St George’s was established to provide a British education to the international community of Rome. Starting with just 12 students, the school quickly outgrew its initial premises, leading to the development of its current La Storta campus under the leadership of its first Headmaster, Geoffrey Sunley. This laid the foundation for the school’s continuous evolution.
While rooted in British educational traditions, St George’s has always looked outward. The school’s three academic pathways—A-Levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), and the High School Diploma—reflect its commitment to offering globally recognised qualifications that meet the diverse needs of its student body. Today, the school serves a thriving community that blends heritage with innovation, equipping students with the skills and mindset to succeed anywhere in the world.
The school’s location in Rome, home to key international institutions such as the UN’s FAO and WFP, further enhances its global outlook. Students benefit from direct access to these organisations through conferences, service projects, and collaborative learning opportunities.
Celebrating Diversity, Equity, and Belonging
Diversity is more than a demographic statistic at St George’s; it is a lived value. With over 100 nationalities represented, the school embraces cultural differences as a strength that enriches learning and community life. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Justice (DEIBJ) are central to St George’s ethos and are embedded across its curriculum and initiatives.
The IB Learner Profile attributes are intentionally mapped to all year groups, fostering open-mindedness, principled action, and reflective thinking. These values are further reinforced through assemblies, pastoral care, and community projects. Whether through cultural celebrations or discussions on global issues, St George’s ensures students learn to appreciate multiple perspectives and develop a profound respect for others.
Assemblies mark occasions such as Black History Month, Holocaust Memorial Day, and International Women’s Day, prompting students to engage deeply with historical and contemporary social justice themes. These experiences promote empathy, tolerance, and respect, helping students become compassionate, informed individuals.
Building Global Citizens with Purpose and Responsibility
St George’s mission is to nurture students who are not only academically capable but also socially responsible and globally aware. This holistic approach is brought to life through a wide range of service learning opportunities and real-world engagements.
Students participate in initiatives with organisations such as the Joel Nafuma Refugee Centre and work on partnerships with schools in Zambia. Collaborations with global institutions like the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) offer students hands-on experiences with global challenges, while Model United Nations (MUN) events foster diplomatic and leadership skills. These experiences ensure that every student understands their role as a responsible global citizen.
From Year 9, service is embedded through programmes like the Lower School Baccalaureate, the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, and the Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) component of the IB Diploma. These sustained engagements build civic responsibility, initiative, and leadership—skills that serve students far beyond graduation.
Excellence Beyond the Classroom: A Culture of Enrichment
Academic excellence at St George’s is complemented by a rich and varied co-curricular programme designed to develop well-rounded individuals. The arts hold a prominent place, with approximately 40% of students participating in instrumental lessons, choirs, orchestras, and ensembles. As an Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) Partner School, St George’s is one of only two international schools worldwide, thereby setting a high standard for music education.
Drama is equally vibrant, with students pursuing London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) qualifications through the Top Hat Drama Academy. The sports programme, bolstered by partnerships with organisations like Newcastle United Foundation, continues to expand with new academies in basketball and swimming.
Beyond the arts and sports, students engage in academic enrichment through Maths and Science Olympiads, the aforementioned Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, and creative initiatives like the Junk Couture Art Club. These activities are designed to build confidence, leadership, and resilience—skills essential for success in life beyond school.
A Community Committed to Inclusion and Student Voice
St George’s prides itself on being a non-selective school that challenges and supports every student. The school’s pastoral care system, underpinned by its House structure, ensures personalised support, fostering an environment where every student feels seen, heard, and valued.
Student leadership is encouraged at every level, with pupils leading co-curricular clubs, participating in Student Councils, and shaping school initiatives through dedicated leadership groups. This emphasis on student voice cultivates a sense of agency and belonging, empowering students to contribute meaningfully to the school community.
Parental engagement is also a key pillar, with workshops, open forums, and collaborative events strengthening the school-home partnership and aligning families with the school’s inclusive values.
Supporting Excellence: A Culture of Continuous Development for Staff
Excellence at St George’s extends to its faculty. The school invests heavily in professional development, ensuring that staff remain at the forefront of educational best practices. Initiatives such as hosting ResearchED conferences and the upcoming 2025 Research Symposium on ‘World-Centred Education’ underscore this commitment.
Peer-led development, lesson studies, and collaborative working groups focused on DEIBJ, sustainability, and artificial intelligence in education reflect the school’s forward-thinking approach. Staff wellbeing is prioritised through regular surveys, open-door leadership, and transparent communication, fostering a motivated and high-performing teaching community.
A Vision for the Future: World-Class Campus, World-Class Learning
Looking ahead, St George’s is embarking on an ambitious campus development plan to enhance its already exceptional learning environment. New facilities, including a swimming pool, sports hall, theatre, and expanded arts spaces, will further support the school’s holistic educational philosophy.
Academically, the flexible three-pathway post-16 programme ensures students have access to diverse and globally recognised qualifications tailored to their aspirations.
These investments reflect St George’s commitment to continuous improvement and innovation, securing its position not only as the top international school in Europe but also as a global leader in holistic education.
By building a world-class campus and delivering world-class learning, St George’s is preparing students to thrive in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
