Introduction — Why These Rankings Matter
Choosing the right high school in Italy can shape a student’s future — whether toward university or toward technical employment. That’s why the annual ranking from Eduscopio, compiled by the Fondazione Agnelli, is so valuable: it compares performance of licei and technical institutes nationwide based on real outcomes like university success or job placement. Wired Italia+2CNOS-FAP+2
In this article, we highlight top-performing schools across major Italian cities — giving parents and students a practical city-by-city guide to the best licei and technical institutes as of 2024–2025.
What Eduscopio Measures
Eduscopio evaluates schools on two main dimensions:
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For licei: how well students perform in their first years of university and their likelihood to succeed. Wired Italia+1
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For technical institutes: employment outcomes, stability of work, and how well jobs match the students’ field of study. Wired Italia+1
This data-driven method offers a clearer picture than reputation or hearsay — letting families choose based on proven results.
Top Schools by City
Here are the leading licei (classical, scientific, linguistic, etc.) and technical institutes in several major Italian cities, according to the latest Eduscopio 2024 list.
Milan
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Licei Classici: Sacro Cuore, Giovanni Berchet, Alexis Carrel. Il Giorno+1
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Licei Scientifici: Alessandro Volta, Leonardo da Vinci, Sacro Cuore. Il Giorno+1
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Technical / Technical-Economic Institutes: Among the top are technical and technological schools whose graduates find jobs frequently — for example schools ranked for good employment outcomes in province-wide analyses. Borsa&Finanza+2La Gazzetta dello Sport+2
Rome
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Licei Classici: Ennio Quirino Visconti remains top, followed by others like Terenzio Mamiani and Torquato Tasso (though some rankings shift when considering the entire metropolitan area). Wired Italia+2La Gazzetta dello Sport+2
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Licei Scientifici: Augusto Righi leads, followed by schools like Camillo Cavour (Rome) and Aristotele (Rome). La Gazzetta dello Sport+1
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Technical Institutes: Among the best – according to recent lists – are institutes like Leonardo Da Vinci (Rome) and several specialized technical/technological schools across the metropolitan area. Wired Italia+1
Turin
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Licei Classici: Vincenzo Gioberti (Turin) tops the list, followed by Camillo Benso di Cavour (Turin) and Vittorio Alfieri (Turin). Skuola+1
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Licei Scientifici & Linguistics: Altiero Spinelli (Turin) often leads, with very high rankings also for institutes like Edoardo Agnelli (Turin) and Galileo Ferraris (Turin). First Online+1
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Technical Institutes: Among top technical schools are institutes like Russell-Moro-Guarini (Turin) and Amedeo Avogadro (Turin) — well-regarded for preparing students for the labour market. Sky TG24+1
Bologna
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Liceo Classico: Luigi Galvani (Bologna) leads among classic licei. La Gazzetta dello Sport+1
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Liceo Scientifico: Niccolò Copernico (Bologna) is top in scientific streams, with other strong performances from schools like Enrico Fermi (Bologna) for applied sciences. Sapere+1
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Technical Institutes: Schools such as Crescenzi-Pacinotti-Sirani (Bologna) and Arrigo Serpieri (Bologna) show good results for student outcomes and job placement. La Gazzetta dello Sport+1
Naples
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Liceo Classico & Scientifico: Convitto Vittorio Emanuele II (Naples) stands out at the top in both classic and scientific rankings. TGCOM24+1
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Other Licei Streams: For instance, the linguistics and human-science oriented licei such as Eleonora Pimentel Fonseca (Naples) also appear among higher-performing schools in their categories. Sapere+1
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Technical & Vocational Institutes: Several technical-economic and technological institutes in the Naples area are recognized for their strong job-placement performance — reflecting how technical education can be a viable alternative to academic licei. Sky TG24+1
Main Trends & Insights
1. Licei Still Dominate for University Preparation
Schools like Sacro Cuore, Alessandro Volta, Visconti, Spinelli, and Volta maintain high levels of performance — showing that classical, scientific, and linguistic licei remain top choices for students aiming at university degrees.
2. Technical Institutes Are More Competitive Than Ever
Thanks to improved curricula, stronger ties to industry, and better performance tracking, technical institutes across Italy have become increasingly relevant. Their ability to secure good job placements makes them a valid option for students who prefer immediate integration into the workforce. Wired Italia+2TGCOM24+2
3. Regional Gaps — But With Excellence Everywhere
While northern cities often lead in rankings, many southern schools — particularly in Naples — prove that quality education and strong outcomes are possible nationwide. This shows that Italian excellence in secondary education isn’t confined to one geographical area.
4. Data Matters: Outcomes Over Reputation
By using measurable outcomes (university success rates, employment rates), Eduscopio’s approach gives families transparent and reliable information to base their school choice on — rather than relying solely on tradition or reputation.
How to Use This Ranking When Choosing a School
If you or your child are picking a high school, here’s how to make the most of these rankings:
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Match school type to goals: If aiming for university, consider top licei; if you prefer technical or vocational career paths, look at top-ranked technical institutes.
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Check city and commute: Some excellent schools are outside the city center — weigh travel time versus quality.
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Review past results: Look at how recent graduates performed at university or in the job market.
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Consider student interests: A strong science-oriented student may thrive in a scientific liceo or technical institute; a humanities-oriented student may prefer a classical liceo or linguistic school.
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Use data, not hearsay: Rely on objective indicators (as used by Eduscopio) rather than anecdotal reputation.
Conclusion
The 2024–2025 Eduscopio rankings confirm that Italy offers many excellent options for secondary education — both in licei and in technical institutes. Cities like Milan, Rome, Turin, Bologna, and Naples host schools consistently at the top, yet proven quality also exists beyond these metropoles.
Whether a student’s ambition is university, a technical profession, or immediate job placement, the data now exists — through Eduscopio — to make an informed, outcome-based choice.
Italy’s best high schools and technical institutes are more accessible than ever — and families have the tools to pick the path that suits them.