Compare Pearson Edexcel IGCSE International Schools in Portugal

St. Julian's School is in Carcavelos, in Greater Lisbon, Portugal. It sits between Carcavelos beach and historic Lisbon. The campus is centered on an elegant 18th‑century palace surrounded by gardens, sports facilities, woodland areas and sea air. The location blends natural beauty with urban convenience.

The school is organized into four divisions: Pre-Prep Ages 3-4; Prep Ages 5-10; Secondary Ages 11-18; and Bilingual Ages 6-14. This structure supports continuity from early years through to secondary education.

British international school. For ages 3-18.

UK-affiliated.

Bus service with partner F-Irmãos, providing door-to-door transport. Morning collections aim for arrivals between 8:00 and 8:10am; afternoon collections run 3:15pm (Nursery–Year 2 and 1º ano) or 4:05pm (all other students) Monday–Thursday, and 2:00pm on Fridays, with return journeys typically 30–35 minutes. Zones are defined by an interactive map; enrolment is for the full academic year; buses are certified by the IMT and drivers licensed. Fees are per term or per year by zone, and there are sibling discounts.

The Uniform policy reflects a shared sense of community. There are summer and winter uniforms; the clothing is practical and distinctive, and wearing uniform is a great equaliser.

The School offers a lunch service with hot and cold options. Menus are designed by a nutritionist and prepared in partnership with Thomas Frank, a trusted supplier. For the 2025/26 school year, lunch costs €1,209 for Nursery to Year 1 and €1,410 for Year 2 and above; students may also purchase lunch daily for €9.00. Secondary students can also buy food from the Soft Rock Café, which offers warm and cold takeaway options.

Our house system assigns all students and staff to one of four houses: Bucknall, Franklin, Etherington-Smith (ES) and Russell. These foster community and cross-year friendship; a variety of sporting, academic, cultural and service activities are organised throughout the year, with house points and leadership opportunities such as House Captains.

St. Julian's Association, established in 1938 as a not-for-profit cultural organisation dedicated to education, shapes the School's vision and reinvests all revenues back into the School. A Board of Governors oversees strategic planning, policy oversight and progress and appoints the Head and the Bursar, supported by subcommittees. The Chairman of the Annual General Meeting is Mr Filipe Lowndes Marques, and His Majesty's Ambassador to the Portuguese Republic is the Patron of the Association.

The school offers two learning pathways: English Curriculum and Bilingual Curriculum. The English Curriculum runs from Nursery through Year 13, follows the National Curriculum for England, leads to GCSEs in Year 11, and offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma or Career-related Programme in Years 12–13. Portuguese is a compulsory subject up to the end of Year 9. The Bilingual Curriculum teaches the Portuguese National Curriculum in both English and Portuguese from age 6 to 15 (1º–9º ano) and then integrates into the English curriculum with a bespoke foundation programme leading to GCSE examinations before joining the IB programme in Year 12. Parents can choose the bilingual pathway from Reception or Year 1; non-Portuguese-speaking parents can choose this option to accelerate language acquisition and build international networks.

IB Diploma Results – Class of 2025: 94 students earned the IB Diploma with an average score of 34.5, and 49% achieved 35 or higher. GCSE Results – Year 11 (2025): 98 students completed GCSE examinations with strong performance; the data show high attainment in core metrics. IB Diploma results over 2025–2020 show an average score of 34.5 with a Diploma pass rate around 97%; 2025 GCSE metrics include 6 or more A to C at 97% and A-C at 97%; 52% achieved A/A. Portuguese National ExamsResults (2025): grade averages include Portuguese 3.7 and Maths 4.1, with top marks (5) in both subjects.

Graduates have gained places at top universities worldwide, including Bath, Cambridge, City, Edinburgh, King's College London, Loughborough, Manchester, Oxford, Royal Holloway, St Andrews, UCL and Warwick; in the United States MIT and UCLA; international destinations including Amsterdam, Bocconi, Delft, IE and Maastricht; and in Portugal Católica and Nova SBE.

Health & Citizenship PSHE education promotes emotional literacy, personal resilience and respectful relationships.

A Dedicated Learning Support Team provides inclusive provision tailored to individual needs, including support for English as an Additional Language (EAL).

EAL support includes individual learning plans; small-group and one-to-one lessons; IGCSE English as a Second Language option; Portuguese as a Foreign Language.

Counsellors and wellbeing staff provide extra support when needed; wellbeing is central to school life; Health & Citizenship promotes emotional literacy and resilience.

A comprehensive Child Protection Policy aligns with UK and Portuguese guidelines; safeguarding is everyone's responsibility; the Deputy Head (Pastoral) oversees welfare.

1. Register your interest: Contact the Admissions Office via the online form to receive detailed information including current availability, fees and the steps to follow. 2. Book a visit: A personal tour lasts about 30 minutes; children are welcome; if you cannot visit in person, an online meeting can be arranged; visits are informational and do not guarantee a place. 3. Make a formal application: Apply early as classes fill up quickly; complete the online application form and pay the 250 EUR application fee; this one-time fee covers administrative costs and is non-refundable. 4. Interview and assessment: The Admissions Committee, chaired by the Head, reviews applications continuously; invited families attend interviews; interviews commence in September for admission in the following academic year; for Year 4 and above a formal Admissions Assessment is completed just before the interview; an online assessment can be arranged if needed. 5. Acceptance: The Head decides on admission based on the Committee's advice; notification is in writing; after a formal offer, sign the Parent School Agreement and pay the Registration Fee of 750 EUR and the Capital Levy of 5,000 EUR within 10 working days. If a place cannot be offered, families may join the waiting list and the Admissions Office maintains regular contact with those on the list. Most new students start in September; applications are considered year-round subject to availability; final years of the IGCSE or IB DP/CP are generally not accepted. Additionally, St. Julian's offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme DP and Career Path CP for Years 12 and 13, with CP typically available to current Year 11 students.

St. Julian's offers three types of scholarships: Scholars Awards, Lighthouse Awards, and Community Scholarships. Scholars Awards are awarded to Year 12 students based on Year 11 attainment and exemplary engagement and attendance, with up to five Academic Scholarships awarded; winners receive a prize from a menu of opportunities for summer school or internships during the Summer Holiday. Lighthouse Awards reward outstanding contributions to school life, with up to five awards per academic year; in 2025/26 Year 13 is invited to apply; winners receive prizes such as summer programs or internships. Community Scholarships (Anniversary Community Scholarships) are means-tested and awarded to local community members not currently at St. Julian's; up to two Anniversary Scholarships of up to 100% discount per year are possible; applications involve interview, testing and a portfolio. The portfolio should demonstrate commitment to learning, school life, and talent or passion, plus evidence of how the student will contribute to the St. Julian's community; English proficiency is considered. Appendix 1 outlines the process for 2025/26 and specifies deadlines (e.g., invitations and timelines); Appendix 2 covers Anniversary Community Scholarships. Scholarship prizes include an internship with Invest In Internships in London up to 2,500 GBP and contributions to summer school programs up to 2,500 GBP. The school reserves the right not to award scholarships if criteria are not met. For 2025/26, Year 13 will also be invited to apply."} } // admissions, waitlist, and scholarships content drawn from the school site. } } } // end of response fields } // end of JSON block} // citations included for source verification (Admissions page and Scholarships policy PDF) } } // end of final content } // end of message } // Note: This response presents the requested fields as a concise, authoritative summary based on the school's own pages and documents. // If you'd like a shorter version or a version tailored to a specific year group, I can adjust. } // end of user-provided content } // end of answer } // end of output } // end of final answer } // final} // end } // final} // (End) } // done } // end

Waiting lists exist. If a year group is full, applicants are placed on the waiting list, and the Admissions Office maintains regular contact with families while they remain on the list.

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.

Key Stage One (Y1–Y2) to Key Stage Five (Y12–Y13)

Private international day school following the Pearson Edexcel International British Curriculum

Portugal

Morning lessons 9:00–13:00; afternoon clubs 14:00–15:30

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.

The school provides a nurturing and inclusive learning environment that fosters a love for learning and personal growth. The learning journey is student-centred with small groups and an emphasis on autonomy, self-confidence, responsibility and teamwork.

Mindfulness is offered as an after-school club to support pupils' well-being, with clubs running in the afternoons from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm, including Mindfulness as part of the activities.

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.

Estrada do Burgau, 8600-120 Luz-Lagos, Algarve, Portugal

Primary (Year 1–6) and Secondary (Year 7–13)

International school with bilingual English–Portuguese programme; Cambridge curriculum; IGCSE and AS/A Levels

Limited facilities and resources for students with special educational needs; SEN support available at additional charge after assessment

Portugal

School day starts at 9:00 for Primary (Year 1–6) and 9:00 for Secondary (Year 7–13); Primary ends at 15:30; Secondary ends at 15:45; after-school activities 15:45–16:30; bus service available

Bus service from Portimão to school daily with stops along the way including Lagos; billed termly with annual commitment

Short sleeve blue polo shirt with School badge; White or black plain socks; Black shorts or trousers (no sweatpants or leggings on its own); knee-length skirt (girls). Shoes must be all-black, sensible, protective and allow for the growth and healthy development of feet; high heels, flip-flops and backless/back-strapped shoes are not allowed. During inclement weather, a vest under or a black/dark coat may be worn over the uniform.

Snacks and lunch are available for purchase each day, including vegetarian options. The menu is sent out on a Wednesday and pre-ordering for the following week is needed by Friday evening to prepare accordingly.

The house system at VVIS consists of four houses: Apollo, Poseidan, Vulcan, Zeus. All students and staff are assigned to one house; students from the same house are encouraged to work together across year groups in various activities throughout the school year. Staff House Leaders, Student Council and Student House Captains from the Sixth Form coordinate and support house events and initiatives.

Cambridge Lower Secondary leading to IGCSE (Pearson/Cambridge); Cambridge Pathway from Year 1 through Year 13 leading to AS and A Levels; Cambridge Checkpoint assessments at the end of Year 6 and Year 9; Primary is bilingual (60/40 English/Portuguese) with core Literacy, Numeracy and Science taught in English.

18 students per class (secondary)

Advanced Levels offered (minimum of 3 subjects per subject area); Cambridge AS/A Levels are recognised worldwide as a means to enter university; staff provide guidance on applying to universities, personal statements, UCAS deadlines and subject options.

Vale Verde International School develops students' social, physical and interpersonal skills and a sense of personal responsibility. The school provides a happy, stimulating learning environment where pupils are encouraged to be independent, cooperative, confident and reflective learners. The bilingual curriculum supports cross-cultural learning and communication in English and Portuguese. Core values such as honesty, respect, responsibility, tolerance, effort, and self-discipline guide behaviour and interaction within the school community. The approach encourages students to think critically and engage respectfully with diverse perspectives. The school aims to prepare learners for lifelong learning and to contribute positively to society.

The school recognises that students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) or medical conditions may have safeguarding issues that require extra consideration. SEND and SENCo terminology appear within the safeguarding framework, indicating formal recognition of SEND in student support. All staff are trained to adopt a child-focused approach and to be vigilant for signs that a student may need help. The policy describes a structured system to monitor students known to be at risk and to provide appropriate support. The school undertakes collaboration with external professionals and services to ensure timely access to specialist help when needed. The school seeks to give every pupil the opportunity to realise their potential by addressing SEN and medical needs within a supportive environment.

The school runs a bilingual curriculum with English and Portuguese. English Literacy, Numeracy and Science are taught in English throughout the primary curriculum. Bilingual teaching is divided 60/40 between English and Portuguese in Years 1 to 6. The Língua Portuguesa for foreign and native learners programme supports learners who are non-native or native Portuguese speakers. It is the only international school in the Algarve offering these language proportions. Portuguese instruction focuses on arts, culture and sports to support non-native speakers and help them prepare for Portuguese tuition.

Mental health and wellbeing are a core focus of VVIS and are addressed through safeguarding and a tailored PSHE curriculum. All staff are aware that mental health issues may indicate safeguarding concerns and are trained to respond appropriately. The school actively promotes the health, wellbeing and resilience of students and staff, including guidance on responsible social media use through a tailored PSHE programme. Early Help identifies and provides support to students as soon as a problem emerges, including prevention, identification and access to early specialist support. If concerns relate to self-harm, eating disorders or suicidal thoughts, they are brought to the senior management team and acted on promptly.

Key safeguarding contacts are the Primary Designated Safeguarding Lead Clarissa Conroy, the Secondary Designated Safeguarding Lead Brendan de Beer, and the Principal Ben Riley. Safeguarding covers protecting health, wellbeing and human rights, enabling children to live free from harm, and providing safe care. All staff have a duty to raise concerns and follow reporting procedures, including mandatory reporting when required. The curriculum includes PSHE to promote safety and wellbeing, and online safety education addresses content, contact, conduct and commerce risks. Pastoral care supports students, and the school collaborates with external agencies and families to safeguard pupils. Safeguarding is a shared responsibility across the school.

Step 1: Opening an Application File. Submit an application form with the non-refundable application fee of €50 to initiate the process. An email confirms receipt of the forms, but receipt does not imply admission. A student's admission is provisional until the final step in the process has been concluded and the relevant fees have been paid. A place is guaranteed only once all steps in the admissions process are completed.
Step 2: Placement Testing. Students complete the Cambridge Insight placement test to determine placement. English placement is required for students for whom English is not their mother tongue. Additional language lessons may be recommended at the parents' expense to cope with the curriculum. Subject-specific placement tests may be required for mathematics, foreign language and science, and a personal interview is required prior to commencement.
Step 3: Completing the Application File. Complete the Application File by submitting the documents listed: copies of recent school records, health records and vaccination certificates, Language Background Form, any prior assessment reports, declaration of special needs (if applicable with SEN charge), a copy of the child's passport, a passport-size photo, the parent's tax card, a signed Financial Regulations, and the initial €500 non-refundable registration fee. Submit these forms to VVIS Admissions by mail or email. Documents must be submitted prior to admission.
Step 4: Acceptance. After the Application File is complete, it is reviewed by the Head of the relevant division for final decision on acceptance and grade placement. VVIS admits on a space-available basis; if no space is available, the applicant may be placed on a waiting list. For previously wait-listed students, the Admissions Office will call as soon as a space becomes available and an acceptance letter will be emailed to welcome the family. A student will be admitted only after all admission policies are complied with, including vaccination records and the tax number.

Admission is on a space-available basis; applications are not considered more than two years in advance of entry. If a class is full, the applicant's name may be placed on a waiting list. The Admissions Office will call as soon as a space becomes available and an acceptance letter will be emailed to welcome the family.

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.

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

Independent international school

The school uses a house system with inter-house events. An example is the Inter-House Cross Country.

The school is independent. It is led by School Director Ian Bailey.

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.

The school has small class sizes and personalised attention, with teachers able to mentor each student.

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.

Student wellbeing is central to AIS. Pastoral care is a core part of school life, with staff providing guidance and support to help students feel safe and valued. The school supports new students to settle in, helping them build friendships and feel comfortable in their learning environment.

AIS supports students with a range of learning needs, with teachers working closely with families to identify appropriate strategies and provide tailored support; additional support can be provided to help students progress.

English is the main language of instruction; additional language support is available where needed, particularly in the early years. AIS offers instruction in English and Portuguese, with additional modern languages available. Speech and language therapy and EAL support are provided where needed.

Student wellbeing is central; pastoral care supports students' mental, social, and emotional development, with staff available to speak with students about concerns and to promote a safe, respectful environment.

Pastoral care and wellbeing policies promote a safe environment, with clear procedures to address concerns about behaviour or bullying; bullying is not accepted and is addressed promptly.

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.

Braga, in the North of Portugal.

Secondary and Higher Education.

Hybrid education with online learning and in-person Hubs; curricula offered include British (IGCSEs and A-Levels), American Core Curriculum, and Portuguese+ (Portuguese+ is delivered in English-speaking Hubs).

Portugal

Learners in Portugal follow British (IGCSEs and A-Levels), American, or Portuguese+ curricula. Education is delivered through a hybrid model that combines online study with in-person Hub experiences, with 24/7 access to the learning platform and guidance from Course Managers. The British, US, and Portuguese+ curricula are accredited and internationally respected, with qualifications accepted by universities worldwide. The Portuguese+ option uses all learning materials and assessments in Portuguese, includes preparation for and completion of National Examinations, meets direct-entry requirements to Portuguese universities, and is delivered within English-speaking Hubs to develop both Portuguese and English communication. The overall approach emphasizes life skills such as adaptability, collaboration, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning.

Curricula are accredited and internationally respected, with qualifications accepted by universities worldwide. Learners can access pathways to universities globally, including direct entry to Portuguese universities through the Portuguese+ curriculum. The Unique Pathway Degree Programmes offer a fast, flexible, and career-driven route to a university diploma in areas such as Business Management, Computing Science, Hospitality, Sports, and more, enabling study from anywhere.

The school uses co-learning hubs with a peer-to-peer atmosphere, and learners receive constant support from Learning Coaches to develop skills and participate in the community.

The school delivers the Portuguese+ curriculum with all learning materials and assessments in Portuguese within English-speaking Hubs, and learners develop both Portuguese and English communication skills.

The school provides a supportive peer community and Learning Coaches offering ongoing guidance within the hub model.

1. Attend a One-on-One Meeting: We begin with a one-on-one meeting with a member of the BGA admissions team to learn more about BGA's innovative approach to education. The meeting is designed to answer questions and provide insights into the learning model. Special notes apply to families of Learners with special educational needs: inform our team of requirements during the meeting, submit relevant medical documentation, and a mandatory trial day will be scheduled to assess whether BGA can support the Learner. BGA operates hubs across Portugal, including Braga in the North, as part of a network of locations.

2. Schedule a Trial Day: The applying Learner is invited to book a trial day at one of our locations to experience the BGA environment first-hand. It's an opportunity to witness the learner community and how Learning Coaches guide activities. For special-needs applicants, the trial day is essential for Learning Coaches to evaluate whether the Hub can provide the necessary support; if the team determines it can, the application form will be provided.

3. Submit the Application Form: After completing the previous steps, the Admissions Team will send you the application form. The form is straightforward and captures the essential details to move forward. If the applicant is not a native English speaker or has not attended an English-speaking institution for at least two years, they will be required to complete an English proficiency test; after submitting the form, they will receive a link to book the test, and if they pass, they will be invited to schedule an onboarding meeting.

4. Book an Onboarding Meeting: After the application (and English test, if required), book an onboarding meeting to connect with our team and Learning Coach(es). It is an essential step to understand the learner's needs and aspirations.

5. Receive Contract and Payment Details: You will receive a follow-up email with the contract and payment information to keep the process smooth.

6. Submit the Signed Contract: Sign the contract to confirm official commitment to joining BGA.

7. Provide Proof of Payment: Submit proof of payment for the fees associated with the chosen program to finalize the financial arrangements.

8. Get Ready for Day One: A final email will provide essential instructions for the first day and how to access the platform. You will receive guidance on how to prepare for day one and what to expect in the initial setup. Enrolment is open year-round with no fixed start dates; you can enrol far ahead or start quickly as needed.