Founded in 1969 to serve the educational needs of the British and international community in Milan. In 1997 it moved to the north east of the city, where it occupies a large complex in its own grounds, well served by public transport. The buildings have been extensively modernised and facilities include laboratories, computer room, sixth form centre and specialised music practice rooms. It has the use of a modern sports complex nearby. It follows the English National Curriculum and prepares students for GCSE and IB Diploma. Academic standards are high and examination results very good. Almost all sixth formers go on to university in the UK, Italy, USA and throughout the world. It is a truly international school, with approximately a quarter English native-speaking pupils, half Italians and a quarter representing 35 other nationalities. Italian is taught throughout. Music is an important and integral part of the programme: all children have music lessons from age 4 and approximately one third play an instrument. Drama is well supported. A standard range of sports and games is available and the school supports membership of a wide range of sports clubs in Milan. Most pupils take part in non-compulsory sport and several have performed at national level in swimming, skating and skiing. A wide variety of extra-curricular activities are offered, including the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. There are numerous educational trips and annual expeditions with World Challenge.
Pupils: Total age range 3-18; 770 day pupils (395 boys, 375 girls). Senior department 11-18; 345 pupils (181 boys, 164 girls). Entrance: Entry at any age including 16. No entrance exam but English language assessment and previous school record/recommendation. English language ability preferred; no religious requirements. Extras: Parents expected to buy textbooks in upper school only.
Principal: Robert Dillow, in post since 2008. Educated at Cambridge University (modern and medieval languages). Previously Head at St George's College, Buenos Aires, Principal at Newcastle under Lyme School and various posts at Birkdale, Sedbergh and Stowe. Previously in the Diplomatic Service. Teaching staff: 56 full time, 24 part time. Annual turnover 5-10%. Average age 37.
GCSE: 39 in Year 11: 100% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects. A-levels: 40 in upper sixth. All passed in 3+ subjects, with average final point score of 375.
95% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course, 5% to Oxbridge. 30% take courses in science and engineering, 60% in humanities and social sciences, 10% in art and design. Others typically go on to art or music colleges.
GCSE and IB Diploma (replaced A-levels from 2008). 20 exam subjects. Special provision: Full-time ESL teachers in each section. Languages: French, German, Italian and Spanish offered to GCSE and IB (Italian compulsory aged 6-16, French for 11-14). Various trips within Italy and to other European countries. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum (eg map skills in geography, access to NASA web site for science); offered at GCSE and AS-level. 50+ computers for pupil use (7 hours a day), majority networked and with email and ISDN internet access; standalone PC in each classroom.
Music: Approx 35% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups include orchestra, choir, pop group. Drama: Some pupils are involved in school productions. Art and design: On average, 12 take GCSE, 10 A-level. Design, pottery, textiles and photography also offered. 2+ pa go on to art college.
Sport: Sports available: soccer, hockey, basketball, athletics, swimming, tennis, volleyball, aerobics. Several national representatives (swimming, skiing, golf, horse riding). Activities: Variety offered at lunchtime and after school. Clubs include computers, chess, dance, drama, soccer, maths, science, French, Spanish, basketball, volleyball.
Uniform: Dress code throughout. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head boy/girl, head of house and house prefects elected by school and appointed by the Head. Religion: Weekly inter-denominational assembly.
School promotes an ethos of self-discipline and respect for others. A system of rewards and sanctions operates. Serious offences involving violence, drugs or bullying can lead to exclusion.
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