International House World Organisation (IHWO) is delighted to  welcome British School IH Pisa to its global network of language schools. With over 40 years of  experience delivering high-quality English language education, British School IH Pisa brings a  strong commitment to excellence, innovation, and inclusivity to the IH community. 

“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.  

Founded in 1978 as British School Pisa, the school has grown to include a second location in  Pontedera, an online school, and a well-established Cambridge Platinum Assessment English  exam centre. Apart from their courses at the centres and online, the school also offers English  courses at universities, institutions, companies, and state schools, demonstrating a deep rooted connection to the local community. 

"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 British School IH  Pisa. Joanna works alongside the school’s director, John Ayers, who bought the school in 1986. 

A School with a Unique Mission 

British School IH Pisa is well-known for its inclusive teaching practices, particularly in the area  of supporting students with dyslexia (DSA). They offer specialised courses designed by experts  in educational psychology and special needs, ensuring that every student, regardless of  learning challenges, has a positive and productive experience. The school’s innovative teaching  techniques include interactive activities, role-playing, kinesthetic learning, and the use of  ebooks and inclusive teaching materials. 

The school also excels in customer service, thanks to its comprehensive CRM system, Amber.  This allows both the academic and admin teams to maintain detailed and accurate student  records, ensuring a seamless customer journey and exceptional client relations. 

They are a Green Standard School, and their sustainable initiatives will add great value to the IH  network and provide inspiration for IH members looking to grow in this area. 

Collaboration & Opportunities for the IH Network 

British School IH Pisa is eager to collaborate with other IH schools, sharing experiences,  insights, and best practices with directors and teachers across the network. Their specialised  expertise in inclusive language education and their experiences over 40 years in the industry  provide valuable perspectives that can benefit the wider IH community. 

The community school also brings new Erasmus+ project opportunities, expanding  collaboration potential for IH schools already engaged in European initiatives.

A Supportive Work Environment for Teachers 

For teachers considering joining an IH school, British School IH Pisa offers a welcoming and  structured onboarding process. New teachers undergo a two-day induction, including team building activities across both centres, followed by an in-depth overview of academic materials  and administrative processes. The school fosters a harmonious workplace, aligning with its  core values of Quality, Caring, and Excitement. 

Erasmus+ Projects 

A strong interest in exploring new perspectives has led the Group to take part in several  Erasmus+ projects, where they helped develop innovative assessment tools across five  languages. Their commitment to education also included working with children in Gaza through  theatre, using the arts as a way to support learning. More recently, they have begun exploring  virtual reality to enhance educational experiences. These efforts contributed to their  nomination for the ELTons Awards. 

What’s Next? 

Becoming part of IHWO allows British School IH Pisa to connect with like-minded schools  worldwide, enhancing its international profile while maintaining its strong community ties. The  school looks forward to contributing to and learning from the IH network, continuing its mission  to provide high-quality, inclusive, and innovative language education. 

For more information about British School IH Pisa and its courses, visit their profile on the IH World website.