British Schools in Rome: A 2026 Guide for Expat Families
For British families relocating to Rome — and for international families who prefer the English system because it travels well — Rome offers a genuinely strong choice of British international schools. Several have been operating for half a century and are deeply familiar with mid-year arrivals, mixed-nationality cohorts and the practicalities of moving children between countries. This guide profiles the main British-curriculum schools and explains how to choose between them.
What "British" Means in Rome
A British international school in Rome follows the English National Curriculum, leading to IGCSE examinations at around age 16 and then either A-Levels or the IB Diploma in the sixth form. Teaching is in English, with Italian taught as an additional language. The structure mirrors a UK independent school closely enough that a child moving from Britain should find the transition academically smooth.
The key decision in the senior school is A-Levels versus the IB. A-Levels allow deep specialisation in three or four subjects and are the traditional route to UK universities. The IB Diploma keeps a broader spread of six subjects plus core elements and is favoured by families who value breadth or are heading towards US or European universities. Our GCSEs and A-Levels in Rome and IB schools in Rome guides go deeper on each.
The Main British Schools
St. George's British International School is the largest and best-known British school in Rome, serving ages 3–18 across two campuses. It follows the English National Curriculum to IGCSE and offers the IB Diploma, with A-Levels reintroduced from the 2025/26 academic year. Its 2025 IB cohort averaged around 36 points with a 100 per cent pass rate, and IGCSE results were strong, with a high proportion of top grades. From September 2026 it also plans a UAL-accredited Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design — one of only a handful of centres outside the UK to offer it.
The New School Rome, founded in 1972, is a smaller, community-focused British school for ages 3–18 close to the historic centre. It follows the English National Curriculum through IGCSE and is notable as a long-standing provider of A-Levels in Italy, with a strong record of leavers progressing to top UK universities including Oxbridge, Imperial and LSE, as well as US and Italian institutions.
Southlands English School is a long-established day school for ages 3–18 drawing pupils from many nationalities. It teaches the IGCSE and IB curricula and offers the Italian programma ministeriale as an option — useful for families who want their children to retain access to the Italian state system.
Core International School (founded 1983) serves ages 3–11, teaching a blend of the English National Curriculum and Italian, with Italian lessons introduced from around age five. Greenwood Garden School (founded 1974) is an English-medium nursery and pre-school for ages 2–6 based on the EYFS framework — a popular first step for younger children before a larger primary school.
Comparing the Options
| School | Ages | Sixth form | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. George's | 3–18 | IB Diploma + A-Levels (from 2025/26) | Large, full-service, strong results |
| The New School Rome | 3–18 | A-Levels | Smaller, community feel, central |
| Southlands | 3–18 | IB (+ Italian option) | Established, multinational |
| Core International | 3–11 | — | English + Italian primary |
| Greenwood Garden | 2–6 | — | Nursery / pre-school |
How to Choose
Weigh four things. Age and stage: a 4-year-old and a 15-year-old have very different needs, and some schools cover the full range while others specialise. Sixth-form pathway: if you are committed to A-Levels, that narrows the field; if you want the option of the IB, that points elsewhere. Location: school position drives where you will sensibly live — see best areas in Rome near schools. Continuity: if you may move on again, the English-curriculum schools offer the easiest onward transitions.
For the application mechanics, including documents and timelines, see how to apply to international schools in Rome.
How Global Investments Can Help
Choosing a school is rarely an isolated decision — it shapes where you buy or rent, how you structure your time in Italy, and how you plan for university costs. Global Investments has guided internationally mobile families for over thirty years, joining up the property, residency and wealth-planning sides of a move so nothing falls between the cracks. Talk to our advisers, or browse our other relocation guides.
This guide is for general information only and does not constitute legal, tax, immigration or financial advice. School curricula, results, fees and admissions rules change; details are indicative as of 2026. Investments can fall as well as rise. Always seek qualified professional advice for your circumstances.
Frequently asked questions
Which schools in Rome offer A-Levels?
As of 2026, The New School Rome offers A-Levels and has done so for many years. St. George's British International School reintroduced A-Levels from the 2025/26 academic year, running them alongside its IB Diploma. Families wanting a purely British sixth form should confirm the current subject offer directly, as availability of specific A-Level subjects depends on demand each year.
Do British schools in Rome teach Italian?
Yes. British international schools in Rome teach in English but include Italian as part of the curriculum, typically from the early years. This helps children integrate locally and is valuable for daily life and any future Italian university applications. The depth of Italian study varies by school and year group.
Are British schools in Rome good for a family that may move again?
Very. The English National Curriculum, IGCSE and A-Levels are recognised by universities worldwide and align closely with British, international and many Commonwealth systems. A child can move between English-curriculum schools internationally with minimal disruption, which suits globally mobile families.
How selective are British schools in Rome?
Most are non-selective or lightly selective at entry, assessing children to place them appropriately rather than to exclude. Sixth-form entry (A-Levels or IB) may carry subject-specific grade expectations. Places, rather than academic hurdles, are usually the constraint, so apply early.
This guide is for general information only and does not constitute financial, legal or tax advice. Rules, fees and regulations change frequently; verify current requirements with a qualified adviser before acting.