Bright International School vs Nobel Algarve British International School - Almancil Campus

	B Bright International School Algarve, Portugal	N Nobel Algarve British International School - Almancil Campus Algarve, Portugal
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €8,750 - 16,360	Fees / year €6,660 - 18,430
Age range	Age range 3 - 19 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels	Curriculum IB (DP), BTEC Qualification, Cambridge IGCSE
Pupils	Pupils 140	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 18	Typical class size 18
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English, Portuguese
Opened	Opened 2024	Opened 1972
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Parque Industrial de Loulé, Zona Industrial B, Lote 14, 8100-272 Loulé, Algarve, Portugal. The campus sits in the Algarve region near Loulé and serves an international community.	Location Two campuses in the Algarve region of Portugal: Nobel Algarve Almancil and Nobel Algarve Lagoa. Almancil is located between Faro and Albufeira, near Vale de Lobo and Quinta do Lago. Lagoa is located along the EN125 route between Lagos and Albufeira. Lagoa campus address is Barros Brancos, EN125, 8401-901 Lagoa, Portugal; Almancil campus address is Caminho das Pereiras, 8135-022 Almancil, Portugal.
Stages	Stages Early Years (3–5 years); Primary (5–11 years); Lower Secondary (11–14 years); Upper Secondary (IGCSE) (14–16 years). Cambridge Advanced opens in September 2027.	Stages Nursery to Year 13
School type	School type Day school offering the Cambridge International Pathway.	School type British international school
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix Over 30 nationalities are represented at Bright International School.	Pupil nationality mix 50+ nationalities represented
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Inclusive school with a Wellbeing Department consisting of psychologists and pastoral care; supports social, emotional and cognitive needs.	Additional learning support Adaptations available for SEN students
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Portugal	Country affiliation Portugal
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation Secular
School day structure	School day structure Bright operates from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Early Years run 9:00 am to 3:00/4:00 pm; Primary and Lower Secondary run 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application & Registration Fees - Annual registration fee: EUR 1,000 (charged once on acceptance and invoiced annually). Tuition fees (listed per term and per year group) - Cambridge Early Years - Pre-Reception: EUR 2,650 per term / EUR 7,750 per year. - Reception: EUR 2,650 per term / EUR 7,750 per year. - Cambridge Primary - Year 1: EUR 3,400 per term / EUR 9,900 per year. - Year 2: EUR 3,400 per term / EUR 9,900 per year. - Year 3: EUR 3,870 per term / EUR 11,150 per year. - Year 4: EUR 3,870 per term / EUR 11,150 per year. - Year 5: EUR 4,295 per term / EUR 12,565 per year. - Year 6: EUR 4,295 per term / EUR 12,565 per year. - Cambridge Lower Secondary - Year 7: EUR 5,120 per term / EUR 14,980 per year. - Year 8: EUR 5,120 per term / EUR 14,980 per year. - Year 9: EUR 5,120 per term / EUR 14,980 per year. - Cambridge Upper Secondary (IGCSE) - Year 10: EUR 5,250 per term / EUR 15,360 per year. - Year 11: EUR 5,250 per term / EUR 15,360 per year. Billing schedule and payment terms - Invoicing frequency: fees may be invoiced either termly or annually according to the parent's preference. - Standard term invoicing and due dates (example schedule shown): - Term 1 invoiced on 1 June; payment due by 1 July. - Term 2 invoiced on 2 November; payment due by 2 December. - Term 3 invoiced on 1 March; payment due by 1 April. - Annual registration fee invoiced in February with a stated due date in that month. - Cash payments are not accepted; all fees must be received net of bank charges. - Late-payment penalty: a 5% monthly compounded fine is charged on overdue amounts; legal recovery costs may be added and access to some services may be restricted for students with past-due debts. Boarding fees - Boarding is not listed among the school charges. The school operates as a day school with published school hours and no boarding fee schedule. No boarding fees apply. Other mandatory and optional costs - School meals: EUR 570 per term (school meals are mandatory for pupils and are invoiced alongside term fees). - School bus: EUR 600 per student per term (use of bus service is subject to a one-term commitment). - iPad (Years 1–6): EUR 645 (one-off charge where applicable). - Uniform welcome pack: EUR 270 (welcome pack charge). - Soprano flute (Years 1–6): EUR 10 (specified item charge). - Examination fees: IGCSE examination fee EUR 160 per exam. - After-school activities: charged per activity with a minimum one-term commitment; withdrawals mid-term do not entitle to refunds. - One-to-one Inclusion Team support: charged when required; fee determined case-by-case. Refund information and notice of withdrawal - Notice of withdrawal: parents/guardians must notify the school in writing at least one full term before the student's intended departure. Failure to provide proper notice will result in charges for the subsequent term. - Non-refundable items: the annual registration fee and any payments made to the school are non-refundable under any circumstance. If a student does not attend at the start of the school year, the annual registration fee and Term 1 fees are not refundable. Fee payment options and bank details - Payment methods accepted: bank transfer and direct debit (direct debit is offered/recommended); cash is not accepted. Parents are requested to indicate the student's name and number on transfers. - Bank example provided by the school (payments must be received net of charges): - Bank name: Millennium BCP; Beneficiary: EUPHEUS – International Educational Project, Lda; IBAN and BIC/SWIFT details are published for transfers. Discounts and penalties - Annual-payment discount: 3% discount on annual tuition fees for full-year payments made by the stated annual-discount deadline. - Sibling discount: 20% discount on tuition for the third and subsequent children. Discounts are void if fees are not paid according to the published payment schedule. - Late-payment penalty: 5% monthly compounded fine on overdue payments and possible legal recovery charges.	Fee details Application and initial charges - Registration (non-refundable, payable on acceptance of a place): EUR 500. - Enrolment fee (charged annually for all age groups; includes school insurance): EUR 340 per year. Tuition fees (International section) — rates shown as Annual / Full-term (x3) / Monthly (x10) - Pre-School (ages 3–4): Annual EUR 6,660 / Full-term EUR 2,220 / Monthly EUR 666. - Year 1: Annual EUR 8,700 / Full-term EUR 2,900 / Monthly EUR 870. - Years 2–6: Annual EUR 11,490 / Full-term EUR 3,830 / Monthly EUR 1,149. - Years 7–9: Annual EUR 14,730 / Full-term EUR 4,910 / Monthly EUR 1,473. - Year 10: Annual EUR 15,150 / Full-term EUR 5,050 / Monthly EUR 1,515. - Year 11: Annual EUR 14,610 / Full-term EUR 4,870 / Monthly EUR 1,461. - Years 12 & 13: Annual EUR 16,410 / Full-term EUR 5,470 / Monthly EUR 1,641. Canteen / Lunch - Pre-School (mandatory): Annual EUR 1,560 / Full-term EUR 520 / Monthly EUR 156. - Years 1–13: Annual EUR 1,680 / Full-term EUR 560 / Monthly EUR 168. Other per-item charges and services - Special Educational Needs (SEN) support: EUR 35 per session (30 minutes). - English as an Additional Language (EAL) / language tuition: EUR 35 per session (30 minutes). - Psychological and orientation services: EUR 40 per session (45 minutes). - School transfer (administrative) fee: EUR 50 per student. - External examination fees are charged separately by the examining bodies and attract VAT and administrative charges. - Bus transport, uniform and after-school activity fees are set in the school's institutional documents. Billing schedule and payment terms - Full-term payment (x3 instalments): instalments due by the dates shown in the school fee schedule (example instalment deadlines stated as 1st instalment by 11 August; 2nd by 11 December; 3rd by 11 March in the published schedule). Debit direct arrangements are required for instalment plans. - Monthly payment (x10 instalments): successive instalments as scheduled (example schedule runs from 1 July through 1 April in the published schedule). Direct debit is mandatory for monthly payments; a once-off administrative charge of EUR 50 is applied annually if direct debit is chosen. - Early-payment discount for renewal annual payments: an Early Bird discount applies for full-year payments received by the deadline shown in the current fee schedule (example: a 4% discount for payments received by 31 March in the published schedule). Family discounts apply (second child 3%; third child and subsequent 20% applied to the youngest children). Discounts are not combinable with other rate discounts. - The school's terms require written notice of withdrawal at least 90 calendar days before the expected departure date. Registration fees are non-refundable as stated in the initial charges. Boarding - The school operates boarding provision for students (day and boarding options exist). Boarding fee schedules are managed separately to the International tuition schedule and should be requested directly; boarding fees are not itemised in the International section tuition table. Refund and withdrawal rules - The initial registration charge is non-refundable. Notice of withdrawal must be provided in writing at least 90 calendar days prior to the expected departure date; additional terms for refunds and liabilities are set out in the school's institutional regulations. Accepted payment methods and account details - Accepted payment methods: bank transfer, TICKET / EDENRED / UP Portugal, bank cheque, cash (subject to legal cash limits), direct debit (for monthly instalments), international transfers and credit card payments via the school's international payments provider. - School bank accounts (examples shown on the school payment page): - IBAN: PT50 0007 0000 0009 8802 3582 3 (SWIFT/BIC: BESCPTPL) — Novo Banco. - IBAN: PT50 0045 7060 4004 6436 578 72 (SWIFT/BIC: CCCMPTPL) — Crédito Agrícola. - International transfers and credit card payments can be made through the school's TransferMate facility for international education payments. Direct debit is mandatory for monthly plans; a once-off EUR 50 administrative charge applies when direct debit is used. Summary of key actionable figures - Registration (on acceptance): EUR 500 (non-refundable). - Enrolment: EUR 340 per year. - Example annual tuition (Years 2–6): EUR 11,490; Years 12–13: EUR 16,410. Full-term and monthly equivalents are published alongside each annual rate. (End of fee overview.)
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 Bright follows the Cambridge Pathway, a comprehensive, flexible curriculum designed by Cambridge International Education to guide learners from Early Years to Advanced qualifications. It comprises five stages for ages 3 to 19, with each stage building on the previous one to prepare students for the next steps. Cambridge qualifications are globally recognised and valued by universities, employers and institutions worldwide. The Pathway offers structured progression, personalised learning, and an emphasis on enquiry-based learning, holistic development, and a strong assessment framework. Bright also commits to inclusive education, wellbeing and equal opportunities for all students in a safe, supportive environment.	Curriculum details British National Curriculum is taught across Nobel Algarve Almancil (IGCSEs, BTEC and IB Diploma) and Nobel Algarve Lagoa (British curriculum with IGCSEs and A-Levels; Portuguese National Curriculum pathway also available). Nobel Algarve is a member of Globeducate's GBIS network.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results In 2024/25, Nobel Algarve Lagoa posted results under the Portuguese National Curriculum above national and regional averages. The 9º ano overall average was 63.6% (+11 percentage points above the national average), with Mathematics 65.6% (+13.6%), Portuguese 61.3% (+7.3%), and PLNM 70.3% (national 58%). For ModA assessments (4º and 6º anos), Advanced+Proficient percentages included English 90% (4º ano), Portuguese 50% (4º ano), Mathematics 47% (4º ano), PLNM 50% (4º ano), Portuguese 58% (6º ano), Mathematics 45% (6º ano), and History/Geography of Portugal 52% (6º ano). At 12º ano, the overall average was 12.5 marks (+1.1 above the national average of 11.4) with improvements in Portuguese, Mathematics A, Physics and Chemistry, Philosophy and Spanish.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression From Year 7, students use the Unifrog platform to explore careers and university pathways; an annual on-site university fair brings international universities to campus; tailored talks and one-on-one guidance support choices for IGCSEs and A-levels and UCAS/international applications. Graduates go on to study a range of subjects at top universities worldwide, including fields such as Biological Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, Law, Economics, and Business.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented Globeducate's four pillars—Enrich, Challenge, Shape and Achieve—shape a broad, balanced curriculum that helps students discover and develop their talents. Enrichment is supported by the Journey outdoor learning programme, Duke of Edinburgh's Award, VivaHUB After School activities, and opportunities for international exchange within Globeducate.
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 The school uses an online five-step admissions process via OpenApply. 1. Send an Enquiry; the Admissions Team provides information through OpenApply. 2. Book a School Tour (60 minutes, in person or online). 3. Submit Final Application (application form on OpenApply and upload the most recent report cards). 4. Trial Day & Assessment (where possible, students spend a day with their age-group class). 5. Confirmation of Enrolment (enrolments are confirmed once payment for all invoiced fees is received). The school welcomes students from 3 to 14 years old at the time of admission. Classes are capped at 18 students, with teaching assistants in Early Years and Primary Pathway classrooms. The school day runs 8:30 am–5:00 pm, Early Years 9:00 am–3:00/4:00 pm, and Primary/Lower Secondary 9:00 am–4:00 pm. Uniforms are required. The school provides hot lunch prepared by a nutritionist, with three options (Mediterranean, diet, vegetarian) and a salad bar; stationery is provided; from Grade 7 laptops are required; bring a personal water bottle. Parents are involved and the Principal regularly meets with families. Students come from over 25 nationalities and the school is non-religious. Enrolment is handled through bright-is.openapply.com and you'll be redirected to the Enrolment Platform.	Admissions 1. Request info: Fill in the form on this page to register your interest; a member of the Admissions Team will contact you. The school operates rolling admissions and accepts applications for both campuses throughout the year, depending on availability. Early contact is recommended to have the best chance of securing a place. 2. Book a Visit: Coming to see the schools in person is the best way to experience campus life. We will organise a meeting (in person or virtual) with the head of the relevant school campus and section. At the meeting, you will be asked to complete a registration form with your child's details, including previous school reports. 3. Apply for a place: After your meeting, you will be advised of your options and placement availability for your child in the appropriate year. If there are no available spaces, we will let you know and place you on a waiting list if you desire. 4. Enrolment: To finalise enrolment, you will be required to pay the initial fees and provide supporting documents for your application, including: copy of your child's identification document; medical information or vaccination records; copies of both parents' identity cards or passports; both parents' fiscal numbers; if foreign citizens, a copy of residence permits; and copies of both parents' proof of address. Payment options include Bank Transfer; TICKET, EDENRED or UP Portugal; Bank Cheque; Cash; Direct debit; International Transfers and Credit Card. TransferMate is available for international payments.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist If there are no available spaces, families are informed and placed on a waiting list on request.
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