The Course is designed and run by John Hall. After Oxford, John Hall taught for eight years at the King's School, Canterbury. In 1965 he founded the Pre-University Course in Venice, which he still directs each year. He also arranges occasional tours in Italy - Italian Journeys - for parents and friends of course students. As well as occasional writing for The Times, The Field, Hortus, and a television play for the BBC, in 2002 he published his memoirs, GONDOLAS AND GRAPES - Enterprises in Italy, (Sibilline Press). Living now in the Marche region of Central Italy, he and his wife care for various fowl, dogs and cats and cultivate an olive grove and vineyard.

Administration is in the experienced hands of  Mrs. Clare Augarde. Based in Ipswich, she has had many years experience working with the Course in Italy. She deals with enquiries, references, bookings, accounts, pre- and post-course information, travel arrangements, etc. Patrizia Dowling, Italian, and resident in Venice, is married to an English lecturer at Venice University. She helps on the ground in Venice, Florence and Rome and can help students with everything to do with daily life in Italy.