Question 1

What is the primary language of instruction at international schools in Lisbon?

Accepted Answer

Most international schools in Lisbon and Cascais teach primarily in English. This includes schools offering the International Baccalaureate (IB), British A-Levels and IGCSEs, and the American curriculum. Several schools also offer strong bilingual programmes: most commonly English-Portuguese, but also English-French. During your consultation we discuss language background, your child's current language profile, and your long-term plans, so we can guide you towards the right language environment and not just the nearest school.

Question 2

Are the international schools in Lisbon accredited or recognized by any international education bodies?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many international schools in Lisbon are accredited by global educational bodies, ensuring that they meet specific educational standards. The main accreditations to look for are: IB (International Baccalaureate, from the IBO), which includes the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP); Cambridge International (IGCSE and A-Levels); Council of International Schools (CIS); and for American-curriculum schools, accreditation from bodies such as AdvancED or NEASC. Several schools in the Lisbon area hold more than one of these accreditations. We will always confirm a school's current accreditation status before recommending it.

Question 3

How do the tuition fees of international schools in Lisbon compare to other European cities?

Accepted Answer

International school fees in the Lisbon area have risen in recent years as demand from the expat community has grown, and fees are also dependent on year of entry — younger year groups typically start lower, with fees increasing as children progress through the school. As a broad guide, annual tuition currently ranges from approximately €8,000–€12,000 at the more accessible end to €18,000–€25,000 at the most established and well-resourced schools. Schools also charge registration fees, materials fees, and in some cases a capital levy for new families. We provide transparent, up-to-date fee information during consultation so you can plan accurately.

Question 4

Do these schools provide assistance with relocation and integration for foreign students?

Accepted Answer

Most international schools in Lisbon are very experienced with welcoming new arrivals - it is a core part of what they do. Typical support includes orientation programmes before or at the start of the school year, buddy systems pairing new students with existing ones and English as an Additional Language (EAL) support. Some schools also run parent networks, workshops and welcome events. We can tell you in advance which schools have the strongest pastoral care and integration programmes, as it is something that makes a real difference in the first months.

Question 5

Can my child join an international school in Lisbon mid-year?

Accepted Answer

Many schools can accommodate mid-year entry, and this is something we help families navigate regularly. Availability depends on the year group and the school's current intake. Some schools are more flexible than others, and some year groups (particularly in the upper secondary years) are harder to enter mid-year due to exam schedules. We advise you on which schools currently have places, and help prepare everything needed for a smooth mid-year admission, including translating and certifying previous school records if required.

Question 6

Are there school buses or transportation services available?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most international schools in Lisbon, Cascais, and the wider Estoril line area either run their own bus services or have partnerships with private transport providers. Routes typically cover the main residential areas used by expat families: Cascais, Estoril, Sintra, Oeiras, Belém, Lapa, Príncipe Real, and central Lisbon. Transport is usually charged separately from tuition. We provide practical transport information as part of our consultation.

Question 7

What support is available for students with special educational needs?

Accepted Answer

This is one of the most important questions families ask, and one where we add real value because provision varies enormously between schools. Some international schools in Lisbon have well-developed learning support departments with trained specialists in dyslexia, ADHD, dyscalculia, autism spectrum support, and EAL. We have specific expertise in neurodiversity and special educational needs, and we assess each school's provision carefully before recommending it for a child who needs extra support. We also help families prepare the documentation schools typically require - educational psychologist reports, previous IEPs, or medical assessments  - and can recommend specialist assessors and tutors in the Lisbon/ Cascais area.

Question 8

Do international schools in Lisbon offer extracurricular activities or sports programs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, international schools in Lisbon and Cascais can offer extraordinary extracurricular programmes that go far beyond what most children experience in a standard school setting. The larger, well-established schools offer 60 to 80 activities - from football, swimming, tennis, and basketball to drama, robotics, debate, Model United Nations, horse riding, sailing, and community service. Some even run competitive sports tournaments, international arts festivals, and student-led enterprises.
Smaller schools may have a more focused programme, but often with a stronger community feel and greater individual attention. The question is never simply "does this school have activities?". It is whether the right activities exist for your child, and whether they will actually have access to them.
We try to match families to schools where the extracurricular life genuinely aligns with what their child loves - whether that is competitive sport, a serious music or theatre programme, STEM enrichment, or simply the chance to try ten new things in one year. In Lisbon and Cascais, the options are genuinely impressive.

Question 9

How do I apply to an international school in Lisbon? Is there a waitlist?

Accepted Answer

The application process typically involves: submitting an application form and administrative fee; providing previous school records and reports; arranging a school visit or open day; completing an assessment or interview (especially for older children); and in some cases providing a language assessment. The most popular schools, particularly those with strong exam results, do have waitlists. We strongly recommend starting your search as early as possible, ideally 9–12 months before your intended start date. We help you prioritise your applications, manage deadlines, and maintain communication with schools throughout.

Question 10

What is the typical school year calendar for international schools in Lisbon?

Accepted Answer

Most international schools in Lisbon follow a September-to-June academic year, with holiday breaks in December (roughly two/ three weeks), February (one week in many schools), and April (two weeks at Easter). Most schools use a trimester system. Public holidays in Portugal  - including 25 April (Freedom Day), 10 June (Portugal Day), and 1 November (All Saints' Day) - are generally observed. Exact dates vary between schools and we provide a calendar overview for each school we recommend.

Question 11

What is the difference between an international school and a private Portuguese school — which is better for my child?

Accepted Answer

This is one of the most common questions we hear from families relocating to Portugal, and the answer genuinely depends on your family's plans. International schools teach primarily in English and follow internationally recognised curricula (IB, British, American). They are designed for globally mobile families, and qualifications transfer smoothly to universities worldwide. Private Portuguese schools (colégios) teach primarily in Portuguese and follow the Portuguese national curriculum, though many now offer strong English programmes alongside. They tend to be more affordable, provide deeper integration into local culture and language, and can be an excellent choice for families who plan to stay in Portugal long-term or who have children young enough to acquire Portuguese fluently. There is no single right answer — we discuss your situation in detail and help you decide which environment will best serve your child.

Question 12

What is the IB programme, and which schools in Lisbon and Cascais offer it?

Accepted Answer

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a globally recognised educational framework offered in three stages: the Primary Years Programme (PYP, ages 3–12), the Middle Years Programme (MYP, ages 11–16), and the Diploma Programme (DP, ages 16–19). The IB Diploma in particular is widely accepted by universities across the world, including top institutions in the UK, US, Europe, and beyond. Several schools in the Lisbon and Cascais area are authorised IB World Schools. Each has a different character, campus, and community. Being IB-authorised is the starting point, not the whole story. We help you find the IB school that is also the right fit in terms of ethos, size, and your child's individual needs.

Question 13

How much does a school placement consultant in Portugal charge, and is it worth using one?

Accepted Answer

Our fees reflect the level of service you choose — from an initial consultation and personalised shortlist to full end-to-end admissions support with school visits included. We are transparent about pricing from the start, and we offer services at different levels so you can choose what suits your family's needs and timeline. In terms of value: families who work with us consistently tell us that the time saved, the stress avoided, and the confidence they feel in their final decision far outweighs the cost. We have deep knowledge of the local school landscape that takes years to build, relationships with schools, and the experience of having placed many children successfully across a wide range of schools.

Question 14

Are there good international schools near Sintra, Cascais, or Estoril, or do children need to commute to Lisbon?

Accepted Answer

There is genuinely excellent provision along the Linha de Cascais and into the Sintra area. You do not need to live in Lisbon to access strong international schooling. Several well-regarded international and bilingual schools are based in Cascais, Estoril, and the surrounding area, making it possible to choose a home in Sintra or Cascais and keep school commutes very short. In our consultation we map school locations against where you are considering living, and factor in practical considerations like transport, traffic, and bus route coverage. We cover the entire Lisbon, Cascais, and Sintra corridor.

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