Aljezur International School vs Educan

	A Aljezur International School Algarve, Portugal	E Educan Algarve, Portugal
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €3,000 - 9,900	Fees / year €6,309
Age range	Age range 11 - 18 years	Age range 5 - 16 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels	Curriculum Pearson Edexcel IGCSE, British Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 80	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2010	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Sítio de Ezenha, 8670-116 Aljezur, Algarve, Portugal (GPS 37.274872, -8.804189); situated 5km south of Aljezur on the N120.	Location Educan, Algarve is located at Rua de Portugal n.º3, 8100-554 Loulé, Portugal. Loulé is in the Algarve region of southern Portugal. The campus is accessible via local roads.
Stages	Stages Secondary school education for ages 11–18.	Stages Key Stage One (Y1–Y2) to Key Stage Five (Y12–Y13)
School type	School type International secondary school	School type Private international day school following the Pearson Edexcel International British Curriculum
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix 26 nationalities represented.	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Tutorial support in small groups or one-to-one for AS and A Level qualifications.	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation Portugal
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure Our school week runs Monday to Friday. Classes begin at 9.30am and end at 4pm with ten half-hour lessons and three breaks each day.	School day structure Morning lessons 9:00–13:00; afternoon clubs 14:00–15:30
Bus service details	Bus service details Coach service from Alvor, Lagos and Bensafrim.	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application / Enrolment fee - A non‑refundable enrolment fee of EUR 300 is charged on acceptance of a place for all students. Deposit (enrolment deposit) and total initial payment - Years 7–9: Deposit EUR 2,400 (refundable subject to terms) plus the EUR 300 enrolment fee, giving a total initial payment of EUR 2,700. - Years 10–11: Deposit EUR 2,700 (refundable subject to terms) plus the EUR 300 enrolment fee, giving a total initial payment of EUR 3,000. - AS/A Level students: Enrolment fee EUR 300 (non‑refundable) plus a refundable deposit of EUR 2,000, giving a total initial payment of EUR 2,300. Tuition fees — Years 7–9 (per student) - Annual fee: EUR 7,200 per year. - Per term: EUR 2,400 per term. - 10 monthly instalments option: EUR 720 per month (monthly instalments are payable one month in advance; first instalment must be received before the beginning of the autumn term). Tuition fees — Years 10–11 (per student) - Annual fee: EUR 8,100 per year. - Per term: EUR 2,700 per term. - 10 monthly instalments option: EUR 810 per month (monthly instalments are payable one month in advance; first instalment must be received before the beginning of the autumn term). Tuition fees — AS / A Level (per subject) - If there are two or more students in the group: EUR 3,000 per subject per year. Payment schedule: EUR 1,000 at the start of term 1 and EUR 1,000 at the end of terms 1 & 2. - If there is only one student in the group: EUR 3,900 per subject per year. Payment schedule: EUR 1,300 at the start of term 1 and EUR 1,300 at the end of terms 1 & 2. Optional coach / transport costs - Coach service (Alvor, Lagos and Bensafrim): EUR 1,400 per student per year, payable in advance; this payment is non‑refundable. - For AS/A Level students who are not full‑time, transport may alternatively be charged at EUR 5 per one‑way journey or EUR 10 per return journey, payable monthly. Other fees and typical additional costs - Recommended books: average cost approximately EUR 100 in total; books bought through the school may be reimbursed at the end of use depending on condition. - A 5% sibling discount is applied for a second sibling attending full time in the same academic year. Billing schedule and payment terms - Payment methods accepted for settling fees are: annually in advance; per term in three equal payments (each term payment due before the beginning of the relevant term); or by 10 equal monthly instalments (monthly by prior arrangement and agreement). Monthly instalments are payable one month in advance and subsequent instalments must be received before the 15th of each month. - If fees are not paid according to the agreed terms, the school reserves the right to exclude the student until outstanding amounts are received in full. Notice, termination and refund of deposit - A full term's written notice is required to withdraw a student. - A proportion of the deposit is refundable when a child leaves, provided the child has completed at least one term and one full term's written notice has been given; the refundable amount is repaid without interest and after deduction of any outstanding sums (for example, books not returned or unpaid canteen/club costs). The deposit cannot be used in lieu of outstanding fees and is returned only after all fees have been paid. Portions of the initial payment retained as the enrolment fee (EUR 300) are non‑refundable. Boarding - No boarding fees apply because the school does not operate a boarding provision. Fee payment options (methods commonly used for fee settlement) - The published fee information specifies the accepted schedules (annual, per term, 10 monthly instalments) and the timing for payments but does not specify detailed payment instruments (for example: bank transfer, credit card, direct debit) in the published fee text. Refunds and non‑refundables (summary) - The enrolment fee of EUR 300 is non‑refundable. - The deposit portion is refundable under the stated conditions (completion of at least one term and provision of one full term's written notice); the deposit is returned less any outstanding charges and without interest. Transportation fees for the coach service are non‑refundable.	Fee details Application and Registration Fees - Annual registration fee: EUR 300. - Security deposit: EUR 250 (refundable when any school materials or property belonging to Educan are returned at the end of enrolment). Tuition fees by year group (payment options shown: Annual / Termly / Monthly) - Key Stage One (Years 1–2): Annual EUR 6,309 / Termly EUR 2,214 / Monthly EUR 604. - Key Stage Two (Years 3–6): Annual EUR 7,016 / Termly EUR 2,462 / Monthly EUR 671. - Key Stage Three (Years 7–9): Annual EUR 7,701 / Termly EUR 2,702 / Monthly EUR 737. - Key Stage Four (Years 10–11): Annual EUR 8,387 / Termly EUR 2,943 / Monthly EUR 803. Optional IGCSE subjects beyond the listed core subjects are charged EUR 110 per month each. Examination fees are not included in these tuition figures. - Key Stage Five (Years 12–13): Fees are not published in the fee schedule and must be requested from the school. Sibling and discounts - Second child: 4% discount on tuition. - Third and subsequent children: 5% discount on tuition. Afternoon clubs and wraparound care (fee details) - Club Pack (five days per week: three clubs + two homework clubs): EUR 750 (termly). - Homework Club (one day per week): EUR 180 (termly). - Single Club (one day per week): EUR 255 (termly). - Kids Club (every afternoon): EUR 250 (termly). - Clubs run from the middle of September to the end of June. Billing schedule and payment terms - Payment frequency options: Annual payment (includes a 5% discount), Termly (3 instalments), or Monthly (11 instalments). - Termly payments are due at the start of Terms 1, 3 and 5; for the 2025/2026 academic year those term-start months are September 2025, January 2026 and April 2026. Clubs are scheduled across the school year from mid-September to the end of June. Other costs and charges - Examination costs are charged separately and are not included in the tuition figures above. Optional IGCSE subject charges are EUR 110 per month where applicable. Stationery, workbooks, textbooks and other student equipment are included within the annual registration fee. Refund information - The security deposit (EUR 250) is refundable when school property and materials belonging to Educan are returned upon a pupil leaving. No other refund terms are detailed in the published fee schedule. Fee payment options and practical notes - The published fee schedule sets the available payment frequencies (annual, termly, monthly) and the associated discounts/instalment structure; it does not specify accepted payment methods (for example, which card types or bank transfer details are accepted) or the full terms and conditions for late payment, refunds beyond the security deposit, or withdrawal penalties in that document. For those operational payment-method details and contract terms, direct contact with the school is required.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement The school does not have a compulsory uniform.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options The school maintains an organic vegetable garden and resident animals on site; students participate in food production from field to fork.	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Descobrir Sonhos Lda is the corporate entity behind Aljezur International School.	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The school follows the UK national curriculum adapted to the life and culture our students experience here in Portugal. Among 80 students, 26 nationalities are represented, bringing diversity to the classrooms. Resources and themes from UNESCO, Oxfam, Amnesty International and National Geographic are used when relevant to the learning programme. Students are encouraged to learn through research and discussion and to take pride in their work and contributions. In the first three years, Years 7-9, the focus is on experiential learning and bonding with tutors; around age 14, students begin a two-year course in their chosen subjects leading to the Cambridge IGCSE examinations, with a “stage not age” philosophy allowing earlier entry to IGCSE and progression to AS levels; there is tutorial support for AS and A Level qualifications.	Curriculum details Educan, Algarve delivers the Pearson Edexcel International British Curriculum. Core subjects are taught in the morning from 9:00 to 13:00 with a hands-on approach to learning. Afternoon clubs run from 14:00 to 15:30 and cover a range of activities including Portuguese, Dutch, Mandarin, French and Russian, plus Homework Club, Mindfulness, Art & Design, Science Experiments, Cooking, Engineering, Computing and Physical Education. Tutoring is provided by experienced teachers to support all students. A Pearson Edexcel Qualifications guide is provided for parents and students to understand the qualifications offered.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio Students are taught in small groups, allowing tutors to establish close contact with students and tailor lessons to individual strengths. This flexibility supports a personalised learning programme.	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results Our students study for Cambridge IGCSE examinations, and we are a Cambridge International Examination Centre, meaning students sit exams in the school building. The general timescale is that at the age of 14, students start a 2-year course in their chosen exam subjects; we frequently have students who enter IGCSE exams earlier and are able to move up to AS level the following year while studying for the rest of their IGCSEs. We also provide tutorial support in small groups, or even one-to-one, for students studying for AS and A Level qualifications. Here are our exam results for recent years: 2015: A* 5%, A 38%, B 26%, C 21%, Less than C 10%; 2016: A* 10%, A 12%, B 19%, C 48%, Less than C 11%; 2017: A* 15%, A 22%, B 24%, C 32%, Less than C 7%; 2018: A* 14%, A 19%, B 25%, C 33%, Less than C 9%; 2019: A* 11%, A 13%, B 17%, C 43%, Less than C 16%; 2020: A* 11%, A 25%, B 32%, C 28%, Less than C 4%; 2021: A* 15%, A 20%, B 35%, C 21%, Less than C 9%; 2022: A* 12%, A 27%, B 34%, C 17%, Less than C 10%; 2023: A* 10%, A 21%, B 27%, C 24%, Less than C 18%; 2024: A* 10%, A 22%, B 29%, C 27%, Less than C 12%	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented Tutorial support in small groups or one-to-one for AS and A Level qualifications.	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning The school provides a nurturing and inclusive learning environment that fosters a love for learning and personal growth. The learning journey is student-centred with small groups and an emphasis on autonomy, self-confidence, responsibility and teamwork.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing Mindfulness is offered as an after-school club to support pupils' well-being, with clubs running in the afternoons from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm, including Mindfulness as part of the activities.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Aljezur International School is housed in a converted farmhouse on seven acres of protected land near Aljezur in the Western Algarve. Teaching is delivered in small groups with close attention to individual educational needs. The campus includes an organic vegetable garden and resident animals, and three hectares of ecologically protected land with a wide river. An annex block houses an ICT suite and a science laboratory. The school follows Cambridge International qualifications and is a Cambridge IGCSE centre, and it is the Algarve's only open Cambridge exam centre, hosting Cambridge exams for internal and external students. A coach service operates from Alvor, Lagos and Bensafrim.	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Aljezur International School follows the UK national curriculum adapted to life and culture in Portugal. An annex block houses an ICT suite and a science laboratory. The school is a University of Cambridge International Examination Centre and the Algarve's only open Cambridge exam centre, hosting Cambridge IGCSE examinations for internal and external students. In the first three years (Years 7–9) the focus is on experiential learning and on developing the ability to learn, after which students begin a two-year course in chosen subjects leading to Cambridge IGCSE examinations. Tutorial support for AS and A Level qualifications is provided in small groups or one-to-one. The curriculum includes resources and themes from UNESCO, Oxfam, Amnesty International and National Geographic to enrich learning.	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Trips and projects form an important part of the learning program; tutors and students go on at least two trips every term. Small class groups allow spontaneous visits as part of themed project work. Duke of Edinburgh's Award Presentation, a visit to the State of Being Horse Sanctuary, and Bird Ringing are highlighted in Latest News and Events. The school maintains an organic vegetable garden with beds and resident animals to support sustainability activities outside the classroom.	Extra curricular facilities Clubs are catered to develop Foundation Subjects and enhance students' creativity and life perspective, with sessions in the afternoons from 2pm to 3:30pm. Clubs are open to internal and external students. Available clubs include Portuguese, Dutch, Mandarin, Homework Club, Mindfulness, Art&DT, Science Experiments, French, Russian, Cooking, Engineering, Computing and Physical Education. Tutoring is provided for internal and external students by experienced qualified teachers.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Aljezur International School was established in 2010 following an invitation from Câmara Municipal de Aljezur to set up an international school. It operated from a temporary building in the centre of Aljezur, and in September 2013 moved to its permanent premises, a converted farmhouse 5 km south of Aljezur. It is a University of Cambridge International Examination Centre and the Algarve's only open Cambridge exam centre, hosting external students of all ages and backgrounds. There is a cross-curricular emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility, with all the children working together to look after the organic vegetable garden and resident animals, offering the opportunity to be part of the food production process from field to fork. Descobrir Sonhos Lda owns the school.	History —
Community	Community The school maintains sustained involvement in the local Portuguese and expatriate communities. It participates in community-oriented activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Presentation, and visits to the State of Being Horse Sanctuary and Bird Ringing programs.	Community Educan, Algarve offers a nurturing, inclusive learning environment within a dynamic and supportive community. Lessons follow the Pearson Edexcel International British Curriculum, with core subjects taught in the morning from 9am to 1pm, and afternoon clubs from 2pm to 3:30pm. Clubs expand learning beyond the core curriculum and include Portuguese, Dutch, Mandarin, French, and Russian, along with options such as Cooking, Engineering, Computing, Art and Design Technology, Science Experiments, Mindfulness, and Physical Education. The school emphasizes active student involvement and aims to develop creativity, critical thinking and personal growth through a combination of academic study and engaging club activities.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school has consistently high IGCSE exam results. Private tuition for AS and A level subjects is available. The school provides work experience placements. Teaching is in small groups with great attention to individual educational needs.	Academic & intellectual Educan's academic program covers core subjects in the morning (9am to 1pm) and uses the Pearson Edexcel International British Curriculum with a hands-on approach to learning. Morning classes provide flexibility for families, with Club activities in the afternoons or time for family. The program aims to foster critical thinking, autonomy and collaboration through its teaching approach. Educan's Annual Science Project enables students to explore real-world problems, conduct experiments, and present their findings to develop scientific thinking.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The school formed a band that performs at various local events. There is an annual outdoor theatre production written and produced by the teaching team and students with involvement from the local community. Students visit local art galleries and artists' studios during trips. Performances at local events, such as the Aljezur Christmas Fair, showcase student work.	Arts & creative Clubs include Art&DT and Cooking, supporting creative expression and practical design skills. The arts-focused clubs foster creativity through hands-on projects and demonstrations. These offerings extend core subjects into creative pursuits and personal projects during the afternoon sessions.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Students participate in Enpar, a cultural event where Algarve schools meet to exchange ideas and display work. The event included a sweet potato soup demonstration prepared with ingredients grown on a teacher's farm. Trips include visits to the Berardo Collection of modern art in Lisbon and to local galleries and artists' studios.	Cultural & language Language options include Portuguese, Dutch, Mandarin, French and Russian, available as afternoon clubs. Pupils can choose from an array of language options, and the clubs are open to internal and external students. These language clubs contribute to cultural awareness and cross-cultural communication.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies The school band performs at local events. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is presented at the school. Bird ringing is among the activities. A flash mob dance was held in Lagos.	Social & hobbies Clubs take place in the afternoons from 2pm to 3:30pm. Options include Homework Club, Mindfulness, Art&DT, Science Experiments, French, Russian, Cooking, Engineering, Computing and Physical Education. These clubs support varied interests and encourage teamwork and personal development.
Community & service	Community & service Fundraising for Alwan Kindergarten in Hass, Syria is conducted by students. The Give Nature a Home project builds bird houses, insect hotels and other homes for local wildlife. Litter collecting at Amoreira beach is part of community service activities.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The formation of the school band provides leadership opportunities and teamwork. Work experience placements are offered to students. Private tuition for AS and A level subjects supports professional and academic development.	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Every year the school produces an outdoor theatre production that brings the school and local community together. State of Being Horse Sanctuary and visits to local wildlife sanctuaries support wellbeing and connection with nature. The organic vegetable garden on site provides hands-on learning and healthy living.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Mindfulness and Physical Education are part of the clubs to support students' wellbeing. The afternoon schedule provides a balanced day with time for learning, recreation and family life. The program emphasizes holistic development through physical activity and mindful practices.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The language of instruction is English. Portuguese language lessons are held daily, and Portuguese culture and arts are studied. Tutors are proficient in Portuguese. Some IGCSE subjects offered include German and Spanish, as well as Chemistry, Global Perspectives and Travel & Tourism. If a student is not fluent in English, additional English lessons can be offered.	Language provision Portuguese, Dutch, Mandarin, French, Russian
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching Lessons are taught in English; most tutors are proficient in Portuguese; all students participate in daily Portuguese language lessons and study Portuguese culture and arts.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations Cambridge International Examinations Centre; open Cambridge exam centre in the Algarve.	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Lessons are taught in English, and the school welcomes students of all nationalities. Most tutors are proficient in Portuguese, and daily Portuguese language lessons are provided. For students not fluent in English, integration is encouraged and additional English lessons can be arranged if needed. The school accepts students from the Portuguese system as well as from other nationalities; after completing their IGCSEs with the school, some students return to the Portuguese system for Years 11 and 12 if they wish. All students study Maths, English, English Literature, Portuguese language, Portuguese Culture & Arts, Physics, Biology, Geography, History, Computer Studies, Business Studies, Music, Drama and Art up to the end of Year 9, after which they select subjects for IGCSE; private tuition for AS and A level subjects is available. Admissions are via the on-site registration form; required documents include passport/ID, health card, previous school reports (if any), vaccination record, passport-sized photograph, and fiscal number. By applying, you agree to the Terms and Conditions; a place is reserved by paying an enrolment deposit and an enrolment fee. For academic year 2025/26, annual fees are €7,200 for Years 7–9 and €8,100 for Years 10–11, with payment options including annual in advance, per term in advance, or 10 equal monthly installments; an optional coach service costs €1,400 per year; books (approximately €100) can be bought through the school and may be reimbursed on completion of the book. An enrolment fee is €300 and a deposit is €2,400 (Years 7–9) or €2,700 (Years 10–11). A 5% discount is offered for a second sibling attending full-time in the same academic year. Separate Terms and Conditions apply for AS/A Level studies.	Admissions The school offers an easy admission process with visits to the building on open days or a trial day to meet faculty and learn about the programs; a meeting can be booked. Fees for 2025/2026 are published: annual registration fee 300€, security deposit 250€. Tuition is published by year group: Key Stage One (Y1–Y2) 6,309€ per year; Key Stage Two (Y3–Y6) 7,016€ per year; Key Stage Three (Y7–Y9) 7,701€ per year; Key Stage Four (Y10–Y11) 8,387€ per year; Key Stage Five (Y12–Y13) please contact us for options. Payment options include Annual (with 5% discount), Termly (three payments), or Monthly (eleven payments). Sibling discounts: second child 4%; third and subsequent children 5%. Afternoon Clubs run 14:00–15:30 with Club Pack (Five days per week: Three Clubs + Two Homework Clubs) 750€, Homework Club (One day per week) 180€, Club (One day per week) 255€, Kids Club (Every afternoon) 250€; fees and schedules are published in the Fees 2025/2026 document.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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