Welcome to our bilingual school

SIAL.school is the only English/Italian bilingual and bi-curricular primary school with nursery in the UK.

Children from 3 to 11 benefit from tailored lesson plans in a safe and nurturing learning environment, in the heart of London.
Our independent school and nursery are based in West London, Holland Park (W11 4UH).

Our Unicity

  • With small classes and a bespoke approach, our nursery and primary school are recognised by both the British and Italian governments and integrate the Italian Curriculum with the British education system
  • SIAL.school welcomes families of all nationalities who appreciate the advantages of a bilingual and bicultural education which prepares their children to embrace the world with open minds and curiosity
  • The school is based on the principle that a successful education must be built on a partnership between teachers and parents and carers. We encourage strong links between home and school to support our common goal of ensuring that each child feels secure, valued and happy while at school and is able to succeed
  • We want to create a safe and nurturing learning environment where students are encouraged to fulfill their personal and academic potential
  • It is our intention that children should leave SIAL.school with a strong academic foundation, combined with self-esteem and confidence in their abilities and social skills, ready to continue their educational journey in the UK, in Italy or in international schools with remarkable results

Letter from our Headteacher

Dear Parents,

It is a great honour to step into the role of Headteacher at SIAL.school.
As I take on this responsibility, I’m mindful of the strong foundation on which our school is built. Since its founding, our Board of Governors has invested passion, vision, and dedication into building a school that honours Italian roots while warmly welcoming the international community, creating a vibrant place where cultures come together and thrive. Thanks to their commitment, and the continued efforts of our families and staff, our bilingual school has grown into a multicultural environment where ambition and global awareness unite to offer a truly unique educational experience.

Since joining the school in 2015, I have devoted myself wholeheartedly to its growth and development: first as a teacher, then as Key Stage Coordinator, Designated Safeguarding Lead, Deputy Headteacher, and now in this new chapter of leadership. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the strength of our community, the passion of our team, and the extraordinary potential of every child who walks through our doors.

Having taught across all Key Stages, I’ve supported children from their very first days of school through each step of their learning journey. I’ve also had the privilege of learning from the Headteachers who led the school before me, each of whom contributed their own vision and legacy. I carry their lessons with me, knowing that my leadership is not a break from the past, but a continuation of the path they helped to pave.

As education evolves, I am committed to ensuring that SIAL.school remains responsive, inclusive, and forward-thinking — a place where every child feels recognised, supported, and inspired to thrive. I believe education is a shared journey, one in which children flourish when families and schools work together in genuine partnership, grounded in trust, respect, and collaboration.

What motivates me every day is seeing children discover their strengths and passions, and watching them grow into confident, compassionate individuals. This is at the heart of everything I do.

My approach to leadership is grounded in presence and integrity. I listen carefully, act with purpose, and strive to foster a culture where students, staff, and families feel heard, encouraged, and empowered. I believe in setting high expectations while nurturing wellbeing, because true achievement happens when both go hand in hand.

SIAL.school is more than just a workplace for me. It is my community. It is where I am proud to serve, and where I am committed to making a meaningful difference every single day.

It is a privilege to lead this exceptional learning community. With shared purpose and a strong sense of commitment, I am confident that we will continue guiding our children toward a future filled with opportunity, understanding, and success.

Warmest regards,
Alessia Sbicca
Headteacher

Vision and Values

Your child is unique, so is our school.

We want to create a safe and nurturing learning environment where children are encouraged to fulfill their personal and academic potential. We aim to inspire a passion for knowledge as well as stimulating the personal interests and abilities of each student.

Sistema Formazione Italiana nel Mondo

Our bilingual school is proudly part of the Italian network of educational institutions in the world (Sistema della Formazione Italiana nel Mondo).
State-authorized schools (“scuole paritarie”) are schools managed by entities other than the State, which undertake to help achieve the educational purposes assigned to them by the Italian Constitution and are recognised by the State as having the same status as state schools. There are 46 Italian state-authorized private schools abroad. Found on all continents, they engage around 20,000 pupils and help promote the Italian language and culture according to foreign policy guidelines.

We kindly inform you that the allocation plan for the fundings available for Capitolo 2619, Management Plan 1 (grant funds for State-authorized schools, “scuole paritarie”) for the financial year 2024 was approved by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on the 4th of September 2024. SIAL is expected to receive 64,988 euros.