NORD Anglia, the Cheshire-based education services provider, has posted a nine per cent rise in pre-exceptional, pre-tax profits to £4m for the year to August 31.

Turnover from continuing operations rose by 12.1 per cent from £59.4m to £66.6m.

Final dividend of 2.47p makes a total of 3.7p.

Nord Anglia is currently bidding for contracts with local education authorities, the Ministry of Defence and other government bodies, said chairman Kevin McNeany.

It is planning to open three children’s nurseries this year, but is closing its loss-making School of Finance and Management.

Highlights of the year included a £170m contract with Amey to improve schools in the London Borough of Waltham Forest and the acquisition of nursery chain Bright Horizons.