British Schools in Portugal are a great choice for both local and expat families as they offer globally recognized curricula, outstanding academics plus a nurturing environment for children. Discover our selection of the best British Schools in Portugal, including reviews, fees, and why families choose them.
Why families choose a British school in Portugal?
Choosing the right school for a child is one of the most critical decisions a family can make, especially when living abroad. Many families moving to or residing in Portugal opt for British schools due to several compelling reasons that resonate with their educational and cultural values.
Academic Excellence and International Recognition
British schools are renowned for their high academic standards and rigorous curricula that lead to internationally recognized qualifications, such as the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) and A-levels. These qualifications are highly regarded by universities around the world, providing students with a broad range of opportunities for higher education. Parents are reassured by the structured environment and the strong focus on core subjects like mathematics, science, and English, which are essential for a solid educational foundation.
English Language Proficiency
In an increasingly globalized world, proficiency in English is seen as a key advantage. British schools in Portugal offer a bilingual environment where English is the primary medium of instruction. This immersion is invaluable for developing fluency and a strong command of the language, equipping students with the linguistic skills necessary to excel in international business and relations in the future.
Cultural Continuity
For British expatriates, selecting a British school in Portugal can provide a sense of continuity in education and culture. It eases the transition for children who have moved from the UK or another country, allowing them to settle into a new environment without the added challenge of adapting to a radically different educational system. The familiar curriculum, coupled with common cultural references and celebrations, helps maintain a connection to their home country.
Holistic Development
Beyond academics, British schools often emphasize the holistic development of students. They support a balanced education that includes not only intellectual growth but also physical, emotional, and social development. Sports, arts, and various extracurricular activities are integral parts of the school life, encouraging students to explore their interests and talents, which can be pivotal in character building and leadership skills.
Global Community and Networking
Attending a British school in Portugal opens doors to a diverse international community. Students interact with peers from various cultural backgrounds, fostering an environment of mutual respect and global awareness. This exposure is beneficial for developing interpersonal skills and building a network that can be advantageous in their future professional lives. Such an environment also nurtures adaptability and empathy, traits that are increasingly important in our global society.
In summary, British schools in Portugal represent a beacon for families seeking educational continuity, cultural familiarity, and a preparatory ground for global universities. The blend of rigorous academics, a supportive environment for holistic development, and a multicultural setting makes these schools a popular choice among expatriate and local families alike.
How much does it cost to attend British Schools in Portugal?
The yearly tuition fees for British Schools in Portugal generally range from $7,500 to $20,000 per year. This cost can vary based on factors like the curriculum, the quality of campus facilities, the standard of boarding, and the services – with some top-tier schools exceeding $25,000 annually.
Category | Low Range | High Range |
|---|---|---|
Annual Tuition | $7,500 | $20,000 |
Monthly Tuition Equivalent | $625 | $1,665 |
Registration Fee (one-time) | $500 | $1,000 |
Uniforms & Materials | $200 | $400 |
Extras & Trips | $300 | $1,000 |
Total Est. Annual Cost | $8,500 | $22,400 |
Top British Schools Portugal 2026
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Prime School International
Cascais, Lisbon •Co-Education •- from 3
- to 18 years old
School type: Boarding School - International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: British CurriculumLanguage of instruction: EnglishYearly fee: from 9,900 to 33,900 EUR
Foundation: 2006Nationalities: 40 different nationalitiesNr of students: 40 studentsExaminations: A Level - IGCSEThe aim of Prime School International is to promote well-being and personal fulfilment within the academic community.The Prime School International follows an International Curriculum that includes IGCSEs and A Levels with specialisation, providing students with a solid academic foundation and preparing them for higher education and professional success. As one of the first schools in Portugal to receive the Cambridge Curriculum certificate, alongside the teaching equivalence granted by the Portuguese Ministry of Education, Prime School has built a long-standing tradition of educational excellence. Since 2006, the school has been committed to this curriculum, which is widely recognised for its international prestige and student-centred approach. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, creativity, and academic excellence while promoting global citizenship. The school values the importance ...Annual tuition fees at Prime School International range from EUR 9,900 to EUR 33,900, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
Day school tuition:Boarding tuition: -
Greene’s College Oxford
Cascais, Lisbon •Co-Education •- from 13
- to 19 years old
School type: International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: British CurriculumLanguage of instruction: EnglishYearly fee: from 8,900 to 23,900 EUR
Foundation: 1967Nationalities: 15 different nationalitiesNr of students: 15 studentsExaminations: A Level - IGCSEGreene’s offers a full-time, university-style sixth form education, both in Oxford, England and in Estoril, PortugalBritish Curriculum - IGCSE & A LevelsAnnual tuition fees at Greene’s College Oxford range from EUR 8,900 to EUR 23,900, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
Day school tuition: ANNUAL FEE (30 ACADEMIC WEEKS)£23,900ANNUAL FEE (35 ACADEMIC WEEKS)£27,900Boarding tuition: -
Hypha International School
Lisbon, Portugal •Co-Education •- from 3
- to 8 years old
School type: International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: Cambridge Curriculum - Montessori - OtherLanguage of instruction: English - PortugueseYearly fee: from 10,495 to 12,000 EUR
Foundation: 2023Nationalities: 17 different nationalitiesNr of students: 17 studentsExaminations: CambridgeHypha is an innovative and specialized international school nestled in the Sintra-Cascais National Park with a unique offering. We blend an evidence-based, innovative approach to academics with nature immersion, in a warm and nurturing setting.We are currently accepting learners 3 – 4 and 5 – 8 years old, for pre-primary and primary school, respectively. Years 4 and 5 (3rd and 4th grade) will launch in 2025-26.
Using the English curriculum in pre-primary, we bring in the best practices from Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and Forest School to promote a holistic development. We have beautifully designed environments and highly trained, loving educators, to provide an engaging and playful start to education. In primary, we use the Cambridge International curriculum for an innovative, engaging, and holistic academic foundation. We complement it with a thematic and project-based approach to learning and nature immersion.Annual tuition fees at Hypha International School range from EUR 10,495 to EUR 12,000, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
Day school tuition:Boarding tuition: -
King's College School, Cascais
Cascais, Lisbon •Co-Education •- from 1
- to 18 years old
School type: International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: British Curriculum - Cambridge CurriculumLanguage of instruction: Bilingual - English - PortugueseYearly fee: from 10,431 to 16,590 EUR
Foundation: 2022Nationalities: 38 different nationalitiesNr of students: 38 studentsExaminations: Cambridge - IGCSEOpen since September 2022. A heritage of 50+ years of academic excellence from King’s College Schools’ group. Cambridge International Education & Bilingual Programme. An Inspired School.Students joining us benefit from the uniquely developed Inspired Approach to Early Years Education, building up through the world-renowned Cambridge International Primary and Secondary curriculum offering IGCSEs, to culminate with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for when our students reach Years 12 and 13. King’s College School, Cascais is a Candidate School* for the IB Diploma. This school is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. These are schools that share a common philosophy—a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education that King’s College School, Cascais believes is important for our students. A bilingual curriculum is available for students up to Year 5 who are interested in following the Portuguese curriculum while also mastering the En...Annual tuition fees at King’s College School, Cascais range from EUR 10,431 to EUR 16,590, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
Day school tuition:Boarding tuition: -
PaRK International School
Lisbon, Portugal •Co-Education •- from 1
- to 18 years old
School type: International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: British Curriculum - IB CurriculumLanguage of instruction: English - PortugueseYearly fee: from 768 to 1,860 EUR
Foundation: 2003Nationalities: 49 different nationalitiesNr of students: 49 studentsExaminations: IB Diploma - IGCSEAn international school with Portuguese roots, where students have access to an exclusive, well-rounded, and individualised education from age 1 to 18. IGCSE, IB Diploma. An Inspired School.We offer a bilingual curriculum from the Early Learning School years until Grade 4, with the option to pursue a new English stream from Grade 1. From Grade 5, we offer the Cambridge curriculum (including the IGCSE for Grades 9 and 10), and finally, the internationally acclaimed IB Diploma Programme for Grades 11 and 12, ensuring that our students are well-prepared for their future endeavours.Our Curriculum is demanding, innovative and dynamic, always searching for the world’s best practices and implementing the ones that best fit our students and their objectives, in all areas of their lives. The school has an excellent Technology Programme, and its integration in every area of the curriculum is one of PaRK IS’ strengths – students and teachers are comfortable using it in teaching and lear...Annual tuition fees at PaRK International School range from EUR 768 to EUR 1,860, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
Day school tuition:Boarding tuition: -
St. Peter's International School
Palmela, Portugal •Co-Education •- from 1
- to 18 years old
School type: Boarding School - International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: British Curriculum - IB Curriculum - Portuguese CurriculumLanguage of instruction: English - German - Latin - Mandarin - Portuguese - SpanishYearly fee: from 7,500 to 37,620 EUR
Foundation: 1993Nationalities: 42 different nationalitiesNr of students: 42 studentsExaminations: Cambridge - IB Diploma - IGCSEFounded in 1993, SPIS is a top-ranked day & boarding school for students from 4 months to 18 years old. Portuguese National & International Curricula, including IGCSE & IB Diploma. An Inspired School.PRE-SCHOOLWe prepare our children for their future education. We encourage a strong relationship between the families of our young students and the school while focusing on developmental objectives and the individual needs of our young explorers. Nursery (from 4 months to 2 years old) Scientific research is clear that the benefits of excellent Early Years learning are transformative for later learning. An Early Years education does not just prepare children for primary years and beyond, it gives those children a significant advantage for accelerated future learning. Kindergarten (from 3 to 5 years old) In our bilingual Kindergarten, experienced and competent educators play a guiding role in the learning process as children gain emerging skills. They support the children’s interests and mot...Annual tuition fees at St. Peter’s International School range from EUR 7,500 to EUR 37,620, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
Day school tuition:Boarding tuition:
Popular British Schools Destinations in Portugal
Summary
Families choose British schools in Portugal for their academic excellence, international curriculum, and the English-speaking environment, which provides students with globally recognized qualifications and prepares them for worldwide opportunities. The cultural continuity and holistic development offered are also significant factors in their decision-making process.