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Vilamoura International School

Portugal, Algarve

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The school at a glance
Instructs in Portuguese, English
Fees €5,950 - 13,950
Ages 3 - 18 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 1984
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP), British Curriculum
Taught languages Portuguese, English, French, Spanish, German, Russian
Strengths Languages, Sport, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

Vilamoura International School, founded in 1984 as Colégio Internacional de Vilamoura, is a private international school in the Algarve serving ages 3 to 18. The school offers two curricula: Portuguese Studies following the Portuguese national curriculum and English Studies based on a British international framework. The English pathway follows the British National Curriculum in Primary, Cambridge Lower Secondary and IGCSE, culminating in IB Diploma Programme in Grades 11 and 12. The Portuguese pathway includes national examinations in Grades 9 and 12. CIV is a Cambridge International Examination centre and an Alliance Française centre, reflecting a bilingual, multilingual approach. Early language learning includes Portuguese, English and French, with opportunities to study Spanish, German and Russian as extracurricular activities. English-exposure students receive EAL support to help integrate. The campus spans 27,000 m² with outdoors, science labs, Music and Art rooms, ballet studio, gymnasiums, astroturf field and multiple courts. CIV is part of Inspired Education.

Sitio das Quintinhas, Vilamoura, 8125-911 Loulé, Portugal

The Essentials

Vilamoura International School has instruction in Portuguese, English.

Location
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.

Stages
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.

Type
Private international school; part of the Inspired Education network.

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

Country affiliation
Portugal. Portuguese Studies pathway follows the Portuguese national curriculum.

Bus service
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.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
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.

Food Options
The campus has a dining hall on site.

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

Governance and Ownership
The school is part of Inspired Education.
Fees

Annual tuition at Vilamoura International School ranges from EUR 5,950 to EUR 13,950 for 2026/27.

Application / Registration fees
- Registration (enrolment) fee (non-refundable): €400 for new enrolments.
- Re-enrolment (annual re-enrolment) fee (non-refundable): €250.

Tuition fees — English Studies (per year group, payment frequencies shown as printed)
- Nursery & Reception
- Annual: €6,950.
- Termly (per period, x3): €2,386.17.
- Monthly (instalments): €650.77 (Nursery/Reception monthly figure is invoiced in 11 instalments).
- Pre‑1 to Grade 3
- Annual: €8,550.
- Termly (x3): €2,935.50.
- Monthly (x10): €880.65.
- Grade 4–5
- Annual: €9,650.
- Termly (x3): €3,313.17.
- Monthly (x10): €993.95.
- Grade 6–8
- Annual: €10,450.
- Termly (x3): €3,587.83.
- Monthly (x10): €1,076.35.
- Grade 9–10
- Annual: €12,500.
- Termly (x3): €4,291.67.
- Monthly (x10): €1,287.50.
- Grade 11–12 (Senior / IB / A‑Level years)
- Annual: €13,950.
- Termly (x3): €4,789.50.
- Monthly (x10): €1,436.85.

Tuition fees — Portuguese Studies (per year group, payment frequencies shown as printed)
- Jardim de Infância (Nursery)
- Annual: €5,950.
- Termly (x3): figures shown per period; monthly instalment (Nursery): €557.14 (paid in 11 instalments).
- 1º Ciclo do Ensino Básico (1º–4º ano)
- Annual: €6,050.
- Termly (x3): €2,077.17 (monthly x10 listed).
- 2º Ciclo do Ensino Básico (5º–6º ano)
- Annual: €6,400.
- Termly (x3): €2,197.33 (monthly x10 listed).
- 3º Ciclo do Ensino Básico (7º–9º ano)
- Annual: €6,600.
- Termly (x3): €2,266.00 (monthly x10 listed).
- Ensino Secundário (10º–12º ano)
- Annual: €6,950.
- Termly (x3): €2,386.17 (monthly x10 listed).

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Tuition invoicing and payment options: tuition may be invoiced and paid annually, termly (September, January and April) or monthly across the academic year. Nursery/Reception monthly tuition is invoiced in 11 instalments; all other education levels monthly instalments are invoiced in 10 instalments. Termly and monthly payment options are subject to a 3% administrative fee. Invoices are issued by the 5th business day of the month in which they are due (other charges separately by the 10th business day). Invoices overdue by more than 30 days incur interest of 5% on the amount due.

Security / deposit & discounts
- Families with more than one child enrolled receive a siblings discount on the youngest child: 2nd child 10%, 3rd child 15%, 4th child and subsequent 20%.
- Where applicable the school requires the activation of payment guarantees; specific security or deposit terms (for example pre-authorised card authorisations or deposits) and applicability to fiscal residents are stated in the fees documentation and associated conditions.

Boarding
- The school operates as a day school; boarding facilities / boarding fees are not applicable.

Other costs and regularly billed extras
- Mandatory / annual charges and digital services:
- Mobile Device Management (MDM): €20 (applicable to Pre‑1 / 1st Year).
- Global Study Platform / Inspired AI / Inspired Metaverse: €50 (Grades 4–5) and €100 (Grades 6–12).
- Examination fees:
- IGCSE exam fees (Grade 10): €160 per subject (invoiced annually in April where applicable).
- IB exam fees (Grade 12): €900 (fee for the cohort/subjects as indicated).
- Transport (termly billing; invoiced Nov, Jan, Apr): transport is offered by zone with termly and occasional per‑trip charges. Example zone charges (round‑trip / one‑way / occasional per trip) listed include: Vilamoura Zone: €455 / €273 / €7; Vila Sol Zone: €515 / €309 / €8; other zones range from ~€545 to €740 (round‑trip) with occasional per‑trip prices €9–€12 depending on zone. Transport requires an annual subscription and routes may be subject to minimum numbers.
- School meals and food service:
- Lunch and snack services are optional. Daily occasional user fees vary by year group (occasional daily rates printed range from €5 to €12 depending on year group); regular user subscriptions are invoiced by period / term. The school notes that daily prices include lunch and afternoon snacks for the relevant year groups.
- Other charges (examples as invoiced when applicable): student replacement card €7; translation of documents €0.10/word; additional family yearbook one‑off €25; iPad acquisition (Apple iPad Air 11'' Wi‑Fi 128GB with accessories and one year insurance) and iPad rental options (rental termly fees and purchase one‑off fees listed). Charges for extracurricular activities, study support, wellbeing individual support and school trips are listed and invoiced as specified (termly, monthly or when incurred).

Refunds and cancellations
- Registration / enrolment fees are non‑refundable. Certain enrolment periods (for example specified August enrolment windows) are non‑refundable when noted. Extracurricular activity enrolments require a full‑term commitment; if a student withdraws mid‑term the full term fee for that activity is charged unless the activity is cancelled or does not meet minimum enrolment requirements. Taxes / VAT are included in the fees where applicable.

Fee payment methods
- Invoices can be paid by the ATM reference shown on each invoice, by direct debit, by education tickets, by bank transfer or by cash. Cash payments carry a monthly cash limit of €2,000 and an associated service fee of €50 per payment. Direct debit payments are debited by the 12th of each month; failed direct debit attempts will be requested via ATM reference or bank transfer. Specific payment instructions and ATM reference details appear on each invoice. Overdue invoices incur interest as noted above.

(End of fees overview.)
Academics

Vilamoura International School teaches IB (DP), British Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
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.

Higher Education Progression
IB Diploma Programme provides access to universities in Portugal and worldwide.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
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)
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.

Mental Wellbeing
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.

Safeguarding
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.
Parent Experience

History
Founded in 1984 as Colégio Internacional de Vilamoura, CIV is a private school in the Algarve offering two curricula from ages 3 to 18: Portuguese Studies following the Portuguese national curriculum and English Studies following an adapted British international curriculum culminating in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Grades 11 and 12. CIV is part of Inspired Education, a global group of premium schools.

Community
Vilamoura International School maintains a multilingual community with early language learning in Portuguese, English, and French, and opportunities to study Spanish, German, and Russian as extracurricular activities. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided for students with little English exposure. The school emphasizes sports, the arts, philosophy, and real-world skills through a broad enrichment programme, including international exchanges and work experience. As part of Inspired Education, CIV offers access to summer camps, student exchanges, leadership conferences, and overseas collaborative projects.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Vilamoura International School is set on a 27,000m² campus in a unique natural environment, enabling outdoor learning and play. It has state-of-the-art classrooms tailored to each age group and fully equipped laboratories for Chemistry, Physics, and Biology. There are dedicated Music and Art rooms, a ballet studio, a multipurpose room, two gymnasiums, an astroturf football field, and courts for basketball, tennis, and volleyball. A well-stocked library and a dining hall support daily school life. The campus is expanding with plans to further enhance facilities across academic, sports, and arts areas.

Sports Facilities
Two gymnasiums support physical education and a wide range of activities. An astroturf football field offers outdoor play and matches. Courts for basketball, tennis, and volleyball support PE classes and school teams. The facilities enable a comprehensive sports program.

Academic Facilities
The school offers two academic pathways: the Portuguese Studies Programme follows the Portuguese national curriculum from Preschool to Grade 12, and the English Studies Programme is adapted to the local context. The English pathway follows the British National Curriculum in Primary, the Cambridge Lower Secondary and IGCSE, culminating in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Grades 11 and 12. Portuguese pathway students sit national examinations in Grades 9 and 12. English pathway students begin preparing for IGCSE in Grade 9, with examinations taken in Grade 10, before progressing to the IB Diploma Programme. The English pathway provides access to IBDP qualifications and top universities worldwide, and the school offers fully equipped laboratories for Chemistry, Physics, and Biology, plus dedicated Music and Art rooms and a well-stocked library.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The enrichment programme includes sports, arts, international exchanges, and work experience. Specialist-led extracurricular activities complement the curriculum. CIV is part of Inspired Education and offers opportunities such as summer camps, student exchanges, leadership conferences, and collaborative overseas projects.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Two curricula are offered: Portuguese Studies following the national curriculum and English Studies combining the British National Curriculum, Cambridge programmes, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Grades 11 and 12. The English Studies pathway includes IGCSE examinations in Grade 10 before progressing to the IB Diploma Programme. Upper School provides internships and access to national and international research centres linked to prestigious universities. CIV is an IB World School and a Cambridge International Examination centre, with a Cambridge English Language Assessment centre and an examination centre for Alliance Française.

Arts & Creative
Arts are promoted as a core part of CIV's education. The campus includes dedicated Music and Art rooms and a ballet studio to support visual and performing arts. Specialist-led extracurricular activities further enhance learning in the arts, helping students develop creativity and confidence.

Cultural & Language
Early language learning includes Portuguese, English, and French, with opportunities to explore Spanish, German, and Russian as extracurricular activities. CIV is a Cambridge International Examination centre and an Alliance Française examination centre, supporting language qualifications and intercultural learning.

Social & Hobbies
Over 20 extracurricular activities and clubs are available, allowing students to pursue sports, creative and performing arts, and enriching academic opportunities. The enrichment programme includes a broad range of activities that extend beyond the core curriculum.

Community & Service
Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) is an experiential learning component of the IB Diploma, where students engage in a wide variety of extracurricular activities, including community service and athletic options. The SRC (Student Representative Council) in Sixth Form leads student initiatives and community projects, providing leadership and decision-making opportunities. Active citizenship, solidarity, and social, cultural and environmental volunteering are promoted as core values.

Leadership & Professional
The SRC in Sixth Form provides student leadership and a solidarity role in school life. Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) fosters leadership through extracurricular engagement. The Inspired Education network offers leadership conferences and collaborative overseas projects to develop professional skills, while internships in Upper School support real-world experience.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The campus spans 27,000 m² with outdoor spaces and state-of-the-art facilities, including dedicated Music and Art rooms, a ballet studio, two gymnasiums, and extensive sports and science facilities. The school emphasises a bilingual, international environment that supports a well-rounded lifestyle through sports, arts, and academic opportunities.
Languages

Language Provision
Two academic pathways: Portuguese Studies follows the Portuguese national curriculum from Preschool (age 3) to Grade 12 (age 18), while English Studies follows an adapted British international curriculum. The English pathway uses the British National Curriculum in Primary, Cambridge International Lower Secondary and IGCSE, culminating in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in Grades 11 and 12. All students begin language learning early in Portuguese, English, and French, with opportunities to study Spanish, German, and Russian as extracurricular activities. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided for students with little or no English exposure to help them integrate into the English Studies curriculum. CIV is a Cambridge International Examination centre and an Alliance Française examination centre, supporting internationally recognised language certifications.
Admissions

Admissions
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.
School Events
The school has not added events
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