Best schools in Lisbon
Education in Lisbon
Until recently, the choice of international schools was fairly limited. But due to attractive investment opportunities and difficult geo-political situations worldwide, a large influx of foreign families has increased the demand for good education in Lisbon. This has led to some of the largest global education groups investing heavily in Portugal and a plethora of new schools opening their doors.
Portuguese state and private schools are also open to foreign residents and they usually have a smattering of international pupils.
Although the state schools are reputed to set very high academic standards, they are subject to the typical shortcomings of a state-run system, with large class numbers and lack of resources. Nor do the state schools offer extracurricular activities. No wonder private schools tend to be the most popular choice for foreign families.
Private schools are often run by (Catholic) religious orders and teach to the same standards but have smaller class sizes and place more emphasis on old-fashioned discipline and pastoral care (the latter can border on the obsessive/smothering).
Choosing a school in Lisbon
It’s almost always the curriculum that parents consider first and foremost. In Lisbon the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is on offer in many of the schools, as well as one or two providers offering A levels. The American high school diploma is also provided by at least two schools.
At primary level, the English national curriculum is available, making it easy for British children to transition to prep or secondary schools in the UK. The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP) are also available for those wanting to pursue this the whole way through their education. Non-English speaking schools include French, German and Spanish schools, plus a small Swedish school.
With the recent influx of foreign residents to Portugal, several of the larger international schools have opened campuses close to the popular international community hotspots. Most schools operate bus services both to and from schools. For families who decide to live in central Lisbon, the school run is not much more arduous, at around 30 minutes to most of the international options.
Special education needs in Lisbon
An area in education that has until recently been hugely underserved in Lisbon. Thankfully, this is changing as the demand for SEN support is extensive. Many schools do not cater to neurodiverse children or take children on a case-by-base basis. There are a small number of excellent specialists that have waiting lists as long as both your arms and legs and if a space opens up, parents move heaven and earth to get their child to their allocated time. Occasionally, it is possible to come to an agreement with a school where a specialist teacher can come during the day for intervention sessions, so that is always worth asking about.
Edificio Cadin is a unique resource in the Cascais area, for children with a wide range of SEN including ADHD, autism, specific learning disabilities, epilepsy, dyslexia etc. Global Minds, Centro Sei, Pin and Psinove are clinics that are all highly recommended however, appointments are tremendously sought after so it might take some time to be seen.
In the mainstream, the International Christian School of Cascais, IPS International School and St Julian’s School have each established a good reputation for helping SEN children, even when the needs are quite demanding.
Pre-schools, kindergarten and nurseries in Lisbon
There are local pre-schools and an abundance of forest schools popping up a little further afield in Sintra/Cascais which allow for a gentler introduction into school. Some pre-schools of note are the bilingual Colégio Cachabui, International Christian School of Cascais and Lisbon Montessori School. However, it is important to know that many of the larger international schools will also have their own pre-school, kindergartens and nurseries. IPS, St Julian’s, The British School of Lisbon, Park International and many others have this facility to it is very much worth looking into.
