Bilingual British School

The school advocates an educational system based on the relationship between culture and competence, tradition and innovation. It views bilingualism as an essential tool for acquiring deep, lasting knowledge rather than a mere goal. The pedagogical approach is people-oriented, fostering an active dialogue between teachers, students, and parents to promote academic excellence and the development of individual talents, passions, and personal responsibility. Education is conceived as a journey of discovery where tenacity, hard work, and the learning process are valued alongside final results.

BBS offers a comprehensive educational pathway starting from Nursery (6 months–6 years) through Primary (6–11 years), Middle (11–14 years), and High School (14–19 years). The academic offering includes the Cambridge Programme and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. The High School division provides two main pathways: the International High School and the Liceo Sportivo Internazionale. The curriculum emphasizes bilingualism, with 80% of instruction delivered in English, and incorporates subjects such as biology, chemistry, physics, art, design, and performing arts.

BBS provides a structured support system for students, particularly those transitioning from non-bilingual backgrounds. This includes a dedicated induction process, the use of bilingual glossaries, visual aids, and simplified materials. For Middle School students, the school offers Italian language lessons outside of school hours and the presence of a bilingual tutor in specific subjects to facilitate content learning and methodological support. High school students receive 2–3 hours of weekly English as a Second Language (ESL) lessons and preparation for the IGCSE English as a Second Language exam.

The admission process involves an introductory interview with the Headmistress or a delegate, a school visit, and the submission of an online application form with required documentation, including previous academic records and any special educational needs reports. For the IB Diploma Programme, applicants must also complete an essay based on a personal development rubric, an entry test, and a motivational interview. The school provides a dedicated induction and tutoring process for students transitioning from non-bilingual backgrounds. Acceptance decisions are communicated to families, followed by the completion of registration formalities and payment of fees.

The school operates across two main sites: a historic campus in Scanzorosciate, set within an 18,000-square-metre park, which houses the Nursery and Primary schools; and a modern campus in Bergamo for Middle and High School students. Facilities include state-of-the-art science and tinkering laboratories, a well-equipped gymnasium, and libraries configured as university-style research centres. The Bergamo site features a theatre and auditorium for performing arts, while both campuses offer outdoor study areas, vegetable gardens, and flexible, multifunctional classrooms designed to integrate technology and nature. Additionally, the school maintains a presence in the metaverse, providing a virtual campus for lectures, collaboration, and extracurricular activities.