Dr Chris Greenhalgh
Principal and CEO
The British School of Milan, founded in 1969, is a co-educational day school and the only school in Milan awarded the highest rating of excellent by UK Government Inspectors (ISI). In 2020, it was rated among the top 10 schools in Europe.
The BSM is a not-for-profit school which provides world-class education to 720 students aged 3 to 18 of over 40 different nationalities. The school values cultural diversity and offers a rich international experience while rigorously following the UK National Curriculum.
Students pursue the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. Academic results are outstanding and students progress to top universities around the globe. In the last few years they have gained places at Oxford, LSE, Imperial, University College London, The University of Edinburgh, Trinity College Dublin, Università Bocconi, University of British Colombia, Sciences Po and many other leading universities.
There is a strong emphasis on co-curricular activities with over 100 options available. The school is particularly proud of its exceptional music, art and drama departments. The school nourishes a strong tradition of community service, with a scholarship and bursary fund and its involvement in the International Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.
High quality teaching and learning is at the core of what we do at the BSM. The style of teaching is modern and progressive. Our teachers are professionally qualified, highly experienced and annually appraised.
| Number of students |
760 |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
44 |
| Most common nationality |
Italian |
| Ratio of local students to international students |
60% Italian, 40% International |
| Native English speaking teachers |
All teachers are native English speakers, or native speakers of the language they are teaching. |
| Language support for students not fluent in English |
We offer EAL (English as an Additional Language) classes for those students who need extra support. |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
Italian, French, Spanish and after school Mandarin club. |
| Max. number of students per class |
20 |
| Average number of students per class |
16 |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes, in the Primary School. |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
There are computer suites available to all students from Reception to Year 13. All classrooms in the Primary School have interactive clever-boards, and access to iPads. All students from Year 10 upwards must bring their own device (laptop or tablet) into school. |
| Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures) |
We offer a hybrid learning system delivering lessons simultaneously in-class and online, using Microsoft Teams and Zoom. |
| Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
No, the school is non-denominational. |
| External examinations or assessments available |
IGCSEs and the IB Diploma. |
| Results in these examinations |
The IB Diploma average score is 36 points, with the top 20 students achieving an average of 40 points. 76% of all IGCSE exam results were A* or A grades. 100% of all results were A* to C. |
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes |
| Approximate hours of homework given |
This varies according to each year group. |
| Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
100% |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
Yes |
| Learning support offered |
The SEN Department offers one-to-one or small-group support, advice and guidance to any pupil who may need additional help with learning to fulfil their academic potential. |
| The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
Gifted students are given an enhanced programme where possible, with the opportunity to take external exams early where appropriate. |
| Student access to education psychologist |
We have a school counsellor available to all students. |
| Entry evaluation for students |
Yes we conduct interviews with the relevant Head of school section, and assessments for entry to the Senior School. |
| Brief description of entry evaluation required |
Entrance assessments for the Senior School are generally Maths and English papers, or an online cognitive ability test. |
| Waiting list |
Yes, in some year groups we are oversubscribed, but this varies year to year. |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
There is no deadline, we have a rolling admissions process due to the international nature of the school. |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes, on a case-by-case basis. |
| School start time |
Lessons begin at 8.50 |
| School finish time |
The main curriculum finishes at 15.20 |
| Supervised care before/after school |
Students can arrive from 8.20 in the morning, and there are after-school clubs until 16.30 every day, some going until 17.30. |
| School bus service available |
Yes, provided by Eurocar. |
| School provided lunches |
Yes, but children can also bring their own lunch if preferred. |
| Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
Yes |
| Uniform required |
Yes, school polo shirt and jumper. Shirts in the sixth form. |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
We have over 100 extracurricular clubs available to children at lunchtime, or after school. |
| Sports activities included |
All children have two sports lessons every week until 16 years old. Athletics, gymnastics, dance, multi-skills, basketball, swimming, rugby, badminton, rounders, volleyball, football, table-tennis, softball, zumba amongst others. |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Yes, several teams and competitions. |
| Sports facilities at the school |
All of the above - either offered on our site or at a local sports centre. |
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
Identified as one of the top 10 British Schools in the world and the only school in Milan rated 'Excellent' by UK Government inspectors, the British School of Milan (BSM) is a co-educational day school, with an international constituency extending across the city of Milan and beyond. Established in 1969, the school offers an academically rigorous as well as a broad and balanced curriculum for students between the ages of 3 and 18. We aim to inspire pupils and instil in them a love of learning and a clear set of values; to develop the life of the mind in ways that are exciting, challenging, ambitious, as well as fun. A highly qualified and committed body of staff delivers lessons in small classes. Students enjoy an exceptionally friendly atmosphere, ensuring that they feel safe and happy. A wide range of sporting activities is available, while standards of creativity in Music, Art and Drama are exceptional – for instance the choir was recently invited to perform in the Vatican in Rome. Finally, because the BSM is a not-for-profit organisation, all the revenue is re-invested back into the school and does not go to shareholders or private equity. |
| Teaching approach of the school |
The school aims to continue its excellent record of academic achievement, pastoral care and co-curricular opportunity. Academic excellence is achieved by bright, motivated students, inspired by highly qualified and dedicated teachers in well-resourced classrooms. Academic staff are almost all UK-trained, and the teaching style is progressive. A professional team of tutors and Key Stage Heads ensures that our pupils are happy and receive expert care and support, while the mutual respect shared by students and staff helps to generate an atmosphere of tremendous friendliness. Pupils participate in a wide variety of sports and the performing arts. Music and Art are particularly strong, and the quality of the choirs across the school is extraordinary. Every pupil is encouraged to be creative, curious, critically aware, and to develop his or her passions and talents to the full. While distinctively modern and forward-looking, the school continues to value its alumni, who return for regular concerts, and whose presence is strongly felt in related social media. The school’s international outlook promotes the principles of tolerance and open-mindedness. A tradition of service and local and international charity projects advances a core set of values across the student body. Ambitious but principled, confident and compassionate, our pupils are prepared for leadership in an ever more complex world. |
Early Years Foundation Stage is for children aged 3 - 5.
Each child is unique and in the Foundation Stage we provide a challenging, stimulating and supportive environment in which each child can achieve his/her full potential.
Through a play-based curriculum children are encouraged to develop positive relationships with adults and peers alike. Children are encouraged to behave responsibly and foster respect for each other and their learning environment.
We build the foundations of life-long learning by encouraging children to think and cultivate their own ideas in safe surroundings. Our activities are planned carefully and children are supported by both the teachers and teaching assistants in order to personalise their learning. Children will grow in confidence as they make discoveries about the world around them.
Primary is for children aged 6 - 10.
The main focus is on Mathematics and English, with these subjects taught every day. But this is within a larger creative curriculum, which also sees pupils learning Science, History and Geography, ICT, Art and Design, with Music, PE, and Italian taught by specialists.
Classes are small, taught by expert staff, with many classes also enjoying Teaching Assistants, making personalised learning a reality. Pupils are warmly welcomed, and settle in quickly, and teachers ensure they are safe and happy. A well-resourced library helps pupils to develop their inner life.
The British teaching style ensures that students actively participate and engage in lessons, and develop personally as well as academically. Success is celebrated, and students emerge as confident, curious and enthusiastic learners.
Senior is for students aged 11 - 18.
In the Senior School, students follow a broad, balanced and rigorous curriculum, with a wide range of subject options, choosing up to ten at IGCSE, and six subjects for the International Baccalaureate. The IB is the gold standard of international education and the best preparation for university and the world of work.
Our Sixth Form numbers around 120, and in addition to academic studies, students pursue a programme of Creativity, Activity and Service, developing a rounded personality and transferable skills of leadership and teamwork.
A well-resourced Learning Centre helps to support their studies.
The school is favourably located near central Milan, close to the Green Line Metro stations of Lambrate and Udine, and very well served by local buses.
We’re delighted that you’re considering The British School of Milan for your child’s education.
If you want your son or daughter to enjoy the BSM experience and join a community that is international and dynamic, then please feel welcome to visit us and see for yourself what a difference a BSM education can make.
We’re looking forward to answering all of your questions and welcoming your family to our school.
