Compare IB Curriculum International Schools in Algarve, Portugal

Vilamoura International School is located in Vilamoura, Algarve, Portugal, at APT 856, 8125-911 Vilamoura. It sits in the coastal resort town of Vilamoura in the Algarve region. It runs a daily school bus service with routes including Loulé/Almancil, Olhão/Faro, Vilamoura, Albufeira, and Messines.

Preschool to Secondary School; two pathways from ages 3 to 18: Portuguese Studies following the Portuguese national curriculum, and English Studies following an adapted British international curriculum. The English pathway covers Primary, Cambridge International Lower Secondary and IGCSE, and culminates in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Grades 11 and 12.

Private international school; part of the Inspired Education network.

English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided through a structured programme for students with little or no English exposure.

Portugal. Portuguese Studies pathway follows the Portuguese national curriculum.

A daily school bus service is offered with routes including Loulé/Almancil, Olhão/Faro, Vilamoura, Albufeira, and Messines. Buses depart at 5:00 pm, with an assistant accompanying kindergarten and primary pupils. The service operates throughout the school year.

Uniform is worn by CIV students from Kindergarten through Year 9 (Portuguese Studies) and from Nursery through Year 10 (English Studies). The secondary school students (Years 11–13) do not wear a uniform but must present themselves in a respectful, appropriate manner. Uniform items include dark blue trousers/shorts or a skirt; white polo; dark blue sleeveless pullover; blue-and-white striped shirt (short or long sleeves); dark blue waterproof jacket; dark blue socks; dark shoes. The PE kit comprises blue shorts; blue sweatshirt; white T‑shirt; white socks; suitable athletic shoes. Gala attire includes dark blue trousers or skirt; white-and-blue striped shirt; blue pullover; dark socks; dark shoes.

The campus has a dining hall on site.

The school operates a house system with house points and merits to recognise student achievement.

The school is part of Inspired Education.

Two academic pathways for students aged 3 to 18: Portuguese Studies following the Portuguese national curriculum, and English Studies following an adapted British international curriculum. The English Studies pathway uses the British National Curriculum in Primary, Cambridge International Lower Secondary and IGCSE, culminating in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Grades 11–12. The Portuguese Studies pathway includes national examinations in Grades 9 and 12. The school is a Cambridge International Examination and Alliance Française centre. Multilingualism is promoted through early language learning in Portuguese, English and French, with opportunities to study Spanish, German and Russian as extracurricular activities. English-exposure students receive English as an Additional Language (EAL) support to help integrate into the curriculum. The school is part of Inspired Education Group.

IB Diploma Programme provides access to universities in Portugal and worldwide.

The school's holistic approach fosters cognitive, social, and emotional growth alongside multilingual proficiency. Communication skills in different social contexts are emphasized. The school develops cognitive and socio-affective abilities within an international, multilingual environment. The school promotes humanistic and democratic values for a well-rounded education.

English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided through a structured programme for students with little or no English exposure. All students develop English language proficiency as part of the school's international curriculum. The school invests in early language learning of Portuguese, English, French, and Russian.

The CIV model focuses on cognitive and socio-affective development within a multilingual environment. The curriculum emphasises sports, the arts, philosophy, and life skills to support well-being and personal growth.

Access to the premises is controlled with an individual, non-transferable card. Identification upon entry and exit is mandatory. Evacuation and safety procedures, including drills for fire, earthquakes, and bad weather, are in place.

1. Submit an Enquiry & Visit the School. Parents complete the enquiry form to start the application process and come for a meeting with the Educational Board at the school. This meeting provides an opportunity to learn more about the school's values, educational programme, curriculum options, and internal procedures. This initial contact helps align expectations. 2. Student Meeting & Assessment. A meeting will be scheduled for students and parents with the Heads of Department. At this stage, previous school reports should be submitted. The meeting assesses fit with the programme and discusses the student's needs and strengths. 3. Admission Decision. Admission decisions are communicated to parents by the Admissions Officer. If the application is successful, you will be provided with further enrollment instructions. The admissions process helps determine whether the student aligns with CIV's programmes and enables planning for next steps. After receiving the admissions offer, submit the following documents to complete enrolment: identification for the student and parents/guardians, up-to-date vaccination records and a medical certificate, the most recent school evaluation report (if applicable), and any residence visas or passports as required.

Fontainhas - Pinhal, Ferreiras, Albufeira, 8200-560, Portugal (mailing address Cx. Postal 835T, EN 125). Located in the Algarve region of southern Portugal. The school can be reached by phone at +351 289 037 265 or 935 450 009. It provides a bilingual environment in English and Portuguese.

Pre-School (Children's House) 3-6; Lower and Upper Elementary 6-12; Extracurricular 3-12. In 2024 the school blended Montessori with the International Baccalaureate Programme (IB) and is a Candidate School for the Primary Years Programme (PYP).

Portugal

Founded by a group of like-minded families united to allow children to flourish and grow in freedom. It describes itself as a diverse, multicultural community that upholds Christian values, welcomes neighboring families, and celebrates Christian holidays in the traditional way.

The school provides Montessori education for Pre-School and Elementary levels. In 2024, the school blended its Montessori method with the International Baccalaureate Programme (IB). The school is a Candidate School for the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. The school offers a bilingual environment in English and Portuguese. Programs include Childrens House (3-6 Years), Lower and Upper Elementary (6-12 Years), and Extracurricular (3-12 Years), including aftercare and extracurricular activities.

Instill a love of learning. Encourage self-discipline. Nurture self-confidence and independence. Improve concentration. Instill a sense of compassion and empathy for others. Provide a bilingual environment (English & Portuguese).

Provide a bilingual environment (English & Portuguese).

Not currently accepting applications. Open days will be scheduled and announced on social media and on this page. A 'Schedule a tour' option is available for inquiries.

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.

Nursery to Year 13

British international school

50+ nationalities represented

Adaptations available for SEN students

Portugal

Secular

Pupils wear the school uniform at all times and it is checked daily. The uniform includes a navy jumper with the school emblem and a white polo shirt, with grey skirts or trousers; a new uniform with a navy hoodie and blazer is being introduced.

Lagoa campus has two canteens and a snack-bar, and a dedicated area for packed lunches is available.

The House system is a distinctly British feature used for collaboration and healthy competition among students. Each House has a colour, an emblem, an attribute and a charity, and students participate in inter-house competitions and House Council leadership.

The school is part of Globeducate. It is governed by a Board of Directors that sets policies and oversees finances, and it operates as a private company with swift decision-making. An Advisory Board provides governance support, and safeguarding is prioritized by the leadership.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

If there are no available spaces, families are informed and placed on a waiting list on request.