Admissions
The first step into a year of formation
Accademia XXI offers a ten-month residential year of formation in Liguria. Admission is by careful curation rather than open application. Each applicant is reviewed individually, and the cohort is composed personally by the founder for the qualities each student brings to the group as a whole.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. There is no fixed deadline. Candidates are encouraged to apply when they feel ready, with applications also accepted following the release of IB and A-level results in July and August.
Candidate profile The qualities we look for
Intellectually curious
Engaged with the humanities, philosophy, architecture, literature, critical thought, art, music, and willing to encounter ideas that demand serious attention.
Holistically minded
Committed to balancing intellectual development with physical discipline, creative practice and meaningful community life.
Open to cultural learning
Willing to engage seriously with Italian language, etiquette, protocol and the conventions of a particular cultural civilisation.
Community-oriented
Eager to contribute to the formation of a small cohort of peers, and to take responsibility for the shared life of the Academy.
Comfortable with discomfort
Willing to engage with outdoor physical activity, unstructured time, structured discipline and the demands of a year that asks more rather than less.
A carefully curated process designed not to filter, but to compose.
Admissions criteria
A. Core requirements
Educational background
Completion of secondary education or equivalent.
Language proficiency
Evidence of proficiency in English for non-native speakers.
Disposition for reflection and intellectual engagement
Evidence of curiosity, critical thinking, and a willingness to engage with complex ideas and cultural forms.
Cultural and artistic interest
Demonstrated interest in cultural appreciation, creative practice or critical thought
B. Supplementary materials
Motivation statement
Applicants are invited to reflect on their reasons for applying, their understanding of excellence, and the direction they seek to develop.
Intellectual curiosity statement
Candidates are invited to reflect on a subject, question, or idea they find themselves returning to repeatedly, even beyond the context of school.
Recommendation letters
At least one letter from a mentor, teacher, or professional familiar with the candidate’s abilities and character.
Interview
A personal conversation to assess alignment with Accademia XXI values, interpersonal qualities and intellectual engagement.
Admissions process
Application request
- Submit your application request via the contact form on our website.
Preliminary conversation
- Begin with a preliminary conversation to explore the programme and admissions process
Application submission
- Candidates submit their application by email.
Preliminary screening
- Initial evaluation based on intellectual engagement,
alignment with the Academy’s values, and completeness of the application.
Personal interview
- A conversation conducted by the founder and the admissions’ officer to assess fit, communication and motivation.
Final evaluation
- Holistic review by the admissions committee.
Enrolment and orientation
- Welcome to the Academy, with introductory sessions and preparatory work before the programme begins.
Detailed
application form
Section 1: personal information
Name, date of birth, nationality, and contact details.
Section 2: educational background
Schools previously attended, subjects studied, academic achievements.
Section 3: motivation statement
Essay prompt: Describe a moment, work of art, conversation, place, or experience that changed the way you see the world. Why did it stay with you? What questions did it leave you with?
Word limit: 500-700 words.
Section 4: intellectual curiosity statement
What is a subject, question, or idea you find yourself returning to repeatedly, even outside school?
Section 5: recommendation letter(s)
Contact details for at least one referee.
Section 6: physical well-being and interests
This section collects information that helps the Academy support each student’s daily life. Applicants are invited to share details on:
- Current or past involvement in sports and physical activities
- General approach to physical well-being and routine
- Any medical conditions or relevant health considerations
- Allergies (food or environmental)
- Dietary requirements or restrictions (e.g. vegetarian, vegan, religious considerations)
- Any other personal needs that the Academy should be aware of to support daily life and participation in the programme
Section 7: agreement and declaration
Consent for data processing and confirmation of the accuracy of provided information.
After admission: how the year begins
Once admitted, students enter a structured pre-arrival period that introduces them to the cohort, the philosophy of the programme and the practical preparations for residential life.
This pre-arrival phase is itself part of the formation. It marks the beginning of a year that asks for serious engagement from the moment of admission, not just from the first day on site.
This includes:
Mentor pairing
Initial discussion with the academic mentors who will accompany the student throughout the year
Pre-programme reading and dialogue
Introductory materials, online discussions and structured preparation for the curriculum
Etiquette and protocol introduction
Preparatory sessions on the practical conventions of residential life
Cultural and physical orientation
Guidance on settling into Liguria, including practical information on language, daily life and the sports programme