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Portugal, Algarve
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Barlavento International Primary School was established in 1975 by a small group of parents and teachers who lived in the Lagos area. In January 1982 the school moved to its current premises near Espiche, generously donated by Colonel and Mrs Vickers. It was governed by a group of governors until 2013 when pedagogic management was transferred to the Nobel group. In August 2020 guardianship of the building and management of the school was handed over to the directors of Aljezur International School, Karen Whitten and Sílvia Catarino. Sílvia taught Portuguese at Barlavento International Primary School from 2001 until 2009 and her son attended the school; Karen was a regular visitor between 2005 and 2013 as Aljezur students participated in joint projects with the primary school.
Barlavento is a happy international family school for 3–11 year olds with a caring, supportive environment where wellbeing and strong relationships with teachers are valued. The headteacher describes the school as a 'Barlavento Family' that aims to develop confident, empathetic learners who contribute to local and global communities, and it emphasizes partnership with parents through ongoing dialogue and involvement in day‑to‑day education and wellbeing. The site features current news and events such as the Spring Fair fundraiser that illustrate active community engagement.
Barlavento International Primary School provides an English-language international primary program for children aged 3 to 11, based on the Early Years Foundation Stage and the National Curriculum of England, adapted for an international community living in Portugal. The campus sits in the Algarve countryside near Lagos, with extensive outdoor space, forest schools, wildlife areas, fruit and vegetable gardens, and two large shaded play areas. Four bright classrooms, a library, an IT room and a large sports hall with a stage support a range of activities, from daily lessons to performances and sports. The curriculum combines core English, Maths and Reading with Portuguese, Mindfulness, Gardening and Drama, delivered through thematically linked topics such as Our Wonderful World and Mission to Mars. Lunchtime clubs include yoga, art and chess, and the school collaborates with link-schools worldwide to nurture an international community focused on wellbeing, curiosity and responsible citizenship. Here families feel welcome.
