Bilingual European School, usually shortened to BES, is a genuinely bilingual English and Italian school in the northern part of Milan, teaching children from age 2 through to 18. Founded in 1999 as one of the first bilingual schools in the city, it runs a 50 50 dual language model rather than an English only programme with Italian on the side, which makes it a natural fit for families who want their children fluent and literate in both languages. This profile sets out the curriculum, the fees, how admissions work and where the campuses sit.
Bilingual European School at a glance
| Detail | Summary |
|---|---|
| Curriculum and exam boards | Bilingual English and Italian; Italian ministerial curriculum with the IB Primary Years Programme; Middle Years Programme candidate; dual diploma with the Ontario Secondary School Diploma in the high school |
| Stages | Early years to high school (ages 2 to 18) |
| Founded | 1999 |
| Accreditation | Recognised by the Italian Ministry of Education; authorised IB Primary Years Programme; Middle Years Programme candidate |
| Fee band | Mid for the city |
| Campus area | Two campuses, Via Val Cismon and Via Resegone, northern Milan |
Curriculum and academics
The defining feature at BES is the even split between English and Italian, held at roughly half the timetable in each language through the primary years. In the primary school the Italian ministerial programme runs alongside the IB Primary Years Programme, which organises learning around transdisciplinary themes and inquiry rather than isolated subjects. The middle school is a Middle Years Programme candidate following the Italian curriculum, and the high school offers a dual diploma that combines the Italian scientific track with the Ontario Secondary School Diploma, giving leavers two recognised qualifications from a single course.
Because the school is fully bilingual rather than an immersion add on, children typically reach genuine working fluency in both languages, which suits families planning to stay in Italy as well as those who may move on. To weigh it against other dual language options in the city, use the bilingual schools in Milan hub and ask the school about progression and recent diploma outcomes.
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Bilingual European School fees
| Stage | Annual tuition |
|---|---|
| Nursery 2 (age 2) | EUR 12,250 |
| Grade 1 | EUR 13,200 |
| Grade 5 | EUR 13,350 |
| Grade 8 (age 13) | EUR 14,650 |
Source: Bilingual European School Milan (beschool.eu). Annual tuition only; school runs to age 14 (Grade 8). Excludes one-time building fund and annual registration. Fees are the most recent published figures and exclude one-off costs such as registration, deposits and capital levies. Always confirm current fees directly with the school.
BES sits in the mid band for Milan, where most reputable international and bilingual schools land between roughly EUR 14,000 and EUR 21,000 a year, with tuition rising at each stage and highest in the high school. The figures are indicative and should be confirmed with the school, as fees are reviewed annually. Budget beyond tuition for a one off registration or enrolment fee, an annual materials or technology charge, and optional extras such as lunch and transport.
For the wider cost picture across the city see our guide to international school fees in Milan, or estimate your own total with the fee calculator.
Admissions
The academic year runs from September, and the main intake follows it, with places filled on a rolling basis where year groups have room. Families submit recent school reports and references, and younger children are usually assessed informally through a settling visit while older applicants may sit an age appropriate assessment, including a check of English and Italian language readiness given the bilingual model.
Because the bilingual programme appeals strongly to both expat and local families, popular year groups can carry waiting lists, so applying six to twelve months ahead of your move is sensible.
Location and who goes there
BES operates two campuses in the northern part of Milan, on Via Val Cismon and Via Resegone, within the residential districts that many international and dual nationality families favour. The intake is a genuine mix of Italian families wanting strong English and relocating families wanting their children to settle into Italian life, which is part of the appeal of a 50 50 model. To see how the surrounding districts compare for schools and commuting, start from the Milan city hub.
Bilingual European School reviews
We do not yet hold any verified parent reviews for the Bilingual European School. GlobalSchoolGuide is an independent guide and no school pays to be listed, so we publish a rating only once we have collected enough verified first hand accounts to be fair to both the school and to families reading them. We would rather show nothing than show an invented score.
If your family has attended the school we would value your account of admissions, the bilingual teaching, pastoral care and value for money. Share it through our school reviews hub and we will add verified contributions to this page.
Frequently asked questions
How much are Bilingual European School fees?
BES sits in the mid band for Milan international schools. Tuition rises with each stage and is highest in the high school years. Figures are indicative, so confirm the current schedule with the school.
What curriculum does the Bilingual European School follow?
BES runs a 50 50 bilingual English and Italian model. Primary follows the Italian ministerial curriculum alongside the IB Primary Years Programme, the middle school is a Middle Years Programme candidate, and the high school offers a dual diploma combining the Italian path with the Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
What ages does the Bilingual European School take?
BES and its associated pre school take children from age 2 through to 18, from early years to the end of high school.
Where is the Bilingual European School located?
BES operates two Milan campuses, on Via Val Cismon and Via Resegone, both in the northern part of the city.
Is the Bilingual European School an IB school?
Yes. BES is authorised for the IB Primary Years Programme and is a Middle Years Programme candidate school, and it is recognised by the Italian Ministry of Education.
