Our history
“La Scuola Italiana a Londra” came to life to fill the absence of educational alternatives within the British system that the Italian community in London needs.
Spring 2004
A committee (“Una scuola per gli Italians”) was created within the organisation “Italians of London” with the aim of putting together into a clearer structure all the requests the organisation received concerning children’s education within the Italian community.
In the autumn the Committee organised a data gathering inquiry - Una Scuola per gli Italians 2004 - and two Focus Groups with Italian/mixed marriage parents with the aim of understanding whether there exists a real demand for an Italian school.
December 2005
The Italian Consulate and the Italian Ministero degli Affari Esteri, in collaboration with the Italian Embassy and the Italian Cultural Institute, organised a conference called “Le Scuole Italiane e l’Italiano nelle Scuole” (Italian Schools and Italian in school) calling “Una Scuola per gli Italians” to present the findings of the inquiry and of the focus groups. Over 150 people participated in the event to show their support for the initiative.
On that occasion the Ambassador declared his personal and the Italian Government’s support for the opening of an Italian school but also pointed out that the funding will have to come from donations as the goverment stopped financing schools abroad many years ago and equally would not support an enterprise which would only benefit a wealthy minority.
February 2006
A work group was founded called “La Scuola Italiana a Londra” with the aim of opening an Italian school in London.
The group was composed of ten volunteers, all with professional experience in various fields, from teaching to finance, from law to public relations.
The group now holds regular meetings where all progress is discussed and it is sub-divided into three operational teams which specilaise in: the curriculum, the business plan and the general logistics and financing.
July 2007
We have obtained Charitable Status from the Charities Commission (Registered Charity No 1119966).
March 2008
On the 10th of March the Italian Embassy hosted the official launch of the Charity with a fundraising event with the partecipation of Maestro Antonio Pappano.
September 2010
Having finally found suitable premises, the School opens on the 8th of September.
