Aspire International School vs Brave Generation Academy - Algarve

	A Aspire International School Algarve, Portugal	B Brave Generation Academy - Algarve Algarve, Portugal
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €7,055 - 13,995	Fees / year €6,600 - 10,640
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 12 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational, Online/Hybrid
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Pearson Edexcel IGCSE	Curriculum American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum, British Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 12	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English, Portuguese
Opened	Opened —	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Located at Rua Manuel Teixeira Gomes, 8135-106 Almancil, Algarve, Portugal. Aspire International School Algarve sits between Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago in the Algarve. The campus serves an international community with programmes from Preschool to A level.	Location Algarve region, Portugal: hubs in Lagoa, Lagos (1 & 2), Loulé, Tavira, and Vila Sol.
Stages	Stages Preschool ages 3 to 5; Primary ages 5 to 11; Secondary ages 11 to 14; GCSE/iGCSE ages 14 to 16; A level ages 16 to 18	Stages Secondary Education; Higher Education
School type	School type Independent international school	School type Hybrid online and in-person international school offering British (IGCSEs and A-Levels), American, and Portuguese+ curricula
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation Portugal
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application / Joining Fees - Joining (administration) fee: EUR 195 + IVA. - Non-refundable deposit to secure a place: EUR 600 per child (deducted from fees as EUR 200 per term or EUR 60 per month over 10 months / EUR 75 per month over 8 months). The deposit is non-refundable. Tuition fees by year group (amounts shown are annual, with termly and monthly instalment options) - Preschool (Ages 3–5): Annual EUR 7,055 — Termly EUR 2,422 — Monthly (10 months) EUR 748 — Monthly (8 months) EUR 748. - Key Stage 1 (Years 1–2): Annual EUR 8,230 — Termly EUR 2,826 — Monthly (10 months) EUR 872 — Monthly (8 months) EUR 872. - Key Stage 2 (Years 3–6): Annual EUR 9,950 — Termly EUR 3,416 — Monthly (10 months) EUR 1,055 — Monthly (8 months) EUR 1,055. - Key Stage 3 (Years 7–8): Annual EUR 12,500 — Termly EUR 4,292 — Monthly (10 months) EUR 1,325 — Monthly (8 months) EUR 1,325. - Key Stage 4 (Years 9–10): Annual EUR 13,995 — Termly EUR 4,805 — Monthly (10 months) EUR 1,483 — Monthly (8 months) EUR 1,483. - Key Stage 4 (Year 11): Annual EUR 13,995 — Termly EUR 4,805 — Monthly (10 months) EUR 1,854 — Monthly (8 months) EUR 1,854. - Key Stage 5 (Year 12): Annual EUR 14,995 — Termly EUR 5,148 — Monthly (10 months) EUR 1,589 — Monthly (8 months) EUR 1,589. - Key Stage 5 (Year 13): Annual EUR 14,995 — Termly EUR 5,148 — Monthly (10 months) EUR 1,987 — Monthly (8 months) EUR 1,987. Billing schedule and payment terms - Early-bird discount: 5% discount on the annual fee if paid in full before 31 March 2026. - Termly payment dates (three instalments for the academic year shown): 1st instalment due 1–10 September 2026; 2nd instalment due 2–10 January 2027; 3rd instalment due 3–10 April 2027. Termly payments are subject to 3% interest on the base price. - Monthly instalments: two offered schedules — 10 monthly instalments or 8 monthly instalments. Payments over 10 months are due by the 10th of each month starting 10 August and are subject to 6% interest on the base price. Payments over 8 months are due by the 10th of each month starting 10 August and are subject to 4% interest on the base price. All payment instalments must be paid by the stated due dates. - Late payment penalties: EUR 50 flat penalty plus 0.5% per month on overdue accounts. Sibling and other discounts - Sibling discount: first sibling receives a 5% discount; second and subsequent siblings receive a 10% discount. Boarding fees - No boarding fees are published in the schools published fee schedule; the fee schedule lists only day-school tuition and associated administration/deposit charges. Other costs and additional fees - The published fee schedule includes the joining administration fee and deposit described above and does not itemise charges for stationery, exam entries, excursions, or extra-curricular club fees within the main tuition table. Separate downloadable documents for uniform and lunch menus are provided as distinct items alongside the fee schedule. Parents should note that uniform and lunch arrangements are handled as separate items in the schools documentation. Refund information - The enrolment deposit (EUR 600 per child) is explicitly non-refundable. No other refund terms are detailed within the published fee schedule document. Fee payment options - The published fee schedule sets instalment options and dates but does not list specific payment methods (for example, bank transfer, direct debit or credit/debit card) within the fee schedule PDF. Payment method details are provided separately to families as part of the schools enrolment and invoicing process. Sanctions and administration - No re-enrolment fees are charged. Late-payment penalties and monthly interest on instalment plans apply as stated above. Sibling discounts apply as noted.	Fee details One‑time / Admissions fees - Admissions fee (British International Curriculum, American Core Curriculum or Own Curriculum): EUR 1,450 payable prior to enrolment. - Admissions fee (Portuguese Curriculum / Portuguese+): EUR 950 payable prior to enrolment. Tuition fees (by curriculum) — monthly and annual values - British International Curriculum: EUR 595 per month (12 monthly instalments). Annual total (12 months): EUR 7,140. - American Core Curriculum: EUR 845 per month (12 monthly instalments). Annual total (12 months): EUR 10,140. Note: Advanced Placement (AP) courses incur an additional cost of EUR 650 per AP course. - Portuguese Curriculum (Portuguese+): EUR 595 per month (12 monthly instalments). Annual total (12 months): EUR 7,140. - Own Curriculum (Hub Attendance Fee): EUR 550 per month (12 monthly instalments). Annual total (12 months): EUR 6,600. This option provides Hub access and Learning Coach support for learners using an external curriculum. Billing schedule and payment terms - Standard billing schedule: fees are structured as 12 monthly payments (paid monthly across the year). Paying 12 months upfront is offered as an alternative. - Annual registration renewal fee: EUR 500, payable after the completion of the learner's first 12 months and then annually thereafter. - Discounts affecting payment amounts: - Second child: 5% off the total monthly fee. - Third child: 7.5% off the total monthly fee. - Upfront annual payment discount: 3% discount on the total yearly fee when paying 12 months upfront. - Additional academic charges: AP courses (where taken) carry an extra fee of EUR 650 per AP course (American curriculum). Boarding / accommodation fees (if applicable) - For standard secondary (hybrid Hub + online) provision in Portugal there is no separate boarding fee listed for the Hub model; the model is delivered through local Hubs and online study. Hubs are local co‑learning spaces rather than residential boarding. - For higher‑education Unique Pathway (UP / UPx) programmes there are fee options that explicitly include accommodation and food; for example, UPx Portugal option showing a fee that includes accommodation. Where accommodation is included the published monthly fee differs from the non‑accommodation option; level entrance fees for UP/UPx apply separately. Details and exact accommodation‑inclusive fee options are published with the UP/UPx programme fee pages. Other costs and incidental fees - Registration renewal (annual): EUR 500 (see above). - Unique Pathway / UP programme: level entrance fees are charged when entering a new academic level (example: EUR 1,350 for certain UP levels; some level fees are specified as non‑refundable). These are separate from the monthly tuition instalments. - Materials, software and Hub access: access to the learning platform and Hub facilities are described as included within the tuition fee. Any additional exam fees, exam centre charges, external qualification fees or specific course materials beyond the base offering (for example AP exam fees, external university fees for UP level 6) are billed separately where applicable. Refund information (where stated) - Unique Pathway / UP / UPx programme level entrance fees: specified level entrance fees are described as non‑refundable when that condition is stated on the relevant programme page. - BGA Online admission (regional Online programme pages) shows the one‑time admission fee described as non‑refundable on the Online fee pages for those regions; non‑refundability is explicitly stated on those Online programme fee pages where noted. Fee payment options and how payments are arranged - Billing formats offered: monthly instalments (12 monthly payments) or an upfront annual payment (12 months paid in advance). Upfront annual payment attracts a 3% discount. - Practical arrangements for accepting specific payment methods (for example: card, direct bank transfer, direct debit/standing order or invoice) are managed during admissions and invoicing; families receive fee and payment details as part of the enrolment/quote and invoicing process. Contact details for admissions and billing are provided by the school for payment setup. Quick summary (key numeric items) - Admissions fee (British/American/Own): EUR 1,450. - Admissions fee (Portuguese+): EUR 950. - Tuition (British or Portuguese+): EUR 595 per month → EUR 7,140 per year. - Tuition (American Core): EUR 845 per month → EUR 10,140 per year; AP courses +EUR 650 per course. - Own Curriculum (Hub Attendance): EUR 550 per month → EUR 6,600 per year. - Registration renewal (annual after 12 months): EUR 500. (Amounts and structural details above reflect the published fee schedule for BGA Portugal and the related programme pages for UP/UPx and Online offerings.)
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details AIS Algarve follows the British National Curriculum across all year groups. Preschool uses the Early Years Foundation Stage with Pre-Nursery, Nursery and Reception, weekly Portuguese language exposure, and Jolly Phonics for early literacy. Primary education is based on the English National Curriculum, with a weekly Portuguese language focus, small class sizes, and specialist teachers in Art, ICT, PE, Performing Arts and Music, plus EAL support. The Secondary programme follows the British National Curriculum, guiding students from Key Stage 3 through IGCSEs and A levels, with core subjects including English, Maths, Science and Humanities; preparation for iGCSEs is provided toward Year 9. GCSE/IGCSE and A level offerings are described on dedicated pages; AIS GCSE uses Pearson Edexcel, and A levels are offered with Edexcel accreditation. The curriculum emphasizes PSHE and Mindfulness and includes a balanced programme of sports, arts, and clubs.	Curriculum details BGA Portugal offers secondary education with British (IGCSEs and A-Levels), American, or Portuguese+ curricula. The learning model is hybrid, combining online study with in-person Hubs guided by Learning Coaches. The curricula are accredited and internationally recognized. The Portuguese+ curriculum uses Portuguese materials and assessments, includes Exames Nacionais preparation, and meets direct-entry requirements for Portuguese universities while enabling access to institutions worldwide, delivered in English-speaking Hubs. Higher Education is provided through Unique Pathway Degree Programmes in fields such as Business Management, Computing Science, Hospitality, and Sports, offering a university diploma and practical skills.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio The school has small class sizes and personalised attention, with teachers able to mentor each student.	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression The school prepares students for higher education with university preparation support and careers guidance; it aims to help students gain entry to top universities worldwide through its IGCSE and A level pathways.	Higher education progression Unique Pathway Degree Programmes offer fast, flexible degree options in Business Management, Computing Science, Hospitality, Sports, and more. Learners gain a university diploma and practical skills from anywhere, supporting progression to universities worldwide.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning —
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History —
Community	Community —	Community —
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Families can begin the admissions process by getting in touch with the AIS admissions team. They answer initial questions and guide you through the next steps, including arranging a visit to the school. 2. You can arrange a visit through Schedule a Tour. AIS also offers up to three free trial days for students prior to enrolment. 3. Initially, AIS asks for basic information about your child's age, previous schooling, and any specific learning needs; the admissions team will guide you through the rest of the process step by step. 4. AIS accepts children from Preschool through to Secondary and Sixth Form. English is the main language of instruction, with additional language support available where needed. The school is non-selective and does not conduct assessments before enrolment; if obstacles to learning exist, please notify so appropriate support can be provided.	Admissions Watch Our Overview Video to understand BGA's learning model and pathways. Book a Call or Meeting with our Admissions Team to learn more and schedule a trial day if desired. Schedule a Trial Day to visit a BGA Hub and meet Learning Coaches. Fill Out the Application Form (approximately 10 minutes); after submission you'll receive an email with a summary of the Admissions Process and Next Steps, a link to a detailed Admissions Guide (curriculum breakdown, fees, FAQs), and a link to book the onboarding meeting. Attend an Onboarding Meeting with our Educational team and Learning Coaches to review the Learner's academic history, determine the academic level they will be placed at, discuss their learning pathway in more detail, and address any questions. Complete Full Enrolment: contracts and invoices are issued, and after signing and payment, official enrolment confirmation is issued. Get Ready for Day One: instructions are provided so the Learner can start their journey with confidence.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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