International Schools in Portugal

Across the country there are several dozen international schools, with Greater Lisbon alone hosting a large cluster of campuses and some of the most established names. The Algarve has over ten international schools, many with a British profile and a strong expat community, while Porto offers a smaller but historic selection, including some of mainland Europe’s oldest British schools.  

This spread allows families to choose both a school and a lifestyle, whether urban, coastal, or more relaxed resort‑style living. 

Curriculum is usually the first filter for relocating families. In Portugal you will find British programmes leading to IGCSEs and A‑Levels, International Baccalaureate pathways, American‑inspired offerings, and schools aligned with French, German or Portuguese national curricula. 

Many operate primarily in English, often with Portuguese language classes and local culture woven into the timetable. Others run bilingual tracks (Portuguese–English or French–Portuguese), which can be helpful if you want your child to integrate locally or keep the option of Portuguese universities open. 

Fees vary widely, but you should plan on an average of around €10,000 per year per child, with a range roughly between €7,000 and more than €20,000 depending on age, location and reputation. Lisbon and Cascais tend to be at the top of the range, while some schools in other regions may be slightly more affordable.

Remember that extras such as meals, transport, uniforms and certain activities are often billed separately, so factor them into your budget from the start.  

Most international schools are very used to relocation cases and offer rolling admissions where space allows. Popular year groups can have waiting lists, so it is worth contacting schools early, ideally before you move.  

Open Days and individual visits are central to the admissions process and to your decision‑making. A typical Open Day includes a presentation by the leadership team, an overview of curriculum and ethos, and a guided tour of classrooms, labs, arts and sports facilities. Many schools also make specialist staff available to answer questions on language support, learning needs and pastoral care.

To make the most of these visits, arrive with clear priorities: curriculum continuity, language plan, special educational needs, class sizes, and after‑school activities. Observe how teachers and students interact, how orderly and calm common areas feel, and whether facilities match your child’s interests. Try to speak with current parents or students if the format allows; their perspectives can clarify what the glossy brochures don’t show. For families visiting multiple schools in Lisbon, Cascais or the Algarve, carefully plan travel times between campuses, as traffic can be a real factor. 

After each visit, compare notes immediately while impressions are fresh. Re‑check fees, waiting lists and transport options, then rank schools against your original priorities. If anything remains unclear, follow up with admissions; most schools are happy to arrange a short second visit or online call. With some advance planning and well‑chosen school visits, Portugal offers a rich set of educational options to anchor your family’s new life abroad.