Compare BTEC International Schools in Portugal

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.

The Nobel Algarve Lagoa campus is located in Porches, Lagoa, within the Algarve region. It is situated directly off the main EN125 road, which provides straightforward transport connections to surrounding neighbourhoods. This placement makes the campus highly accessible for families commuting from across the western Algarve.

The school accommodates students from Nursery through to Year 13. It is structured around two distinct educational pathways: the National Curriculum for England culminating in IGCSEs and A-Levels or BTEC qualifications, and the Portuguese National Curriculum spanning from Pre-School to Secondary level.

Nobel Algarve Lagoa is a private, co-educational day school.

The school provides support for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) overseen by a dedicated Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO). Provision is tailored to assist students with specific communication, cognition, or physical requirements, and the campus is further supported by an on-site school psychologist.

The school has a strong affiliation with the United Kingdom, teaching the National Curriculum for England as part of the Globeducate British International Schools (GBIS) network. It also maintains a direct connection to its host country by offering a parallel Portuguese National Curriculum.

Nobel Algarve Lagoa does not have any religious affiliation.

The core academic day typically concludes at 4:30 pm. Following the regular timetable, the school offers an optional after-school activities programme (VivaHUB) that runs daily from 4:30 pm until 5:30 pm.

The school provides a daily bus transport service that covers the western Algarve, with routes extending from Faro to Praia da Luz.

The school has a brand-new canteen.

The school is part of Globeducate Network.

Two learning pathways are offered: a British international pathway closely following the National Curriculum of England and a Portuguese National Curriculum pathway. The British international curriculum is taught in English and focuses on preparing students for ICGSE exams, BTEC Diplomas or A-levels.

Graduates go on to study a wide range of subjects at top universities worldwide, including Biological Sciences, Aerospace Engineering, Neuroscience, Pharmacy, Law, Politics and International Relations, Mechanical Engineering, Economics and Business, and Medicine. From Year 7, students use the Unifrog platform to explore careers and university pathways, and the school hosts an on-site university fair to connect students with international universities and regional fairs in the Algarve and Lisbon.

Nobel Algarve Lagoa provides a close-knit learning environment where each student is valued and supported. The school focuses on nurturing curiosity, empathy, and self-awareness, shaping thoughtful individuals who can make a meaningful difference in an ever-evolving world. It offers an enriching and engaging curriculum based on the national curriculum of England, with the option to study for ICGSE exams, BTEC Diplomas, or A-levels. In line with Globeducate's vision, graduates become global citizens who can shape the world. The Lagoa campus sits on extensive grounds with air-conditioned classrooms and labs, and there are expansion plans to enhance the learning experience. The curriculum is broad and balanced, encouraging students to discover their talents and appreciate the perspectives and gifts of others.

1. Request information:
Parents are invited to begin the application process by filling out a form on the school's website to register their interest. After submitting this initial enquiry, a member of the Admissions Team will reach out to make contact. This first step allows the school to understand your family's needs and initiate a conversation about your child's educational requirements.

2. Book a visit:
The school recommends that prospective families visit the campus in person or virtually to get a genuine feel for the classrooms and daily school life. During this stage, the admissions team will organise a meeting with the head of the relevant school campus and section. At this meeting, parents will be asked to complete a formal registration form and provide their child's previous school reports.

3. Apply for a place:
Following the campus visit and meeting, the school will advise parents regarding placement options and availability for their child in the requested year group. The admissions team will discuss the available pathways to ensure the curriculum aligns with the student's background. If space permits, the application can move forward to the final stage.

4. Finalise enrolment:
To secure the offered place, parents are required to pay the initial school fees. Families must also provide several supporting documents, including the child's identification, relevant medical and vaccination records, and the parents' identity cards or passports. For foreign citizens, a Portugal residence permit, fiscal numbers, and proof of address are also necessary to complete the process.

Nobel Algarve British International School operates a rolling admissions policy, meaning they accept applications for both campuses throughout the entire academic year. Placements are offered strictly depending on the availability of spaces in the requested year group. If there are no current openings for a child's specific year, the school will inform the parents and offer the option to be placed on a waiting list until a spot becomes available.