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The British School of Milan - Sir James Henderson

Italy, Milan

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees €14,490 - 24,900
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 780
Type Co-educational
Opened 1969
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP)
Taught languages Italian, French, Spanish
Typical class size 20
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

The British School of Milan (BSM) is a not-for-profit independent British international day school in Milan, Italy, serving pupils aged 3 to 18. It follows the English National Curriculum from ages 3–16, offers IGCSE in Year 11, and delivers the International Baccalaureate Diploma in the Sixth Form. Nursery to University is structured as Early Years 3–5; Primary 5–11; Senior 11–18. The Via Pisani Dossi campus at 16 provides small class sizes and a broad set of facilities, including a Learning Resource Centre, Science Laboratories, Computer and Digital Suites, a Music Classroom, Drama Studio, Art Classroom and dedicated spaces. The co-curricular programme runs 100+ activities, with an emphasis on music and performing arts, sport, and clubs. Notable features include five choirs, ABRSM instrumental tuition, debates and Model United Nations conferences, and educational trips. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award and the Sir James Lecture Series are elements, underpinned by pastoral care and engagement.

Via Carlo Alberto Pisani Dossi, 16, 20134 Milano MI, Italy

The Essentials

The British School of Milan - Sir James Henderson has 780 pupils, typical class sizes of 20, instruction in English.

Location
The British School of Milan is located in the north‑east of Milan, between the centre and Milano Due. It is about a 10‑minute walk from two Green Line Metro stations on the M2 line (Udine and Lambrate FS) and a short drive from Linate Airport. The campus has entrances on Via Pisani Dossi, 16 (Main Entrance) and Via Rombon.

Stages
Early Years, Primary, Senior (Sixth Form).

Type
Independent not-for-profit British international day school.

Pupil Nationality Mix
Pupils come from over 40 countries; around forty nationalities represented.

Additional learning support
English Language Support for pupils learning English as an Additional Language; Learning Support with a specialised team; individualised learning plans for pupils with recognised SEND; Senior School exam access arrangements when appropriate.

Country affiliation
Italy

School day structure
In Primary, the school day starts at 08.45 (Registration 08.45–09.00); lessons 09.00–10.20; break 10.20–10.40; lessons 10.40–12.00; Lunch 12.00–13.20; lessons 13.20–15.20; After‑School Co‑Curricular Activities 15.20–16.30.

Bus service
School transport is provided by Frigerio Viaggi; contract starting from the 2025/26 academic year; booking via the provided link; contact bsm@frigerioviaggi.com or +39 0362 350363.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
All students wear a uniform. Years 7–13 wear trousers, shorts or skirts in blue denim, navy blue, black or beige; Sixth Form (Years 12–13) wear a blue and white striped shirt with the school logo and a jumper if desired; Nursery to Year 11 wear a polo shirt with a V-neck jumper. Uniforms can be purchased from LM School Uniforms (Nursery–Year 13) and Hobby & Volley for the PE kit.

Food Options
The school uses Pellegrini Catering Services. All Nursery to Year 11 students have lunch on site and may bring a packed lunch or have a school lunch. Sixth Form students may have a school lunch or go out to a local cafe with written parental permission. Lunches are billed termly. A Food Quality Coordinator monitors the menu with Pellegrini's nutritionist, and there is a cafe/bar at morning break and vending machines around the site.

House System
Primary has three Houses—Foxes, Crocodiles and Dolphins. Pupils belong to a House, accumulate points for good behaviour and achievement, and a House Cup is awarded each term. Senior has three Houses—Darwin, Caxton and Seacole—headed by two Student Council members; the Student Voice coordinates charity activity and inter-house competitions across sport, drama and music.

Governance and Ownership
The British School of Milan SRL (an Italian 'società a responsabilità limitata') runs the school and is 100% owned by The Sir James Henderson British School of Milan (ETS). The SRL is governed by a Board of Directors; the school is regularly inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) and is a member of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference (HMC) and COBIS.
Fees

Annual tuition at The British School of Milan - Sir James Henderson ranges from EUR 14,490 to EUR 24,900 for 2026/27.

Tuition fees (annual and per-term billing)

- EUR 14,000 per year: Nursery and Reception (Private). Payment schedule: 40% = EUR 5,600 (due 31 May), 30% = EUR 4,200 (due 31 October), 30% = EUR 4,200 (due 31 January).
- EUR 15,400 per year: Nursery and Reception (Corporate). Payment schedule: 40% = EUR 6,160 (due 31 May), 30% = EUR 4,620 (due 31 October), 30% = EUR 4,620 (due 31 January).

- EUR 16,300 per year: Year 1 and Year 2 (Private). Payment schedule: 40% = EUR 6,520, 30% = EUR 4,890, 30% = EUR 4,890.
- EUR 17,900 per year: Year 1 and Year 2 (Corporate). Payment schedule: 40% = EUR 7,160, 30% = EUR 5,370, 30% = EUR 5,370.

- EUR 17,900 per year: Year 3 and Year 4 (Private). Payment schedule: 40% = EUR 7,160, 30% = EUR 5,370, 30% = EUR 5,370.
- EUR 19,700 per year: Year 3 and Year 4 (Corporate). Payment schedule: 40% = EUR 7,880, 30% = EUR 5,910, 30% = EUR 5,910.

- EUR 18,800 per year: Year 5 and Year 6 (Private). Payment schedule: 40% = EUR 7,520, 30% = EUR 5,640, 30% = EUR 5,640.
- EUR 20,600 per year: Year 5 and Year 6 (Corporate). Payment schedule: 40% = EUR 8,240, 30% = EUR 6,180, 30% = EUR 6,180.

- EUR 20,100 per year: Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9 (Private). Payment schedule: 40% = EUR 8,040, 30% = EUR 6,030, 30% = EUR 6,030.
- EUR 22,100 per year: Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9 (Corporate). Payment schedule: 40% = EUR 8,840, 30% = EUR 6,630, 30% = EUR 6,630.

- EUR 21,500 per year: Year 10 and Year 11 (Private). Payment schedule: 40% = EUR 8,600, 30% = EUR 6,450, 30% = EUR 6,450.
- EUR 23,600 per year: Year 10 and Year 11 (Corporate). Payment schedule: 40% = EUR 9,440, 30% = EUR 7,080, 30% = EUR 7,080.

- EUR 22,700 per year: Year 12 and Year 13 (Private). Payment schedule: 40% = EUR 9,080, 30% = EUR 6,810, 30% = EUR 6,810.
- EUR 24,900 per year: Year 12 and Year 13 (Corporate). Payment schedule: 40% = EUR 9,960, 30% = EUR 7,470, 30% = EUR 7,470.

Registration and admissions fees

- Registration fee (new pupils Nursery & Reception): EUR 2,900.
- Registration fee (new pupil Years 1–13, first child): EUR 5,400.
- Registration fee (each new sibling Years 1–13): EUR 3,900.
- Registration fee is non-refundable and is a one-time payment due on initial enrolment; payment must be made within 10 days of receiving the offer.
- Entrance assessment test and SEN test: EUR 300 payable in advance; this amount is deducted from the registration fee if a place is confirmed.

Music lessons, clubs and co-curricular charges

- Individual music lessons: 40-minute lesson EUR 41; 60-minute lesson EUR 61.
- After-school clubs: EUR 178 per club per term. Twilight Club, Mandarin Club and Varsity Club fees are determined after sign-up and do not have a fixed published fee.

English as an Additional Language (EAL) fees

- Senior EAL, per term: Support Level A EUR 2,850; Level B EUR 2,350; Level C EUR 1,850; Level D EUR 1,300; Level E EUR 780. Academic Writing Course EUR 370.
- Primary EAL packages, per term: Gold EUR 2,850; Silver EUR 2,000; Bronze EUR 1,150.

Italian and Italian mathematics tuition (per term)

- Primary School Italian: EUR 270 per term and EUR 450 per term (both amounts published).
- Senior School Italian & Maths: EUR 780 per term and EUR 850 per term (both amounts published).

Other fees and services

- IGCSE examination fees vary by number of subjects; benchmark range published: EUR 1,000 to EUR 1,200.
- IB examination fee varies by year; benchmark published: EUR 1,150.
- Compulsory educational trips are not included in tuition and are billed separately on demand.
- Bus service is provided and billed by a third-party transport company; bus costs are additional.
- Lunches are billed separately at EUR 7.80 per lunch (excluding VAT).

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Standard tuition billing is split as follows: 40% due 31 May, 30% due 31 October, 30% due 31 January. Other fees and term-based services follow the payment dates shown in the school's payment schedule.
- Late or overdue payments incur interest at a rate of 2% per annum. Pupils whose fees are overdue by 15 days or more may be excluded from the school until outstanding amounts and related interest are settled in full.

Withdrawal, refunds and penalties

- The registration fee is non-refundable.
- If a student withdraws after the published notice deadlines a penalty of EUR 3,000 will be charged.
- The EUR 300 entrance assessment/SEN test fee is payable in advance and is deducted from the registration fee if a place is confirmed.

Fee payment options and bank details

- All payments must be made by bank transfer to the school account as follows: The British School of Milan Srl, Banca BPM, IBAN: IT35Y0503401647000000008407, BIC/SWIFT: BAPPIT21G57.

Discounts

- Sibling discounts on tuition only: 12% discount for the third child attending at the same time; 65% discount for the fourth child attending at the same time (discounts apply only when children attend concurrently).
Academics

The British School of Milan - Sir James Henderson teaches British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP) for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
Follows the English National Curriculum from ages 3 to 16, with IGCSE in Year 11 and the International Baccalaureate Diploma in the Sixth Form. Nursery to University: Early Years 3-5; Primary 5-11; Senior 11-18.

Exam Results
IB Diploma Programme average 37.3 points; IGCSE results 9-4 grades 100%; University entry 100%.

Higher Education Progression
100% university entry.

Gifted and Talented
Three IB Diploma Programme scholarships awarded annually to high-ability students entering Year 12; scholarships last two years and may cover up to 100% of tuition, based on merit and means testing. Internal and external candidates may apply.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school delivers PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education) in a safe environment, enabling students to explore issues such as cultural diversity and healthy living. The Senior School assigns each pupil to a tutor who takes an active interest in their academic work and co-curricular involvement, while Primary pupils have a classroom teacher who fulfils the same role. Students participate in PSHE sessions, school assemblies and wider learning to develop personal and social competencies. The pastoral system supports well-being and happiness across curricular and co-curricular life. A counsellor provides confidential counselling to help students address personal concerns and develop coping strategies, and there is a broader programme to combat stress and support well-being.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The Learning Support Department identifies and supports pupils with specific educational needs, working with teachers, parents and students to create an inclusive learning environment. The department offers one-to-one or small-group support and aims to help pupils access the curriculum and reach their potential. Specific learning difficulties are recognised, assessed and catered for, with individualised learning plans for SEND students. Access arrangements for exams are arranged in the Senior School where appropriate to ensure equal opportunities. A range of teaching approaches, small-group or one-to-one sessions and technology are used to support inclusive learning; a SEND & Learning Support Policy exists.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Many students have English as their first language, and ongoing English language support is provided until pupils are fully confident in their language skills. The Learning Support Department coordinates language development and inclusive education for EAL students. An EAL policy is published in the Key Policies.

Mental Wellbeing
The School Counsellor offers independent and confidential counselling to students. There is a broader programme that provides strategies to combat stress and support well-being. The on-site School Nurse provides medical and first aid support and the school maintains First Aid at Work trained staff. The PSHE programme and pastoral care underpin mental wellbeing and resilience across year groups.

Safeguarding
A Safeguarding Policy exists, with references to Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and related child protection policies. A designated e-Safety Officer works with the leadership team, pastoral team and ICT department to implement resources and measures to keep pupils safe online. Tutor time and PSHE activities address contemporary safety issues, including internet trends, security settings and pupils' digital footprints. The school maintains safeguarding procedures consistent with statutory guidance and monitors responses to concerns through its policy framework.
Parent Experience

History
Established in 1969, the Sir James Henderson British School of Milan offered a British-style education to Milan's international expatriate community. It operates as an independent, not-for-profit organization serving pupils from nursery to university, and has grown from a handful of students to around 700 pupils drawn from about forty nationalities. It is now known as The British School of Milan (BSM), formerly the Sir James Henderson School. All Sixth Formers pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma.

Community
The school has an international student body representing around forty nationalities, and a strong, supportive network of parents and Friends. Pupils participate in a wide range of sports and the performing arts; music and art are highlighted, and alumni return for regular concerts. The school aims to foster a strong sense of community involving students, staff, parents and alumni.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Friends is The British School of Milan's parent group. Our goal is to support and strengthen a sense of community and improve and enhance communication between parents, teachers, governors and students. All parents are automatically members and the Class Representative Network coordinates involvement, while Friends organizes social and fundraising events. Groups within Friends include Bus, Lunch, Uniform, Welcome, and Parent Co-Curricular; events include a Christmas Fair, a Careers Fair, an Alumni University Fair and a Summer Aperitivo, with funds raised supporting outdoor improvements, the Primary Wild Garden, theatre lighting, shade areas, music equipment, recording equipment, IT hardware and more. For more information, please contact friends@bsm.school.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The British School of Milan is located at Via Pisani Dossi, 16, Milano 20134, Italy. It is a not-for-profit British international school serving over 700 pupils from around 40 nationalities aged 3 to 18. The campus provides a safe, well-located environment for learning and play with small class sizes. It delivers a rigorous British curriculum in English and supports a broad co-curricular programme including music and the performing arts, with alumni regularly returning for concerts. The school emphasizes pastoral care and academic achievement.

Sports Facilities
The on-site facilities include a gym, and the school uses a range of local and specialist sporting facilities to support co-curricular sport across all key stages during lunchtimes, after-school and weekends.

Academic Facilities
The campus houses a Learning Resource Centre (library), Science Laboratories, a Computer Suite, a Digital Suite, a Music Classroom, a Drama Studio, an Art Classroom, and dedicated subject classrooms to support the British curriculum in English for ages 3–18. The facilities are described as well-resourced to foster a high-quality teaching and learning environment.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The co-curricular programme offers 100+ after-school activities. Educational trips and visits supplement classroom learning, including sports tournaments, debate competitions, Model United Nations conferences, and science and history excursions. The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award is part of the programme, and events such as the BSM Eisteddfod and The Sir James Lecture Series are part of school life.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Educational trips supplement and enrich teaching; they range from local day trips to month-long international expeditions. Regular international excursions include sports tournaments in Switzerland and Austria, debate competitions, Model United Nations conferences in France and Spain, and Maths and History competitions in Luxembourg, Austria and Belgium. World Challenge Expeditions include Vietnam and Cambodia; there have been trips to Croatia with Operation Wallacea; theatre visits in French, Italian, Spanish and English; geography investigations in Piacenza, Verona and Elba; and Science visits to CERN. Each educational visit is comprehensively assessed for risk and safety.

Arts & Creative
Art Twilight Class and after-school art-based clubs run in the primary and senior schools. The Media Production Club offers video and content production projects spanning pre-production to post-production. Digital Advertising Strategies lets students explore branding and online advertising, including Google Ads basics and SEO. There are five choirs (Primary School Choir, Junior Choir, Senior Choir, Chamber Choir, and Parents'/Friends' Choir) and ABRSM is the center for instrumental tuition in Italy, with about 200 students.

Cultural & Language
The co-curriculum includes theatre visits in French, Italian, Spanish and English. Model United Nations exposes students to global issues, with conferences such as Paris MUN, Barcelona MUN and Milan MUN. BSM Eisteddfod is a house competition blending culture with academic subjects. The Sir James Lecture Series brings leading figures from sport, arts and society to speak to the school community.

Social & Hobbies
The co-curricular programme includes a rich array of clubs and activities during the school day, after-school, weekends and some holiday periods. Pupils in the Primary and Senior Schools benefit from an outstanding range of co-curricular activities. There is an After-School Care Club for Nursery and Reception. The everyONE initiative aims for every Year Group to participate in at least one co-curricular activity each academic year.

Community & Service
The school has a tradition of service and local and international charity projects. The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award offers Bronze in Year 10 and Silver and Gold in Year 12, with four sections (Skills, Physical Recreation, Voluntary Service, Adventurous Journey) and a Residential Project at Gold level. The Sir James Lecture Series fosters community engagement with speakers from business, academia and society.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership opportunities are integrated into co-curricular sport, with PlayMaker Award in Primary and the Young Leader Award in the Senior School. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award includes leadership development across its four sections. The Sir James Lecture Series provides opportunities to hear from leaders in sport, business and the arts.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Sport is offered across lunchtimes, after-school and weekends with a wide range of after-school sport clubs. The programme emphasises values such as sportsmanship, integrity, respect, effort, humility and teamwork. There is an After-School Care Club for Nursery and Reception. The everyONE initiative ensures Year Groups participate in at least one co-curricular activity each year, promoting balanced well-being through active involvement.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the medium of instruction at The British School of Milan. English Language Support is provided for pupils learning English as an Additional Language (EAL) to enable participation and academic success in the curriculum, in the Primary School. Additional Italian language support is offered in two categories: Native Speakers (preparation for Italian state exams) and Non-native Speakers (to improve Italian), with after-school sessions. The Italian provisions cover both Primary and Senior Schools, including Italian literature, grammar, history, geography, science and mathematics, and the Italian state exams have a 100% pass rate reported.
Admissions

Admissions
The school is academically non-selective. The admissions criteria are fourfold: 1. Interview; 2) Reports and reference from the child's current school; 3) Assessments in English and Mathematics; 4) Availability of places in the relevant year group. 1. Interview: Usually with the Head of the Primary School for Primary admissions or with the Head of Key Stage for Senior School admissions; the interview discusses the curriculum, subject choices and school life, and is followed by a tour of the School. 2. Reports and reference: The latest reports and a reference from the child's current school are required. 3. Assessments: Standardised assessments in Senior School admissions determine whether a child can access a curriculum delivered in English; generally there are no assessments to enter the Primary School. 4. Availability: Demand for places is high and particularly competitive in key year groups, so parents are advised to apply early; the School maintains a balance of British, Italian and international students within each year group. For enquiries, complete the BSM online application form. The school has rolling admissions with no fixed deadline for applications. Years 10 and 12 Entry Information for September 2026 details the following: Year 10 Entry requires birth between 1 September 2011 and 31 August 2012; Year 12 Entry requires birth between 1 September 2009 and 31 August 2010. Registration and Subject Choice Form deadline is 15 September 2025; Entrance Exam Dates are 8 October 2025 for Year 10 and 15 October 2025 for Year 12; Interviews are in November 2025; Offers are confirmed by email; Acceptance Deadline is two weeks after the offer.

Scholarships
Three IB Diploma Programme scholarships are awarded annually to students of high academic ability. A Scholarship recognises a student's academic performance, potential and participation in school life, and scholars are leaders in the Sixth Form and the broader school community. Scholarships are open on a competitive basis to all candidates who meet the eligibility criteria; awards are merit-based. External candidates should complete the main application form and email admissions to add their child to the scholarships list; internal candidates should email admissions to be added. The 2026-27 academic year is the current focus; the application deadline is 31 October. Schedule for awarding scholarships: Registration closes 31 October; Scholarship assessment in the first week of November; Interviews in the first week of December; Announcement of award in the third week of December; late applicants are not considered. The scholarships are for entry into Year 12 (age 16+), lasting two years (Years 12 and 13). The value is means-tested and can be up to 100% of tuition; the minimum is 20% of tuition, with awards based on declared family income following a set procedure and subject to annual means-testing. The award is based on merit after the scholarship assessment, the interview, and a satisfactory reference from the pupil's current school. The scholarship assessment consists of an online general-ability test (taken remotely under supervision) and an online scholarship interview. The examination is English-language; practice papers are not provided. Examinations take place at the school on the scheduled dates. The scholarship interview is conducted by the Scholarship Committee and lasts about 30 minutes; only candidates who perform sufficiently well in the written examination are invited to the interview. The decision to award a Scholarship is made by the Principal on the Scholarship Committee's recommendation. The Board of Governors does not participate in the decision-making. If a candidate is unavailable on the specified dates, examinations and/or interviews cannot be rescheduled. Continuation of a Scholarship depends on good school reports, attendance and punctuality; the Principal may reduce or withdraw an award for unsatisfactory progress, or for non-payment or breach of the Parental Code of Conduct. All other terms apply as described by the Scholarship Committee.

Waitlist
The school does not publish waiting lists by year group; admissions operate on a rolling basis with no fixed deadline for applications.
School Events
The school has not added events
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