We’re delighted to welcome British School IH Pisa to the International House family. With over 40 years of experience in high-quality English language education, a strong commitment to inclusivity, and a reputation as a Cambridge Platinum Exam Centre, IH Pisa is an exciting addition to our global network.
“We are delighted to have such a well-established community school join the IH World network. IH Pisa’s experienced team and diverse range of services will help grow the network’s industry knowledge and provide inspiration for schools with their examples of excellence,” commented Emma Hoyle, Managing Director of IH World Organisation.
A Well-Established Community School
Founded in 1978, IH Pisa has grown beyond its original base to include a second school in Pontedera, an online school, and partnerships with universities, institutions, companies, and state schools. These connections make it an integral part of the local education landscape, and we’re excited about the expertise they bring to IH.
As a community-focused school, IH Pisa is deeply invested in inclusive education, particularly in supporting students with dyslexia (DSA). Their specialised courses, designed by experts in educational psychology and special needs, use innovative teaching techniques, from kinesthetic learning to interactive role-playing and digital tools, ensuring an engaging and supportive learning environment.
We love their commitment to sustainability - as a Green Standard School, they can offer advice and inspiration for other IH schools looking to grow their eco-friendly initiatives.
Collaboration & Erasmus+ Opportunities
IH Pisa is keen to collaborate with other IH schools, directors, and teachers to share insights from their 40+ years of experience. Their focus on inclusive teaching methods, high-quality customer service, and innovative course offerings will bring fresh ideas and opportunities for schools across the network.
"IH is not just a network - it’s a movement of educators committed to meaningful learning with an International mindset," remarked Joanna Paolinelli, Managing Director of IH Pisa. Joanna works alongside the school’s director, John Ayers, who bought the school in 1986.
For schools involved in Erasmus+ projects, there’s even more to be excited about. IH Pisa has a strong background in international collaborations, having participated in projects developing assessment tools across multiple languages and using theatre and virtual reality to support learning. Their work has even led to an ELTons Award nomination! Schools interested in Erasmus+ partnerships should connect with them.
A Great Partner for Study Abroad Schools
For our IH Study Abroad schools, IH Pisa could become an excellent partner. Last summer, they sent around 100 students to the UK for study abroad programmes, and we expect those numbers to grow. If you’re looking to collaborate, now’s the time to start the conversation.
Looking Ahead
Joining the network is an exciting step for IH Pisa, giving them the chance to connect with like-minded schools around the world while staying true to their community roots. We can’t wait to see the contributions they’ll bring to the network and we look forward to working together to create new opportunities for students and teachers alike.
Want to learn more? Visit IH Pisa’s school profile to explore their courses and collaboration opportunities.