Kelly International Prep will be the second British independent school in Hong Kong, after Harrow.

The initiative has been led by headmaster Mark Semmence, with the full support of the governing body and its chairman Chris Snow, and by EduReach’s chief executive, Rick Johnson. They describe the outcome of the deal as ‘a unique opportunity to share the Mount Kelly DNA, its values and culture in one of the world’s fastest growing educational markets’

In addition to having two members of the Mount Kelly team on the new five-strong board, the school will now start recruiting for a founding head.

‘We have always been an internationally-minded school and we believe firmly in the benefits of an international education, especially when considering the increasingly globalised nature of the world within which we all live and work,’ said Mr Semmence.

‘Mount Kelly International will be unique in the Hong Kong market place and its success will support our bursaries’ programme as well as help deliver our future capital projects. There will also be exciting opportunities for both our staff and pupils — regular commun-ications, exchanges and the chance to learn from each other’s professional practice.’

‘We are delighted to be working with EduReach. They have significant sector experience, having worked with a number of schools in setting up abroad.

‘Their team includes John Witheridge, formerly headmaster of Charterhouse, and Guy Waller, formerly headmaster of Cranleigh and I do not think we could have made a better partnership.’

The design and build of the new school is being delivered by civil engineering consultants Atkins Consulting and the £50-million project is being fully financed by a prominent Hong Kong family office.

The EduReach team will be responsible for the set-up and day-to-day running of Mount Kelly International.