British schools in Portugal: Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve
A guide to British international schools in Portugal: where they are, how they work alongside the Portuguese system, admissions and what families should know.
Portugal has one of the oldest British school traditions in continental Europe. Its ties with Britain go back centuries, and British merchant communities in Porto and Lisbon founded schools in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today the country attracts families relocating for remote work, tech jobs and retirement, and demand for British schools has grown sharply.
Where the schools are
Lisbon and the coast. The largest cluster is in Greater Lisbon, particularly along the Cascais–Estoril line and in suburbs such as Oeiras and Sintra. Long-established schools sit alongside newer ones opened for the city’s growing international population. Traffic on the A5 and the coastal road matters, so choose housing with the school run in mind.
Porto. Northern Portugal’s British community dates back to the port wine trade. The Oporto British School, founded in the 1890s, is often described as one of the oldest British schools in continental Europe.
The Algarve. The south coast has several British and international schools serving both long-term residents and newer arrivals, spread between the Lagos–Portimão area in the west and Loulé–Faro in the centre.
How British schools fit the Portuguese system
- Private international schools need authorisation from the Portuguese education authorities.
- Many schools teach Portuguese as a subject, and Portuguese nationals may follow additional Portuguese-language requirements.
- The academic year runs from September to June or July, close to the British calendar.
Admissions in practice
Demand in Lisbon has outpaced supply in recent years, especially in Early Years and lower primary. Families moving to Lisbon should apply as early as possible, ideally 9–12 months ahead, and consider more than one school. In the Algarve and Porto, pressure varies by year group. See our admissions guide.
Fees
Fees vary considerably between long-established non-profit schools and newer proprietary schools, and they rise through the year groups. Budget for enrolment fees, capital contributions, transport and meals as well as tuition. Read what you actually pay.
Beyond British schools
Portugal also has IB World Schools, American, French, German and other national schools, plus a public system with some bilingual programmes. Families planning a long stay sometimes weigh a British school against Portuguese schooling for language integration. Our curriculum comparison can help.
Directory: British schools in Portugal
| School | City | Ages | Curricula |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Julian's School | Carcavelos (Lisbon) | 3–18 | British curriculum, Bilingual (Portuguese–English) curriculum, IB Diploma, IB Career-related Programme |
Frequently asked questions
Is school compulsory until 18 in Portugal?
Yes. Schooling in Portugal is compulsory from age 6 to 18, or until the student completes secondary education. Attendance at a recognised private international school meets this requirement.
Where are most British schools in Portugal?
Mainly in the Lisbon area (especially along the Cascais–Estoril coast and the western suburbs), in and around Porto, and across the Algarve, where there is a long-established British community.
Can students go to a Portuguese university with A-Levels?
Yes. Portuguese public universities have specific access routes for holders of foreign secondary qualifications such as A-Levels. Requirements vary by course, so check the university's rules early.