Top 10 Best British Schools in Portugal
Finding the best British schools in Portugal is an important step for families wanting quality education with an international perspective. Portugal boasts ... read more...many schools that stand out from fostering a diverse and inclusive environment to providing world-class curriculum. Toplist will highlight some of the best schools' outstanding characteristics and successes in this article.
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British School of Lisbon (BSL), an institution that prides itself on being one of the best British schools in Portugal. They believe that academic excellence develops when a shared love of learning permeates the dynamic between student and teacher. The curriculum takes a holistic approach, delving into the richness and depth of each subject, as well as nurturing talent in music, sport and the arts. Central to the pursuit of academic excellence is a relentless focus on the relationship between teacher and student.
The school proudly states that its teaching staff is genuinely world-class, on par with the standards of good private schools in the majority of the UK. The school views the recruitment of qualified, talented, and committed educators as important. BSL's aim to become "The World's Leading School" defines its objective in a word. They are motivated by this ethos to uphold the highest standards in all facets of education, placing equal emphasis on character development, critical thinking, and a sincere love of learning as well as academic success.
Aligned with the English National Curriculum (ENC) provided by the Department for Education (DFE), the curriculum here is rigorous, respected and globally recognized. They seamlessly integrate an international perspective, incorporating studies of local languages, cultures and heritage. This adaptability ensures that students not only enjoy a rich and vibrant program but also easily progress into UK or international schools.
British School of Lisbon recognizes that learning a second language improves proficiency in the first language, pursuing music improves reasoning skills, and sports activities can enhance mathematical abilities. These ideas are at the core of our educational philosophy, aiming high with the support of outstanding teachers who motivate and inspire students to enjoy their learning journey. During the Early Years, they create a home-like environment by encouraging self-discipline, responsibility and respect for others.
Ages: 3 to 14
Curriculum: British
Language of instruction: English, and Portuguese
Address: Rua Sao Paolo 89, Lisbon 1200-427, Portugal
Phone: +351 211 511 942
Email: info@britishschool.pt
Website: https://www.britishschool.pt/
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Greene's College Oxford, renowned as one of the best British schools in Portugal, brings the excellence of British A levels directly to students. Whether students are starting their A-level journey for the first time or want to retake, this school prioritize their needs, nurturing their confidence, responsibility and independence. The innovative approach combines inspirational tutors, pair or small group instruction, and Greene's transformative Online resources.
Through personalized, Oxford-style tutorials delivered online, they have found a particularly effective way to meet students' learning goals. This method integrates pair and small group instruction with immediate feedback. Weekly Personal Tutoring sessions and a broader curriculum including Leadership sessions to prepare students for their future careers. As the foremost sixth form college in the Área Metropolitana de Lisboa, Greene’s College International offers online tuition for International A levels, A level retakes, Foundation Years, and more.
Whether full-time or part-time, courses are tailored to each student, allowing them to focus on chosen subjects according to their strengths, interests and long-term goals. Flexibility is key, with a part-time online tutoring program catering to students studying at schools elsewhere, providing support for A-levels, IGCSEs, university exam preparation and Personal tutoring.
Greene's is proud to have brought the Oxford tutoring approach to Portugal, starting in Estoril in 2015 and expanding to Lisbon in 2023. The approach is rooted in the Socratic method for over 50 years, preparing for students study in the future, career success and beyond. Greene's College Oxford ensures quality and maintains a time-tested approach to equipping students with valuable skills for life outside the classroom. The school has campuses in Oxford, UK, and Estoril & Lisbon, Portugal.
Ages: 14 to 18
Curriculum: British
Language of instruction: English, Portuguese, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Mandarin, Japanese, Russian, etc
Address:- Estoril Campus: 1614 R. Dom Afonso Henriques, 2765-576 Estoril, Portugal
- Lisbon Campus: Rua da Escola Politécnica, N°38 3° piso, Príncipe Real 1250-102 Lisboa, Portugal
Phone:
- Estoril Campus: +351 211 165 450
- Lisbon Campus: +351 210 534 820
Email: enquiries@greenes.pt
Website: https://pt.greenesoxford.com/
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IPS Cascais British International School, located in the north of Cascais, was founded in 1982. The school has grown from a humble beginning of 5 students into a diverse community of 350 students representing over 40 nationalities . Drawing from a longstanding and friendly British school tradition, IPS Cascais delivers the National Curriculum in English, ensuring a strong foundation for academic achievement.
With a distinctive 'village feel' and a strong sense of unity, the school community of parents, staff and students is dedicated to thriving with the support of the PTA tablets (PTA). Professional and motivated staff from many different backgrounds, always in the interests of children. Expert teachers ensure a well-rounded education, including subjects such as Portuguese, music, physical education, coding and art. The school provides dedicated support teachers for individual or small group learning, including students who are learning English for the first time.
IPS Cascais is committed to maintaining and enhancing high standards of educational opportunity. Since moving in 2010, they have continually improved the facilities, including adding science, computer and art labs; artificial turf, tennis courts and age-appropriate playgrounds. Their focus on safety, updated curriculum, interactive education licenses, and community collaboration are a testament to their dedication to enriching the educational experience.
IPS Cascais combines British educational traditions with a worldwide viewpoint, focusing on the English National Curriculum presented internationally. This creates a pleasant atmosphere where students may succeed. With a foundation built on 40 years of experience, IPS Cascais belongs to ensuring that each student gets the time and assistance they need to grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
Ages: 3 to 13
Curriculum: British
Language of instruction: English, Portuguese for all pupils, Dutch for the Dutch speakers, Secondary students are offered French, and Spanish as an additional language
Address: Rua da Lagoa 171, Bicesse, 2645-344 Alcabideche, Portugal
Phone: +351 214 570 149
Email: info@ipsschool.org
Website: https://www.ipsschool.org/ -
King's College, Cascais, carries a 50-year legacy of academic excellence from the renowned King's Colleges. A global education provider, the school is an outstanding educational institution in the Lisbon area, offering the highly regarded Cambridge International curriculum to Year 10, along with a Bilingual program (Portuguese and English) for students up to Year 5. Plans are underway to become an International Baccalaureate candidate school for Years 12 and 13, with a state-of-the-art campus scheduled to open in September 2024, spread over an area of 40,000 square meters.
Uniquely positioned within the Inspired, King's College School network, Cascais students enjoy meaningful global connections with more than 80 schools spanning 23 countries and 5 continents. They promote exceptional collaboration across the curriculum, from student leadership events to competitions and cultural festivals across the wider school group. At King's College School, Cascais, students are immersed in global learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom, allowing them to learn about the world firsthand.
The new Cascais campus benefits from a strong tradition of academic quality, the development of practical knowledge, and personal assistance. It originates in the integrated learning approach of King's College schools, which has been in place for more than 50 years. The school has specialist teachers in subjects ranging from Maths, English, Portuguese and Science to Music, Computing, PE, Dance, Public Speaking and Drama. Students receive a Comprehensive education that enhances subject knowledge and promotes a deeper understanding of each subject.
A top-notch education is provided by the curriculum of King's College School, Cascais, which skillfully combines the International Baccalaureate Diploma with the Cambridge International curriculum. The school provides a distinctive learning path, ranging from its innovative approach to Early Childhood education to the internationally recognized Cambridge International Primary and Secondary curriculum and IGCSE, as well as the International Baccalaureate Program. To ensure that students get both breadth and depth of knowledge and are ready to be accepted into prestigious institutions worldwide, language education is an essential component that draws on Portugal's rich culture, values, and legacy.
Ages: 1 to 14
Curriculum: British
Language of instruction: English, Portuguese, French, and Spanish
Address: Rua Cesário Verde, 395 Pampilheira, Cascais 2750-657, PortugalPhone: +351 214 831 211
Email:
- cascais@kingscollegeschool.pt
- admissions@kingscollegeschool.pt
Website: https://www.cascais.kingscollegeschool.pt/
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Escola Internacional de Torres Vedras (EITV) provides a well-rounded education by seamlessly integrating the Cambridge International Curriculum, the Portuguese National Curriculum and the option to supplement a USA Dual Diploma. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts and technology, which enrich students' overall learning journey. Public school campuses create a peaceful atmosphere for education, while cutting-edge technology in the classroom helps prepare students for the digital age.
Recognizing the importance of convenience and accessibility, EITV provides reliable and efficient transportation services to students. The school strives to balance the curriculum, combining academic and project-based education. This approach aims to develop transferable soft skills, broaden attention spans and is built into the Cambridge curriculum, allowing students to apply their theory through a practical lens and understand real-world applications of learning. EITV, based in Torres Vedras, has three educational tracks, a large campus and diverse facilities, including artificial turf, paddle tennis courts, multimedia rooms and virtual reality. The school provides an ideal environment for learning and personal development.
The multicultural nature of EITV, with students and guardians from over 20 different nationalities, promotes a global perspective. Actively participating in initiatives such as Youth Parliament and Class Congress, the school not only aims for academic excellence but also instills a high sense of ethics and citizenship among its students. With nearly two decades of history, EITV has continuously developed teaching methods, honed skills and values. They are proud to be the first institution in Portugal authorized to offer "Double Degrees", recognized as partners of "American High Schools" by "Academic International Studies".
This unique program allows students to earn both a national curriculum diploma and an American High School Diploma, giving them a competitive advantage in the global job market. Escola Internacional de Torres Vedras's commitment to holistic student development positions it as a leading institution in Portugal, preparing students to confidently face the constant changes in society.world association. The school's curriculum is carefully balanced, combining academic and project-based education, with a focus on developing soft transferable skills.
Ages: 5 to 18
Curriculum: British and Portuguese
Language of instruction: English, Portuguese, French, and Spanish
Address: Alameda das Linhas da Portela, 2560-596 Torres Vedras, Portugal
Phone: +351 261 919 116
Email: geral@eitv.pt
Website: https://www.eitv.pt/en/ -
International School of Palmela is a prestigious British school in Portugal that was founded in 1996 as the Islamic Community of Palmela (CIP). It was first granted an elementary education license in 1998. CIP increased the scope of its services over time to include the second and third cycles. The school made a big step forward when it joined the European Council of International Schools (ECIS) in 2011 and started using the Cambridge International Curriculum in 2010. The school serves roughly 220 students a year and welcomes a varied student body that includes members of the local community, Muslim communities in the Lisbon metropolitan region, and students from Portuguese-speaking African nations (PALOP).
The School of Palmela provides a comprehensive educational experience, offering Cambridge Primary, Cambridge Secondary 1, Cambridge IGCSE, and Cambridge AS and A Level programs. The curriculum includes subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, Information Technology (IT), Portuguese Language, Physical Education, Universal Studies, Business Studies, Religious Studies, and more. Founded in 1996 with a commitment to delivering quality education on both academic and spiritual levels, they have steadily grown, receiving its license for the first cycle in 1998.
Over the years, the school expanded its offerings, reaching the pinnacle of national recognition in 2009 when it secured the second-place nationwide and first place among private schools. In response to the evolving educational landscape, the school embraced the challenge of adopting an international curriculum in 2010, becoming a recognized Cambridge center. A pivotal year for the International School of Palmela was 2011, marked by its affiliation with the prestigious ECIS, solidifying its status as an international school with global reference.
Through its relationship with the internationally renowned ECIS, International School of Palmela has expanded its reach and confirmed its commitment to providing a top-notch education that cuts beyond national borders. The interchange of new teaching approaches, various views, and best practices has been made possible by this strategic relationship. The school's ambitious commitment to educating pupils about the possibilities and difficulties of an increasingly linked world is obvious in its choice to follow international standards.
Ages: 5 to 18
Curriculum: British and Islamic
Language of instruction: English, Portuguese, and Arabic
Address: Estr. Vila Amélia 172, 2950-805 Q.ta do Anjo, PortugalPhone: +351 212 110 530
Email: info@cip.edu.pt
Page: https://www.facebook.com/p/International-School-of-Palmela-100062994894173/
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Located in prime locations across Cascais, Estoril, Lisbon and Sintra, Prime School International is a prominent member of a large global network of schools present in more than 160 countries. The campuses serve not only as centers of learning but also as hubs for global connectivity and innovation. Providing education from 3 to 18 years old, they immerse students in the valuable Cambridge Curriculum, taught exclusively in English. For native Portuguese speakers, a bilingual approach is applied, allowing students to choose between English and Portuguese classes.
The key decision is made in Year 9 (age 14), when students can choose to continue on the famous Cambridge pathway or move onto the Technical Level 2 and 3 pathway, which emphasizes practical education for those Students are inclined towards technical fields. As students progress past Year 9, they can choose to stay on the Cambridge pathway (A-Levels) or explore a Technical (levels 2 and 3) approach emphasizing hands-on, practical learning for those interested in technical education. Their "Education and Sport - Elite Program" is designed with high-performance athletes and national/club teams in mind, offering customizable timetables to meet training obligations.
Prime School International's specialized engineering approach gives students the opportunity to acquire practical skills and specialized knowledge, preparing them for the contemporary workforce. This approach is offered exclusively in English or via bilingual mode (English and Portuguese). Individualized courses enable practical learning opportunities, giving students the chance to work on actual projects and gain important skills applicable to many engineering specialties. Students can get an EASA Private Pilot License (PPL) or experience the aviation world via a cutting-edge full-motion flight simulator through the Flight Skills Certification Program (FSCP).
For those interested in further technical education, cooking classes are offered with further options for further technical education through the Prime Technica Institute. The "Sports & Science" skills program allows students to intern at three schools of the Prime School International Group, providing direct entry to university courses. The school offers spacious rooms and a rich atmosphere, with diverse extracurricular activities, life away from home instills discipline and maturity.
Ages: 3 to 18
Curriculum: British and American
Language of instruction: English, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Chinese, and German
Address:
- Sintra Campus: Rua Mestre Neves, 20 Portela de Sintra, 2710-422 Sintra, Portugal
- Estoril Campus: Rua Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Alapraia, 2765-043 Estoril, Portugal
- Lisbon Campus: Rua Carlos Lobo de Ávila, Lisboa 1700-099, Portugal
Phone:
- Sintra Campus: +351 219 235 496
- Estoril Campus: +351 219 235 496
- Lisbon Campus: +351 219 235 496
Email: info@primeschool.pt
Website: https://primeschool.pt/
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For more than 30 years, St. Peter’s International School is renowned as a leading premium institution, the only school in Portugal to offer a comprehensive boarding education program suitable for students aged 14 to 18 years old. The school's commitment to academic and personal development is evident from Preschool to Secondary School, where students benefit from a modern, rigorous curriculum and a unique combination of programs. National and international programs, including Cambridge IGCSE and IB Diploma. The large modern campus in Pamela, Setubal, provides an environment conducive to comprehensive education based on traditional values.
Educators of St. Peter is dedicated to developing each student's academic and personal potential, providing personalized learning experiences that are challenging and inspiring. As part of Inspired, one of the world's largest premium education groups, St. Peter's engages with a global community of more than 110 schools in 24 countries. This international network allows students to participate in exciting cross-cultural experiences, exchanges abroad and international trips, enhancing their global perspective. Inspired's commitment to academic excellence is reflected in its comprehensive curriculum, focusing on academics, sports and the performing & creative arts.
Schools in the Inspired group boast modern facilities on spacious, picturesque campuses, promoting a dynamic and creative learning environment close to the Center of Lisbon. Inspired's educational approach emphasizes extracurricular activities and expert-led exchange programs, cultivating an inclusive, diverse student community of engaged, engaged learners. With a team of dedicated and highly qualified teachers, schools are inspired to use an exemplary approach that helps students reach their potential and thrive in the modern world.
Academic excellence is at the forefront of Inspired's educational model, ensuring that students not only pass exams but are actively engaged in continuous learning. St. Peter’s International School, as part of this esteemed group, consistently achieves excellent results, surpassing global and national averages for the International Baccalaureate (IB), A Level and (I)GCSE. The success of Inspired Students is a testament to the effectiveness of their teaching methods and commitment to nurturing individuals who think critically and excel within the educational context.Education is constantly evolving.
Ages: 4 months to 18
Curriculum: British, IB, and Portuguese
Language of instruction: English, Portuguese, Spanish, Mandarin, German, and Latin
Address: Quinta dos Barreleiros Volta da Pedra, 2950-201 Palmela, Portugal
Phone: +351 212 336 990
Email: geral@stpeters.pt
Website: https://www.st-peters-school.com/en -
CLIP Oporto International School, located in Setubal, Portugal, stands out as a dynamic community with a common ethos - We are one. This ethos encapsulates the spirit of cooperation between students, teachers, staff, parents and partnering organizations. Success at CLIP is driven by a team of highly qualified and caring teachers, along with continuous research and development of teaching methods. As part of Inspired, a global education group, CLIP aims to become an exemplary teaching and learning center, nurturing open-minded and creative individuals, empowered to innovate.
CLIP's dedication to 21st century learning is outlined in the CLIP21 framework, which emphasizes clear behaviors that promote student development. High Quality Learning (HQL) at CLIP is seen as both an outcome and a process, promoting continuous improvement and celebrating student achievement. The HQL Wheel at CLIP combines learning pathways, learning methods, reflection on learning and learning communities, strengthening the links between these aspects to achieve high-quality education. Co-curricular and service-learning offerings at CLIP aim to connect students with the broader world, addressing ecological, social, and job market realities.
Co-curricular and service-learning offerings at CLIP aim to connect students with the broader world, addressing ecological, social, and job market realities. Concept-based research, conducted annually, enables students from Preschool to Grade 9 to gain a deeper understanding of unifying concepts and apply interdisciplinary knowledge to solve local and Global. Assessment at CLIP is formal, authentic and transparent, providing useful feedback to support each student's unique path to success and growth.
CLIP Oporto International School places a strong emphasis on diverse intercultural perspectives to enrich learning, encouraging students to critically evaluate ideas from various beliefs and construct their understanding of personal, local, and global issues. They recognize the strong connection between social and emotional competencies and academic outcomes, prioritizing student health. The school believes in preparing students for an ever-changing world by developing both content knowledge and transferable competencies, fostering adaptability and resilience. With a forward-looking approach, CLIP shapes a learning environment where students are equipped to face the challenges of tomorrow.
Ages: 3 to 18
Curriculum: British
Language of instruction: English, and Portuguese
Address: Rua de Vila Nova, 1071, 4100 - 506 Porto, Portugal
Phone: +351 226 199 160
Email: info@clip.pt
Website: https://www.clip.pt/
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Nobel Algarve British International School, with campuses in Lagoa and Almancil, is an educational institution with a rich history since its founding in 1972. Pioneered by forward-thinking parents who were seeking an international education for their children, Nobel Algarve has developed into a world-class community school, showcasing diversity with over 40 nationalities at its flagship campus in Lagoa. The Almancil Campus, established in 2020, is the only purpose-built school in the Algarve. Both campuses offer education from Pre-K to High School, providing world-renowned curriculum options, enabling students to pursue higher education globally.
With over 50 years of commitment to excellence, Nobel Algarve is trusted by parents to choose top teachers. They provide individual attention to ensure each child realizes his or her potential and achieves a global vision. The school's partnerships facilitate global interactions, promoting collaboration among students to jointly address environmental, social and economic challenges. As part of Globeducate, the school prioritizes development, expanding facilities, enhancing educational experiences and meeting the diverse needs of the community.
Nobel Algarve offers a comprehensive education that goes beyond traditional academics. The Lagoa campus, expanded to accommodate growing student numbers, delivers the National Curriculum in contextualized English, preparing students for IGCSE and A-Levels. The National Department at Lagoa also offers the program of the Portuguese Ministry of Education, emphasizing a bilingual approach. Almancil, purpose-built on lush green spaces, follows the Cambridge Primary Curriculum and offers the IB program for Years 12 and 13 in Secondary.
Nobel Algarve ensures its students achieve qualifications consistent with global excellence. Nobel Algarve promotes diversity with students from over 40 nationalities, fostering cultural understanding and tolerance. Passionate and experienced teachers inspire students, instilling a problem-solving STEAM mindset and critical skills for future challenges. Both campuses offer a wide variety of extracurricular activities, enhancing students' learning experiences and encouraging them to explore success beyond academics. Nobel Algarve, as a member of Globeducate's British International Schools cluster, opens the way for collaborative projects and global perspectives, nurturing students to become thoughtful, respectful global citizens and intelligent.
Ages: 3 to 18
Curriculum: British
Language of instruction: English, and Portuguese
Address:- Lagoa Campus: EN125, Porches 8400-400 Lagoa, Portugal
- Almancil Campus: Caminho das Pereiras, 8135-022 Almancil, Portugal
Phone:
- Lagoa Campus: +351 282 342 547
- Almancil Campus: +351 282 342 547
Email: info@nobelalgarve.com
Website: https://www.nobelalgarve.com/