Southlands British International School was founded in 1976 and is located in Casal Palocco, in the south of Rome. 

Southlands British International School offers an international education for children aged three to 18. As a British International School, Southlands follows the English National Curriculum until age 16, and the globally recognised International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for the final two years of education. Students benefit from all of the traditions and heritage of a British-style education, recognised and respected across the world. It is also pivotal for us that our students recognise the importance of being exposed to international elements and different cultures from all around the world. 

We currently have 305 students representing over 37 different nationalities.

The curriculum at Southlands is entirely taught in English. However, students can choose to study Italian, French or Spanish. 

For our Italian families or near-native Italian speakers, we offer a reduced format of the Italian Ministerial Programme, with the possibility to sit Elementare and Medie exams.

We do expect our students to have a good level of English in order to be able to access the curriculum. Early Years and Primary children are normally supported in school if they need extra English lessons. Our EAL Department will assess the student's level and offer extra lessons during school hours if necessary.

From the age of 14, a good level of English is compulsory, as students have to be proficient enough in English to follow the IGCSE or IBDP examinations. As part of the admission process at this stage, your child will sit an entry test to assess their English proficiency.  

As a member of the Globeducate group, Southlands has a partnership with Learnissimo, an online platform that provides students and adults with additional language lessons.

Find out more about Learnissimo 

We offer Italian, French and Spanish as part of the curriculum. For our Italian families or near-native Italian speakers, we offer a reduced format of the Italian Ministerial Programme, with the possibility to sit Elementare and Medie exams. International students receive International Italian classes from Year 1 onwards. 

From Year 5, students start learning French as part of the curriculum. Spanish is also an option further up the school for our IGCSE and IBDP students. 

Southlands has a Special Education Needs (SEN) Department. The SEN Department aims to identify and respond to the problems young people can encounter as they progress along their journey through childhood and adolescence. Dependening upon the particular needs of each individual, the department devises personalised strategies and action plans to help deal with issues such as attention deficit disorders, problems with literacy or numeracy, emotional or behavioural difficulties, or support for the particular challenges that can be faced by high-functioning or gifted and talented children as they progress through their education.

Learn more about our SEN Department

Currently we have 305 students on campus with an average of 15 students per class. We mandate a maximum of 22 children per class, however sizes will vary according to options and subjects studied. 

We do where necessary. Admission is on a first come, first served basis.

For the past two years, Southlands students have unanimously gained entry to their first choice universities, all of which are outstanding institutions and some of which are in the global top 10 as per QS world rankings 2022.  Our University and Career Advisor works closely with students and their parents to ensure top quality university choices and to help them throughout the application process.

University destinations

All students have classes from Monday to Friday. Lessons start at 08.50 and end at 15.25. Students who follow the Italian Ministerial Programme and are enrolled in the V Elementare or above will also have lessons from 15.45 to 17.00 twice a week. 

At Southlands we offer a wide range of after school clubs which normally run from 15.45 to 17.00. These can change every term depending on the offer and demand. Our activities range from language clubs to sports sessions, music classes and much more.

Extracurricular at Southlands

Yes, we do have a school uniform in line with the other GBIS schools. This can be purchased at the School Uniform Shop which is located on our premises. 

At Southlands  British International School, the health and wellbeing of our students is our top priority. To support this the food that we provide is carefully planned to be nutritionally balanced. We have our own onsite kitchen that prepares meals daily.  Where students have specific dietary requirements, they are invited to discuss these with one of  the school nurses who will liaise with the kitchen team.   

We believe that mealtimes play an important role in the all-round education of our students. Teachers supervise students during meal times, and reinforce good table manners and healthy eating habits, including eating fruit and vegetables.  

A mid morning snack is provided for all students,  with options of fruit, bread, biscuits and milk, fruit tea or juice. 

We do not currently offer any financial aid or scholarships. A personalised payment plan is available for those who wish to receive a quotation. As part of our corporate agreements, we offer discounts for families who work for the United Nations as well as other corporates and agencies. Contact our Admissions Manager, Francesca, to learn more about our corporate agreements.  

The application fee is a non-refundable payment that covers the administrative costs of the application process.