Aljezur International School and Educan are both in Algarve. Both schools offer British programmes. Aljezur International School also offers Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels and Cambridge A Levels, and Educan also offers Pearson Edexcel IGCSE. Published annual fees are close, at €3,000 - 9,900 for Aljezur International School and €6,309 for Educan. Aljezur International School takes pupils from 11 to 18, and Educan from 5 to 16.
British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Curriculum
Pearson Edexcel IGCSE, British Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
80
Pupils
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Typical class size
Typical class size
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Typical class size
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Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2010
Opened
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Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Sítio de Ezenha, 8670-116 Aljezur, Algarve, Portugal (GPS 37.274872, -8.804189); situated 5km south of Aljezur on the N120.
Location
Educan, Algarve is located at Rua de Portugal n.º3, 8100-554 Loulé, Portugal. Loulé is in the Algarve region of southern Portugal. The campus is accessible via local roads.
Stages
Stages
Secondary school education for ages 11–18.
Stages
Key Stage One (Y1–Y2) to Key Stage Five (Y12–Y13)
School type
School type
International secondary school
School type
Private international day school following the Pearson Edexcel International British Curriculum
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
26 nationalities represented.
Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Tutorial support in small groups or one-to-one for AS and A Level qualifications.
Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
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Country affiliation
Portugal
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
Our school week runs Monday to Friday. Classes begin at 9.30am and end at 4pm with ten half-hour lessons and three breaks each day.
- A non‑refundable enrolment fee of EUR 300 is charged on acceptance of a place for all students.
Deposit (enrolment deposit) and total initial payment
- Years 7–9: Deposit EUR 2,400 (refundable subject to terms) plus the EUR 300 enrolment fee, giving a total initial payment of EUR 2,700. - Years 10–11: Deposit EUR 2,700 (refundable subject to terms) plus the EUR 300 enrolment fee, giving a total initial payment of EUR 3,000. - AS/A Level students: Enrolment fee EUR 300 (non‑refundable) plus a refundable deposit of EUR 2,000, giving a total initial payment of EUR 2,300.
Tuition fees — Years 7–9 (per student)
- Annual fee: EUR 7,200 per year. - Per term: EUR 2,400 per term. - 10 monthly instalments option: EUR 720 per month (monthly instalments are payable one month in advance; first instalment must be received before the beginning of the autumn term).
Tuition fees — Years 10–11 (per student)
- Annual fee: EUR 8,100 per year. - Per term: EUR 2,700 per term. - 10 monthly instalments option: EUR 810 per month (monthly instalments are payable one month in advance; first instalment must be received before the beginning of the autumn term).
Tuition fees — AS / A Level (per subject)
- If there are two or more students in the group: EUR 3,000 per subject per year. Payment schedule: EUR 1,000 at the start of term 1 and EUR 1,000 at the end of terms 1 & 2. - If there is only one student in the group: EUR 3,900 per subject per year. Payment schedule: EUR 1,300 at the start of term 1 and EUR 1,300 at the end of terms 1 & 2.
Optional coach / transport costs
- Coach service (Alvor, Lagos and Bensafrim): EUR 1,400 per student per year, payable in advance; this payment is non‑refundable. - For AS/A Level students who are not full‑time, transport may alternatively be charged at EUR 5 per one‑way journey or EUR 10 per return journey, payable monthly.
Other fees and typical additional costs
- Recommended books: average cost approximately EUR 100 in total; books bought through the school may be reimbursed at the end of use depending on condition. - A 5% sibling discount is applied for a second sibling attending full time in the same academic year.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Payment methods accepted for settling fees are: annually in advance; per term in three equal payments (each term payment due before the beginning of the relevant term); or by 10 equal monthly instalments (monthly by prior arrangement and agreement). Monthly instalments are payable one month in advance and subsequent instalments must be received before the 15th of each month. - If fees are not paid according to the agreed terms, the school reserves the right to exclude the student until outstanding amounts are received in full.
Notice, termination and refund of deposit
- A full term's written notice is required to withdraw a student. - A proportion of the deposit is refundable when a child leaves, provided the child has completed at least one term and one full term's written notice has been given; the refundable amount is repaid without interest and after deduction of any outstanding sums (for example, books not returned or unpaid canteen/club costs). The deposit cannot be used in lieu of outstanding fees and is returned only after all fees have been paid. Portions of the initial payment retained as the enrolment fee (EUR 300) are non‑refundable.
Boarding
- No boarding fees apply because the school does not operate a boarding provision.
Fee payment options (methods commonly used for fee settlement)
- The published fee information specifies the accepted schedules (annual, per term, 10 monthly instalments) and the timing for payments but does not specify detailed payment instruments (for example: bank transfer, credit card, direct debit) in the published fee text.
Refunds and non‑refundables (summary)
- The enrolment fee of EUR 300 is non‑refundable. - The deposit portion is refundable under the stated conditions (completion of at least one term and provision of one full term's written notice); the deposit is returned less any outstanding charges and without interest. Transportation fees for the coach service are non‑refundable.
Fee details
Application and Registration Fees
- Annual registration fee: EUR 300. - Security deposit: EUR 250 (refundable when any school materials or property belonging to Educan are returned at the end of enrolment).
Tuition fees by year group (payment options shown: Annual / Termly / Monthly)
- Key Stage One (Years 1–2): Annual EUR 6,309 / Termly EUR 2,214 / Monthly EUR 604. - Key Stage Two (Years 3–6): Annual EUR 7,016 / Termly EUR 2,462 / Monthly EUR 671. - Key Stage Three (Years 7–9): Annual EUR 7,701 / Termly EUR 2,702 / Monthly EUR 737. - Key Stage Four (Years 10–11): Annual EUR 8,387 / Termly EUR 2,943 / Monthly EUR 803. Optional IGCSE subjects beyond the listed core subjects are charged EUR 110 per month each. Examination fees are not included in these tuition figures. - Key Stage Five (Years 12–13): Fees are not published in the fee schedule and must be requested from the school.
Sibling and discounts
- Second child: 4% discount on tuition. - Third and subsequent children: 5% discount on tuition.
Afternoon clubs and wraparound care (fee details)
- Club Pack (five days per week: three clubs + two homework clubs): EUR 750 (termly). - Homework Club (one day per week): EUR 180 (termly). - Single Club (one day per week): EUR 255 (termly). - Kids Club (every afternoon): EUR 250 (termly). - Clubs run from the middle of September to the end of June.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Payment frequency options: Annual payment (includes a 5% discount), Termly (3 instalments), or Monthly (11 instalments). - Termly payments are due at the start of Terms 1, 3 and 5; for the 2025/2026 academic year those term-start months are September 2025, January 2026 and April 2026. Clubs are scheduled across the school year from mid-September to the end of June.
Other costs and charges
- Examination costs are charged separately and are not included in the tuition figures above. Optional IGCSE subject charges are EUR 110 per month where applicable. Stationery, workbooks, textbooks and other student equipment are included within the annual registration fee.
Refund information
- The security deposit (EUR 250) is refundable when school property and materials belonging to Educan are returned upon a pupil leaving. No other refund terms are detailed in the published fee schedule.
Fee payment options and practical notes
- The published fee schedule sets the available payment frequencies (annual, termly, monthly) and the associated discounts/instalment structure; it does not specify accepted payment methods (for example, which card types or bank transfer details are accepted) or the full terms and conditions for late payment, refunds beyond the security deposit, or withdrawal penalties in that document. For those operational payment-method details and contract terms, direct contact with the school is required.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
The school follows the UK national curriculum adapted to the life and culture our students experience here in Portugal. Among 80 students, 26 nationalities are represented, bringing diversity to the classrooms. Resources and themes from UNESCO, Oxfam, Amnesty International and National Geographic are used when relevant to the learning programme. Students are encouraged to learn through research and discussion and to take pride in their work and contributions. In the first three years, Years 7-9, the focus is on experiential learning and bonding with tutors; around age 14, students begin a two-year course in their chosen subjects leading to the Cambridge IGCSE examinations, with a “stage not age” philosophy allowing earlier entry to IGCSE and progression to AS levels; there is tutorial support for AS and A Level qualifications.
Curriculum details
Educan, Algarve delivers the Pearson Edexcel International British Curriculum. Core subjects are taught in the morning from 9:00 to 13:00 with a hands-on approach to learning. Afternoon clubs run from 14:00 to 15:30 and cover a range of activities including Portuguese, Dutch, Mandarin, French and Russian, plus Homework Club, Mindfulness, Art & Design, Science Experiments, Cooking, Engineering, Computing and Physical Education. Tutoring is provided by experienced teachers to support all students. A Pearson Edexcel Qualifications guide is provided for parents and students to understand the qualifications offered.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
Students are taught in small groups, allowing tutors to establish close contact with students and tailor lessons to individual strengths. This flexibility supports a personalised learning programme.
Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
Our students study for Cambridge IGCSE examinations, and we are a Cambridge International Examination Centre, meaning students sit exams in the school building. The general timescale is that at the age of 14, students start a 2-year course in their chosen exam subjects; we frequently have students who enter IGCSE exams earlier and are able to move up to AS level the following year while studying for the rest of their IGCSEs. We also provide tutorial support in small groups, or even one-to-one, for students studying for AS and A Level qualifications. Here are our exam results for recent years: 2015: A* 5%, A 38%, B 26%, C 21%, Less than C 10%; 2016: A* 10%, A 12%, B 19%, C 48%, Less than C 11%; 2017: A* 15%, A 22%, B 24%, C 32%, Less than C 7%; 2018: A* 14%, A 19%, B 25%, C 33%, Less than C 9%; 2019: A* 11%, A 13%, B 17%, C 43%, Less than C 16%; 2020: A* 11%, A 25%, B 32%, C 28%, Less than C 4%; 2021: A* 15%, A 20%, B 35%, C 21%, Less than C 9%; 2022: A* 12%, A 27%, B 34%, C 17%, Less than C 10%; 2023: A* 10%, A 21%, B 27%, C 24%, Less than C 18%; 2024: A* 10%, A 22%, B 29%, C 27%, Less than C 12%
Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
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Higher education progression
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Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
Tutorial support in small groups or one-to-one for AS and A Level qualifications.
Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
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Community
Community
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Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Lessons are taught in English, and the school welcomes students of all nationalities. Most tutors are proficient in Portuguese, and daily Portuguese language lessons are provided. For students not fluent in English, integration is encouraged and additional English lessons can be arranged if needed. The school accepts students from the Portuguese system as well as from other nationalities; after completing their IGCSEs with the school, some students return to the Portuguese system for Years 11 and 12 if they wish. All students study Maths, English, English Literature, Portuguese language, Portuguese Culture & Arts, Physics, Biology, Geography, History, Computer Studies, Business Studies, Music, Drama and Art up to the end of Year 9, after which they select subjects for IGCSE; private tuition for AS and A level subjects is available. Admissions are via the on-site registration form; required documents include passport/ID, health card, previous school reports (if any), vaccination record, passport-sized photograph, and fiscal number. By applying, you agree to the Terms and Conditions; a place is reserved by paying an enrolment deposit and an enrolment fee. For academic year 2025/26, annual fees are €7,200 for Years 7–9 and €8,100 for Years 10–11, with payment options including annual in advance, per term in advance, or 10 equal monthly installments; an optional coach service costs €1,400 per year; books (approximately €100) can be bought through the school and may be reimbursed on completion of the book. An enrolment fee is €300 and a deposit is €2,400 (Years 7–9) or €2,700 (Years 10–11). A 5% discount is offered for a second sibling attending full-time in the same academic year. Separate Terms and Conditions apply for AS/A Level studies.
Admissions
The school offers an easy admission process with visits to the building on open days or a trial day to meet faculty and learn about the programs; a meeting can be booked. Fees for 2025/2026 are published: annual registration fee 300€, security deposit 250€. Tuition is published by year group: Key Stage One (Y1–Y2) 6,309€ per year; Key Stage Two (Y3–Y6) 7,016€ per year; Key Stage Three (Y7–Y9) 7,701€ per year; Key Stage Four (Y10–Y11) 8,387€ per year; Key Stage Five (Y12–Y13) please contact us for options. Payment options include Annual (with 5% discount), Termly (three payments), or Monthly (eleven payments). Sibling discounts: second child 4%; third and subsequent children 5%. Afternoon Clubs run 14:00–15:30 with Club Pack (Five days per week: Three Clubs + Two Homework Clubs) 750€, Homework Club (One day per week) 180€, Club (One day per week) 255€, Kids Club (Every afternoon) 250€; fees and schedules are published in the Fees 2025/2026 document.
