The British School of Milan (BSM) was founded in 1969 and is a single campus day school for 3-18 year old students. It follows the British curriculum with students doing the IB in the final 2 years – the Sixth Form.
It has been identified as one of the top 10 British Schools Overseas and is the leading IB school in Italy. It is the only school in Milan rated ‘Excellent’ by UK Government Inspectors (ISI) as recently as March 2025.
We spoke with Jonathan Massey, BSM Director of Sixth Form to find out more about the school’s ethos and what makes it such a special place for young people to learn and grow.
Get to Know The British School of Milan – Sir James Henderson
For readers who may not be familiar with The BSM, could you tell us a little about the school?
The BSM is an independent not-for-profit school which means money is reinvested back into teaching and learning. Today the school has 790 students from over 50 different nationalities. The school chooses to maintain a family feel with approximately 60 children per Year Group which allows us to know the children and their families and in turn, for them to know us.
In a recent survey, 74% of parents say they are completely, or very, satisfied with the school. 95% of parents say they would recommend BSM to friends or colleagues. As one parent says: ‘In a nutshell: the academics are really good – the level of pastoral care is very high. I feel like the school really cares about my child’s well-being and growth as a person!’
How would you describe life in the Sixth Form at BSM, and what do you think sets it apart from other international schools in Italy?
Life in the Sixth Form at BSM is academically rigorous and rich with opportunities. The excellent teacher to student ratio, one of the best in Milan and indeed Italy, means teachers and students work together in a close, collaborative manner. Each student is placed in a tutor group which allows tutors to monitor the overall academic and social progress of the students. Students contribute to the community in BSM’s Sixth Form through elected leadership positions such as Head Student but also as Subject Ambassadors or leaders of the 3 houses in the school. University support is a real strength and students’ university destinations are excellent and the best in Italy: in 2025 almost 20% of students gained places at Oxford, Cambridge and 4 Ivy League universities.
In your experience, what do you see as the greatest benefits of the IB Diploma for students at BSM, both academically and personally?
Universities like IB Diploma students; they have an excellent broad knowledge base thanks to the range of subjects students pursue – but also thanks to the 4,000 words Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge component of the IB. More emphasis is placed on the interdisciplinary nature of knowledge and thinking and on global awareness. For students, there is no doubt it develops their capacity for work and enables them to develop some really vital skills such as prioritisation, problem-solving and time management. We also think it is valuable that they maintain mathematics and a language so they develop confidence in numeracy and communication.
Sixth Form can be both exciting and demanding. How does BSM support students’ wellbeing and confidence while encouraging them to grow as independent young adults?
The school offers high academic challenge – but also ‘high’ support; the fact that we know the students means that no one goes unnoticed and we can quickly pick up on concerns. The school has an excellent system of pastoral care, including one-on-one tutoring, mentoring and coaching. Students have access to mental well-being resources and teachers are equipped to help and support students through the challenge of the IB.
BSM graduates have gone on to leading universities around the world. What kind of guidance and support do students receive before and during the application process?
The university pathways begin in Year 10 and 11. Students are encouraged to participate in Super Curricular activities that are essential for the world’s best universities. In Year 12 BSM begins to involve parents and students in more detailed workshops, information evenings and individual interviews to help guide the students as they make applications to the UK, EU and USA. Mock interviews are conducted with external specialists to ensure the students are prepared for any university interviews that occur in Year 13.
Throughout the Sixth Form, top UK and EU universities visit BSM, giving students the opportunity to discuss career pathways, degree options, and university life directly with admissions representatives. In addition, the biennial BSM Careers Fair brings professionals from a wide range of fields to the school for one-to-one sessions, enabling students to gain first-hand insight into different careers and working environments.
What role do teachers, tutors and the Sixth Form team play in supporting students through the pressures of the IB and the university application process?
Teachers and tutors provide academic guidance, feedback, and emotional support. The Sixth Form team coordinates university applications and offers personalised mentoring to ensure students manage the challenges. Students are supported with interview practice and in preparation for specific tests such as BMAT. The school also has a counsellor that can provide mental well-being support.
You are soon launching the BSM Plus Lecture Series, open to both Sixth Formers and the wider BSM community. What inspired this initiative?
The Sir James Lecture series has two functions: to allow students to hear from leaders in fields such as sport and the arts but also to establish BSM as a cultural hub for the English-speaking community in Milan. The lectures foster intellectual curiosity and connect the school – and wider community – with experts across various fields.
What kinds of speakers or topics can students look forward to hearing about in the series?
Students can expect a diverse range of speakers, including the former co-owner and vice-chair of Arsenal FC, David Dein,and former Master of Emmanuel College, and Director General of the UK’s National Trust, Dame Fiona Reynolds. The talks are aimed at provoking them to think and to consider their own impact on society and their communities.
As a not-for-profit school, the British Consul General in Milan sits on your Board of Directors, how does that connection strengthen the school’s vision and international standing?
Having the British Consul General on the board strengthens BSM’s British identity and international connections. It enhances the school’s credibility and ensures that it maintains strong ties with the UK and global institutions. He is also a valued member of the Board bringing both experience and insight on the evolving world of work as well as the significance of geopolitical change.
BSM has an active and supportive Alumni Network. Can you share how former students continue to be part of the school community?
Alumni stay connected through events, mentoring opportunities, and guest lectures, often returning to share their experiences and offer career guidance to current students. This helps to foster a strong and supportive community that extends far beyond graduation. We also have a dedicated and active alumni networking platform, BSMSirJamesConnect, which now brings together more than 2,500 former students. The platform enables alumni to reconnect, share professional opportunities, and support one another’s careers. This enduring community is a powerful resource, enriching the school’s culture and strengthening its international reach.
What does it mean to you and to your students to be part of such a lasting international network?
Being part of this network gives students a sense of continuity and belonging, connecting them to a global community of like-minded individuals. For the school, it reinforces a culture of lifelong learning, leadership, and international understanding.
Finally, what are you most excited about for the future of the British School of Milan, particularly for your Sixth Form students?
This year the school had its best year for university success – we look forward to building on this and continuing our journey towards academic excellence. The school is excited about BSM’s continued academic excellence, expanding opportunities for personal development, and the increasing global connections for students.
Find out more about The British School of Milan’s admissions process, and apply now.
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