The British School of Milan, formerly Sir James Henderson and now usually shortened to BSM, is an independent not for profit school in the northern part of Milan, teaching from the early years through to the sixth form. Founded in 1969 by members of the British community in the city, it educates around 790 students from more than fifty nationalities and is widely regarded as the leading IB school in Italy. This profile sets out the curriculum, the fees, how admissions work and where the campus sits.
British School of Milan at a glance
| Detail | Summary |
|---|---|
| Curriculum and exam boards | English National Curriculum; IGCSE in Year 11; the IB Diploma in the sixth form |
| Stages | Early years to Year 13 (ages 3 to 18) |
| Founded | 1969 |
| Status | Independent not for profit; IB World School |
| Fee band | Premium for the city |
| Campus area | Via Pisani Dossi, Niguarda, northern Milan |
Curriculum and academics
BSM follows the English National Curriculum from the early years through to IGCSE in Year 11, then switches to the IB Diploma in the sixth form rather than offering A Levels. That combination is deliberate: a familiar British primary and lower secondary route, then the broad, internationally recognised Diploma for the final two years, which suits families who may move on from Italy. English is the language of instruction, with Italian and modern languages taught throughout.
As a long established IB World School, BSM pairs small class sizes with a full set of facilities, including science laboratories, a learning resource centre, digital suites and dedicated music, drama and art spaces. To weigh it against the rest of the field, use the IB schools in Milan hub and ask the school for its recent IGCSE and IB Diploma outcomes.
Budgeting for a Milan school place?
Use our fee calculator to estimate the full cost of a place, tuition plus the registration, deposit and transport extras, before you commit.
British School of Milan fees
BSM sits in the premium band for Milan, towards the top of the range, with tuition rising at each stage and highest in the IB Diploma years. The figures are indicative only and should be confirmed with the school, as fees are reviewed annually. Budget beyond tuition for a one off registration fee, a refundable deposit, and optional extras such as transport, lunch and the trips and examination costs that come with the senior years.
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 rolling entry into other year groups where places exist. Families provide recent school reports and references, and applicants complete age appropriate assessments, with sixth form entry conditional on IGCSE or equivalent results that meet the requirements for the IB Diploma.
As one of the most sought after schools in Milan, some year groups carry waiting lists, so applying six to twelve months ahead of your move is sensible.
Location and who goes there
BSM is on Via Pisani Dossi in the Niguarda area of northern Milan, where the primary and senior schools have shared one campus since 1996. The surrounding northern districts and the well connected suburbs are where many of the international and dual nationality families who choose the school tend to live. To see how the area compares for schools and commuting, and to line up alternatives, start from the Milan city hub.
British School of Milan reviews
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Frequently asked questions
How much are British School of Milan fees?
BSM sits in the upper, premium band for Milan, with tuition rising at each stage and highest in the IB Diploma years. Figures are indicative, so confirm the current schedule with the school.
Does the British School of Milan offer A Levels or the IB?
BSM follows the English National Curriculum and IGCSE, then offers the IB Diploma in the sixth form rather than A Levels.
When was the British School of Milan founded?
The school was founded in 1969 by members of the British community in Milan and was originally named Sir James Henderson.
Where is the British School of Milan located?
The school is on Via Pisani Dossi in the Niguarda area of northern Milan, with the primary and senior schools on one campus.
What ages does the British School of Milan take?
BSM takes children from the early years at age 3 through to the end of the sixth form at age 18.
