International School of Milan

Since 2024, Rebecca Glover BEd MEd. With over 20 years in leadership roles, including her most recent position as principal of Surbiton High School in the UK, this marks her first posting abroad, and includes an expanded remit - she also serves as

Waiting list for the IB Diploma Programme (grades 12 and 13) and some upper grades, but places more readily available in elementary school. School is non-selective, though students undergo an interview for English and maths. From grade 3 onwards,

The majority of students stay in Milan (eg Bocconi, Politecnico de Milano, Instituto Marangoni, Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti NABA) or go to the UK (eg Oxford University, UCL, King’s College and London Film Academy). Popular European destinations

In 2024, the average IB score was 36. One student achieved 45 and was awarded the very prestigious Alfieri del Lavoro prize for academic excellence - the first ever IB diploma student in the school to receive the recognition. Only 25 students in the

This is Milan's oldest IB continuum school, offering the Primary and Middle Years Programmes before leading to the diploma. Italian students can integrate classes covering the Italian national curriculum, allowing for a smooth transition into the

School offers support for a range of learning needs including dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia. However, there is no provision for full-time one-to-one assistance.

In the elementary years, a dedicated head of inclusive learning works closely

All students are supported to attain fluency in English and Italian. Students who require additional Italian or English support may access the school’s specialised language courses arranged on a case-by-case basis.

A British-style pantomime, now in its third year, is a much-anticipated annual event featuring Italian jokes and local references. It offers performance roles as well as opportunities in stage management, programme design and front-of-house duties -

While the gym and 25-metre indoor swimming pool are well regarded (swimming is incorporated into PE lessons at all levels), sports facilities overall are somewhat limited, and parents note that a larger football pitch and improved resources could

The school offers a global exchange programme through the Inspired schools group, allowing students to study abroad within the network for six weeks to a full academic year. ‘Prioritising personal growth and independence over academics’, the

Pastoral care is central to the school's ethos, with a dedicated pastoral hub where secondary students can easily access their heads of year. An open-door policy encourages students to seek support, while a private meeting room provides space for

The student body is evenly split between international and Italian families – many from long-standing Milanese lineages. A significant number of Italian parents have lived and worked abroad, and are drawn to the school’s combination of international

Parents accept that international schools in Milan are generally expensive and this one is no exception. Some murmurs that trips can be on the expensive side making them occasionally preclusive.

As the oldest IB continuum school in Milan, ISM brings together a wonderfully diverse community where old Milanese families, Italian business owners, celebrities and politicians sit alongside international families. It’s a school that truly welcomes