Nord Anglia Education, a global network of international schools, has announced that H-FARM International Schools – known for its focus on STEAM education – will become part of its international group. The move, still pending regulatory approval, marks Nord Anglia’s entry into the Italian education sector.
The partnership encompasses three schools – H-FARM International School Venice, H-FARM International School Vicenza, and H-FARM International School Rosà – which collectively educate more than 1,150 students.
Situated in northern Italy, the schools form part of the wider H-FARM innovation hub – an integrated ecosystem that merges education, technology, and enterprise. Students benefit from immersion in tech-driven environments and frequent interaction with start-ups.
Commenting on the acquisition, Nord Anglia Education CEO Andrew Fitzmaurice said: “H-FARM’s schools are redefining what it means to prepare students for the future. Their pioneering use of AI and commitment to innovation, creativity, and purpose-driven learning align perfectly with our vision.
“We are excited by the prospect of learning from each other and creating transformative new experiences for our students and educators around the world,” he added.
“Our shared focus on innovation combined with our teachers’ high-quality professional development will equip students with the creativity, adaptability, and digital skillset to thrive in a technology-driven world.”
H-FARM founder Riccardo Donadon expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, calling it “a dream come true.”
“Joining the Nord Anglia Education family is a dream come true: they are the number one schools group in the world, and I am proud and honoured by their enthusiasm for our strong focus on STEAM and entrepreneurship. My personal commitment will only grow stronger. I will remain as president and continue to closely support the development of our schools.
I’m excited about this collaboration, the synergies it will create, and everything we’ll learn and build together — all in support of our students and their future
Riccardo Donadon, H-FARM
“I’m excited about this collaboration, the synergies it will create, and everything we’ll learn and build together — all in support of our students and their future,” he said.
Following the acquisition, H-FARM students will benefit from Nord Anglia’s suite of global learning opportunities, including partnerships with institutions such as MIT, UNICEF, The Juilliard School, and IMG Academy.
The move comes just months after it was announced that Nord Anglia Education was acquired by a consortium of institutional investors. EQT, one of the investors, announced the successful completion of the deal on March 20, valuing the company at USD $14.5 billion.
