Offering a British education in an international model, St George’s British International School in Italy has carved a niche among Europe’s leading British International Schools. Established in 1958, the school is dedicated to helping all learners become the best version of themselves in an environment of collaboration, respect, and kindness. Dr. John Knight, the Principal of St. George’s School, is a pioneering leader committed to creating a high-quality learning environment. With nearly three decades of experience in education, he was inspired to join St. George’s due to its long history as an esteemed British International School with an exceptional academic reputation.
Building the Legacy: As a Leading International School
St. George’s is at a pivotal moment in its history. Once spanning 25 acres with world-class facilities in the 1980s and 1990s, the school sold part of its lower campus in 1999. In 2024, under Dr. John Knight’s leadership, this land was successfully repurchased, reuniting the original campus and adding a swimming pool and a dedicated junior school building. Looking ahead, an ambitious capital investment project aims to transform the campus, striving to create the finest international school facilities in Southern Europe.
Distinctive Strategies to Foster a Supportive and Inclusive Culture
St. George’s prides itself on its welcoming and inclusive environment, reflecting the diversity of its student body, which comprises over 100 nationalities. Since 1996 , the school has offered a single academic pathway, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma program, and achieved an outstanding ranking among the best in the region. To enhance inclusivity in its curriculum, St. George’s has gained accreditation from the NEASC. The school now provides the US High School Diploma to all students. As of September 2025, St George’s will reintroduce A-Level courses, thereby distinguishing itself by offering three globally acclaimed academic pathways.
Aligning the International Spirit with the Unique Cultural Needs
Having over 100 nationalities in the school makes it natural to meet the diverse needs of the students, as there is no predominant national student group. Being a ‘third culture kid’ is the most common experience among the students. Their house system encourages students to interact with peers from different classes and year groups. Additionally, the high-quality academies program means almost all students connect through a shared passion outside of the classroom such as sports, music, drama, Duke of Edinburgh (DofE), or Model United Nations (MUN).
Integration of AI and Emerging Technologies for a Better Learning Experience
St. George’s initial focus on preparing for the integration of emerging technologies in the classroom has been on equipping staff with the skills to enhance their confidence and creativity using AI, along with various e-learning approaches and tools. Their symposium in May 2025, led by teachers, will center around the theme of ‘World-Centred Education’ featuring Gert Biesta joining as the keynote speaker.
Measures to Ensure the Ethical Use of AI and Data Privacy
St. George’s has formed a teacher panel focused on “Preparing Young People for Their Future With AI.” Guidelines on the ethical use of AI have been shared with staff, and the Senior School has updated its Academic Integrity policy to address AI misuse. The Director of Digital Learning has trained IBDP students on the proper use of these tools, and a whole-school session at the start of the year gathered staff insights on the opportunities and challenges AI presents.
Strengthening Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are central to St. George’s mission. Recent efforts include a comprehensive curriculum review in both senior and junior schools to ensure it reflects an international context and represents all students.
Professional development has focused on understanding third-culture kids’ experiences to foster a sense of belonging for everyone. In May 2025, St. George’s will host a symposium on “world-centered” education, highlighting inclusive spaces in international education. A DEI expert will be a key speaker.
Starting January 2025, the Senior Deputy Head will lead a working group to embed DEIBJ (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Justice) principles into the Senior School curriculum, ensuring all students see their identities and perspectives valued.
Additionally, the Safeguarding Team will address DEI needs for groups with protected characteristics, supported by updates to the Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.
The Significance of International Schools in Promoting Intercultural Understanding and Global Citizenship
International schools play a vital role in fostering intercultural understanding and global citizenship through both their curriculum and community involvement. By offering a diverse range of learning opportunities, these schools help students gain knowledge about their own culture as well as other cultures, highlighting both the similarities and differences between them. At the core of most international schools is the commitment to teaching students to be open-minded and respectful towards different cultures. The curriculum emphasises the importance of learning about different cultures, traditions, and customs, creating a rich educational experience. Additionally, schools like St. George’s provide guest speakers, cultural events, and virtual exchange. These interactions are essential features that enhance student’s understanding and appreciation of the world around them.
Empowering Every Student to Excel Academically and Personally
St George’s has developed a unique Post-16 programme consisting of three pathways that provide a high-quality educational experience for students with various academic profiles. The academy programmes offer a wide range of sports, music, drama, and other enrichment opportunities that are non-selective to offer participation pathways for all students. For instance, in the Junior School music option, all students have the chance to participate in the strings program during class lessons. This initiative introduces them to music and encourages their involvement in the programme.
Integrating Technology and Innovative Teaching Methods
St George’s has recently achieved British Schools Overseas (BSO) accreditation and is recognised as a COBIS training school. This status allows the school to provide in-house training for staff at all levels, from teacher training and mentoring new teachers to training for middle and senior leaders.
Road Ahead
In the coming years, St. George’s has ambitious plans for campus improvements, including renovations to the swimming pool and the development of a new sports hall and theatre. The state-of-the-art facilities will support the outstanding teaching that has been the hallmark of St. George’s for many years and further enhance their extracurricular academies program, which will include new academies in basketball, swimming, tennis, and rowing planned in the next two years. The first step in this exciting development is a partnership with Newcastle United to make St George’s its very first Newcastle United Football School, which was formalised at the start of 2025 with a Head Coach from Newcastle United being appointed to be based in Rome from the start of next season.
