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Ludum School, Sardinia
Since 2022, Westbourne School has enjoyed a valued international partnership with Ludum School in Sardinia. This special collaboration has seen exchanges take place each year, offering enriching cultural and educational experiences for pupils from both schools.
Through these exchanges, Westbourne pupils have the opportunity to immerse themselves in school life in Sardinia, while our Sardinian friends visit Westbourne to experience an English education first-hand. These exchanges foster cultural understanding, confidence and lasting friendships.
We are very excited to announce that we are expanding the partnership from Summer 2027. Launching a Summer School, 'Isola Connect' for Sardinian Children running from 22nd June - 9th July 2027.
This expanding partnership reflects Westbourne’s commitment to global learning, cultural exchange and providing pupils with meaningful international experiences.
Westbourne School, one of the top independent schools in South Yorkshire, United Kingdom, is delighted to welcome students from Sardinia. Our connection with Sardinia goes back to 2020, when we first set up our school exchange. The friendships and relationships forged over the years make this next step, a full three-week school immersion, a natural and exciting progression.
Westbourne School invites students aged 11–16 from Sardinia to join Isola Connect, an exclusive programme running from 22nd June to 9th July 2027. This immersive experience offers students the opportunity to live and learn in the United Kingdom, developing their English fluency through authentic school life, enriching cultural experiences, and a carefully curated programme designed to inspire confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.
At the heart of Isola Connect is a commitment to ensuring every student feels part of the Westbourne community from the moment they arrive. Through small group teaching, personalised support, and a warm, nurturing environment, students are encouraged to step beyond their comfort zones, build confidence in their English, and form meaningful international friendships. Whether in the classroom, on stage, on the sports field, or exploring the rich cultural heritage of the United Kingdom, every experience is designed to be both enriching and unforgettable — creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Students will be supported throughout the programme by a dedicated team, including three teachers from Ludum School in Sardinia. These staff members will accompany and look after the students, ensuring they feel safe, supported, and fully engaged in all aspects of the Westbourne experience.
Our Westbourne team will also be on hand, providing guidance, supervision, and support, helping each student settle in and enjoy their time in the UK.
- 24/7 supervision in accommodation and school.
- Emergency contacts and health support.
- Insurance / safeguarding policies
Claire Elizabeth Wallis
Head of Primary School
International Curriculum Coordinator
I am originally from Sheffield but relocated to Cagliari over twenty years ago after working in Greece, Spain, Germany, Japan and China. After over ten years teaching at the University of Cagliari, I took on my current role and I am in my eighth year now at Ludum Sacro Cuore. (2026)
I am incredibly passionate about education generally and about providing the best possible school experience to the children in my care more specifically. I constantly strive to improve and I am keen to give children the right tools to grow and progress in their development by recognising their strengths and weaknesses and helping them to navigate these successfully. I care deeply about their well-being and always want them to feel heard, supported, safe and part of our school community.
In my role I also aim to support and motivate the teachers in my team. I aim to lead by example and encourage them to take on new opportunities and challenges which will enhance their professional development.
International exchange is something I am strongly invested in, as I believe it exposes our children, the staff and our families to new cultural experiences. Moreover, it helps the children to hone their language skills in authentic environments and opens doors to long-lasting friendships. I was the co-founder of the Westbourne exchange in 2019 and have organised various exchanges there in addition to running our exchange programmes with our twin schools in London (St Olave’s and Vauxhall).
Jillian Taylor
Primary School Teacher
I am originally from Bolton in the North West of England but I have lived in Sardinia since 2016, and I have been teaching at Ludum since 2021. I became a teacher because I wanted to travel (and because Blue Peter didn’t spot my talent!) but I fell in love with it very quickly. I spent some time teaching foreign students in Bolton, one year teaching English in Thailand and I also taught at PGL activity centres across the UK.
There’s the old cliché that “every day is a school day” and I have always taken that to mean that we never stop learning, no matter how old you are, there are always new things to discover. I also believe that students can teach us, for me that could be learning new Italian words that I haven’t heard before, the latest way to make bracelets or even dance moves!
I have been on two Westbourne exchanges now and it’s such a fantastic experience, not only for the students, but also as a teacher. Being an EFL teacher, I haven’t been in an English school since I was a student at one, a long time ago! The differences we see and the ideas we can create from the school exchange are fascinating, but the best part is seeing the students really come into their own. I remember becoming quite emotional in the drama studio whilst watching even the quiet and the shy ones reciting Shakespeare (which is difficult for native speakers!) in a language that is not their first.
Valeria Maria Loi
Primary and Secondary School Teacher
I was born in Cagliari and grew up in a small town in southern Sardinia until my teenage years. I later moved to Cagliari to attend university, where I graduated in English Language and Literature. After completing my studies, I decided to follow my dream of living in London. I moved there with the clear goal of becoming a teacher, and it was there that I began my journey into teaching and took my first steps in the profession. After six years in London I decided to go back to Italy and I I began working at Ludum, where I have now been teaching for eight years History and Geography from Year 1 to Year 9.
Throughout my experience at Ludum, I have developed the ability to adapt my teaching to a wide range of ages and learning styles, helping students build both knowledge and curiosity about the world.
During these years, I have also taken part in the school exchanges, accompanying Ludum students to Westbourne School since the very first exchange organised by the school in 2019, as well as participating in the London exchange last year. These experiences have been extremely formative both professionally and personally, as they gave me the opportunity to support students in an international environment and see them grow in independence, confidence, and communication skills outside the classroom. Spending time abroad together allows students to immerse themselves in a different culture, strengthen their language skills, and build meaningful relationships and memories that have a lasting impact on their personal growth. These exchanges have reinforced my belief in the importance of cultural and educational experiences beyond the classroom, as they encourage curiosity, adaptability, and open-mindedness.
I see this new experience as an exciting challenge and an important opportunity for professional growth, as it will also involve actively teaching lessons in a different educational setting. I look forward to bringing my experience, enthusiasm, and teaching style into the classroom, while also learning from new methods, perspectives, and approaches to education.
Chiara Nadia Atzeni
Primary School Teacher & Administrative Assistant
My journey in education started back in 2018, but I have been part of Sacro Cuore Ludum School since 2020, where I teach Mathematics and Art alongside my role as an administrative assistant.
As an educator, I care deeply about the emotional well-being of my students. I believe that learning happens best when children feel secure, respected, and able to build trusting relationships with their teachers. For me, the most important part of teaching is helping children feel confident, supported, and excited to learn.
International exchange is something I carry in my heart. As a student, my own exchange experiences shaped who I am and gave me friendships that I still cherish today. Now, as a teacher at Ludum Sacro Cuore, I have also been involved in exchange projects with Westbourne School and Vauxhall Primary School in London, where I have had the opportunity to share ideas and learn from different unique ways of teaching.
During these three weeks, students will be fully immersed in the vibrant life of Westbourne School, experiencing a unique blend of learning, culture, and adventure. From lively classroom lessons and specialist workshops to unforgettable performances, sporting challenges, and cultural excursions, every day is carefully designed to inspire curiosity, develop English fluency, and create lasting memories.
During their stay, students will:
- Take part in WestFest, our vibrant school music festival, performing and celebrating alongside our students. Be immersed in our formal Prize Giving ceremony, seeing first-hand how we celebrate achievement and excellence.
- Enjoy top sporting facilities and join in our Sports Day, experiencing the full energy of Westbourne’s sporting life.
- Explore our National Park, with adventures and activities.
Full immersion in English: Daily individualised lessons in small groups, tailored across three levels to ensure each student progresses and improves upon their English language skills.
Specialist teaching: Expert-led sessions in Drama, Music, Sports, Languages, and more.
Cultural trips:
- Cultural trips include visits to the historic Lyceum Theatre
- Museums linked to English heritage
- Oxford/Cambridge Universities
- Stadium tour of Liverpool’s football ground, Anfield
Bringing learning and culture to life beyond the classroom.
At Westbourne School, we believe in creating a place where every student feels they truly belong. Our nurturing approach is at the heart of everything we do, and we are proud to be a school that feels like one big family.
We understand that travelling to a different country and speaking a new language can feel daunting for both students and their families. That’s why we place such importance on ensuring every child who joins our community feels welcomed, supported, and valued from the very first day.
Through personalised teaching, small groups, and a strong pastoral system, students quickly grow in confidence not just in their English, but in themselves. Friendships are formed, experiences are shared, and students become a true part of daily life at Westbourne School.
- Develop English fluency naturally through everyday school life and activities.
- Make lasting friendships with UK students and fellow Sardinian participants.
- Experience the breadth of British education, from academics to arts and sports, in a fully supportive environment.
Give your child the gift of an unforgettable summer - learning, exploring, and celebrating at Westbourne School
