Aspire International School vs Brave Generation Academy - Algarve

	A Aspire International School Algarve, Portugal	B Brave Generation Academy - Algarve Algarve, Portugal
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €7,055 - 13,995	Fees / year €6,600 - 10,640
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 12 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational, Online/Hybrid
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Pearson Edexcel IGCSE	Curriculum American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum, British Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 12	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English, Portuguese
Opened	Opened —	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Located at Rua Manuel Teixeira Gomes, 8135-106 Almancil, Algarve, Portugal. Aspire International School Algarve sits between Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago in the Algarve. The campus serves an international community with programmes from Preschool to A level.	Location Algarve region, Portugal: hubs in Lagoa, Lagos (1 & 2), Loulé, Tavira, and Vila Sol.
Stages	Stages Preschool ages 3 to 5; Primary ages 5 to 11; Secondary ages 11 to 14; GCSE/iGCSE ages 14 to 16; A level ages 16 to 18	Stages Secondary Education; Higher Education
School type	School type Independent international school	School type Hybrid online and in-person international school offering British (IGCSEs and A-Levels), American, and Portuguese+ curricula
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation Portugal
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application / Joining Fees - Joining (administration) fee: EUR 195 + IVA. - Non-refundable deposit to secure a place: EUR 600 per child (deducted from fees as EUR 200 per term or EUR 60 per month over 10 months / EUR 75 per month over 8 months). The deposit is non-refundable. Tuition fees by year group (amounts shown are annual, with termly and monthly instalment options) - Preschool (Ages 3–5): Annual EUR 7,055 — Termly EUR 2,422 — Monthly (10 months) EUR 748 — Monthly (8 months) EUR 748. - Key Stage 1 (Years 1–2): Annual EUR 8,230 — Termly EUR 2,826 — Monthly (10 months) EUR 872 — Monthly (8 months) EUR 872. - Key Stage 2 (Years 3–6): Annual EUR 9,950 — Termly EUR 3,416 — Monthly (10 months) EUR 1,055 — Monthly (8 months) EUR 1,055. - Key Stage 3 (Years 7–8): Annual EUR 12,500 — Termly EUR 4,292 — Monthly (10 months) EUR 1,325 — Monthly (8 months) EUR 1,325. - Key Stage 4 (Years 9–10): Annual EUR 13,995 — Termly EUR 4,805 — Monthly (10 months) EUR 1,483 — Monthly (8 months) EUR 1,483. - Key Stage 4 (Year 11): Annual EUR 13,995 — Termly EUR 4,805 — Monthly (10 months) EUR 1,854 — Monthly (8 months) EUR 1,854. - Key Stage 5 (Year 12): Annual EUR 14,995 — Termly EUR 5,148 — Monthly (10 months) EUR 1,589 — Monthly (8 months) EUR 1,589. - Key Stage 5 (Year 13): Annual EUR 14,995 — Termly EUR 5,148 — Monthly (10 months) EUR 1,987 — Monthly (8 months) EUR 1,987. Billing schedule and payment terms - Early-bird discount: 5% discount on the annual fee if paid in full before 31 March 2026. - Termly payment dates (three instalments for the academic year shown): 1st instalment due 1–10 September 2026; 2nd instalment due 2–10 January 2027; 3rd instalment due 3–10 April 2027. Termly payments are subject to 3% interest on the base price. - Monthly instalments: two offered schedules — 10 monthly instalments or 8 monthly instalments. Payments over 10 months are due by the 10th of each month starting 10 August and are subject to 6% interest on the base price. Payments over 8 months are due by the 10th of each month starting 10 August and are subject to 4% interest on the base price. All payment instalments must be paid by the stated due dates. - Late payment penalties: EUR 50 flat penalty plus 0.5% per month on overdue accounts. Sibling and other discounts - Sibling discount: first sibling receives a 5% discount; second and subsequent siblings receive a 10% discount. Boarding fees - No boarding fees are published in the schools published fee schedule; the fee schedule lists only day-school tuition and associated administration/deposit charges. Other costs and additional fees - The published fee schedule includes the joining administration fee and deposit described above and does not itemise charges for stationery, exam entries, excursions, or extra-curricular club fees within the main tuition table. Separate downloadable documents for uniform and lunch menus are provided as distinct items alongside the fee schedule. Parents should note that uniform and lunch arrangements are handled as separate items in the schools documentation. Refund information - The enrolment deposit (EUR 600 per child) is explicitly non-refundable. No other refund terms are detailed within the published fee schedule document. Fee payment options - The published fee schedule sets instalment options and dates but does not list specific payment methods (for example, bank transfer, direct debit or credit/debit card) within the fee schedule PDF. Payment method details are provided separately to families as part of the schools enrolment and invoicing process. Sanctions and administration - No re-enrolment fees are charged. Late-payment penalties and monthly interest on instalment plans apply as stated above. Sibling discounts apply as noted.	Fee details One‑time / Admissions fees - Admissions fee (British International Curriculum, American Core Curriculum or Own Curriculum): EUR 1,450 payable prior to enrolment. - Admissions fee (Portuguese Curriculum / Portuguese+): EUR 950 payable prior to enrolment. Tuition fees (by curriculum) — monthly and annual values - British International Curriculum: EUR 595 per month (12 monthly instalments). Annual total (12 months): EUR 7,140. - American Core Curriculum: EUR 845 per month (12 monthly instalments). Annual total (12 months): EUR 10,140. Note: Advanced Placement (AP) courses incur an additional cost of EUR 650 per AP course. - Portuguese Curriculum (Portuguese+): EUR 595 per month (12 monthly instalments). Annual total (12 months): EUR 7,140. - Own Curriculum (Hub Attendance Fee): EUR 550 per month (12 monthly instalments). Annual total (12 months): EUR 6,600. This option provides Hub access and Learning Coach support for learners using an external curriculum. Billing schedule and payment terms - Standard billing schedule: fees are structured as 12 monthly payments (paid monthly across the year). Paying 12 months upfront is offered as an alternative. - Annual registration renewal fee: EUR 500, payable after the completion of the learner's first 12 months and then annually thereafter. - Discounts affecting payment amounts: - Second child: 5% off the total monthly fee. - Third child: 7.5% off the total monthly fee. - Upfront annual payment discount: 3% discount on the total yearly fee when paying 12 months upfront. - Additional academic charges: AP courses (where taken) carry an extra fee of EUR 650 per AP course (American curriculum). Boarding / accommodation fees (if applicable) - For standard secondary (hybrid Hub + online) provision in Portugal there is no separate boarding fee listed for the Hub model; the model is delivered through local Hubs and online study. Hubs are local co‑learning spaces rather than residential boarding. - For higher‑education Unique Pathway (UP / UPx) programmes there are fee options that explicitly include accommodation and food; for example, UPx Portugal option showing a fee that includes accommodation. Where accommodation is included the published monthly fee differs from the non‑accommodation option; level entrance fees for UP/UPx apply separately. Details and exact accommodation‑inclusive fee options are published with the UP/UPx programme fee pages. Other costs and incidental fees - Registration renewal (annual): EUR 500 (see above). - Unique Pathway / UP programme: level entrance fees are charged when entering a new academic level (example: EUR 1,350 for certain UP levels; some level fees are specified as non‑refundable). These are separate from the monthly tuition instalments. - Materials, software and Hub access: access to the learning platform and Hub facilities are described as included within the tuition fee. Any additional exam fees, exam centre charges, external qualification fees or specific course materials beyond the base offering (for example AP exam fees, external university fees for UP level 6) are billed separately where applicable. Refund information (where stated) - Unique Pathway / UP / UPx programme level entrance fees: specified level entrance fees are described as non‑refundable when that condition is stated on the relevant programme page. - BGA Online admission (regional Online programme pages) shows the one‑time admission fee described as non‑refundable on the Online fee pages for those regions; non‑refundability is explicitly stated on those Online programme fee pages where noted. Fee payment options and how payments are arranged - Billing formats offered: monthly instalments (12 monthly payments) or an upfront annual payment (12 months paid in advance). Upfront annual payment attracts a 3% discount. - Practical arrangements for accepting specific payment methods (for example: card, direct bank transfer, direct debit/standing order or invoice) are managed during admissions and invoicing; families receive fee and payment details as part of the enrolment/quote and invoicing process. Contact details for admissions and billing are provided by the school for payment setup. Quick summary (key numeric items) - Admissions fee (British/American/Own): EUR 1,450. - Admissions fee (Portuguese+): EUR 950. - Tuition (British or Portuguese+): EUR 595 per month → EUR 7,140 per year. - Tuition (American Core): EUR 845 per month → EUR 10,140 per year; AP courses +EUR 650 per course. - Own Curriculum (Hub Attendance): EUR 550 per month → EUR 6,600 per year. - Registration renewal (annual after 12 months): EUR 500. (Amounts and structural details above reflect the published fee schedule for BGA Portugal and the related programme pages for UP/UPx and Online offerings.)
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system The school uses a house system with inter-house events. An example is the Inter-House Cross Country.	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is independent. It is led by School Director Ian Bailey.	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details AIS Algarve follows the British National Curriculum across all year groups. Preschool uses the Early Years Foundation Stage with Pre-Nursery, Nursery and Reception, weekly Portuguese language exposure, and Jolly Phonics for early literacy. Primary education is based on the English National Curriculum, with a weekly Portuguese language focus, small class sizes, and specialist teachers in Art, ICT, PE, Performing Arts and Music, plus EAL support. The Secondary programme follows the British National Curriculum, guiding students from Key Stage 3 through IGCSEs and A levels, with core subjects including English, Maths, Science and Humanities; preparation for iGCSEs is provided toward Year 9. GCSE/IGCSE and A level offerings are described on dedicated pages; AIS GCSE uses Pearson Edexcel, and A levels are offered with Edexcel accreditation. The curriculum emphasizes PSHE and Mindfulness and includes a balanced programme of sports, arts, and clubs.	Curriculum details BGA Portugal offers secondary education with British (IGCSEs and A-Levels), American, or Portuguese+ curricula. The learning model is hybrid, combining online study with in-person Hubs guided by Learning Coaches. The curricula are accredited and internationally recognized. The Portuguese+ curriculum uses Portuguese materials and assessments, includes Exames Nacionais preparation, and meets direct-entry requirements for Portuguese universities while enabling access to institutions worldwide, delivered in English-speaking Hubs. Higher Education is provided through Unique Pathway Degree Programmes in fields such as Business Management, Computing Science, Hospitality, and Sports, offering a university diploma and practical skills.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio The school has small class sizes and personalised attention, with teachers able to mentor each student.	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression The school prepares students for higher education with university preparation support and careers guidance; it aims to help students gain entry to top universities worldwide through its IGCSE and A level pathways.	Higher education progression Unique Pathway Degree Programmes offer fast, flexible degree options in Business Management, Computing Science, Hospitality, Sports, and more. Learners gain a university diploma and practical skills from anywhere, supporting progression to universities worldwide.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning Student wellbeing is central to AIS. Pastoral care is a core part of school life, with staff providing guidance and support to help students feel safe and valued. The school supports new students to settle in, helping them build friendships and feel comfortable in their learning environment.	Social & emotional learning The school develops life skills beyond academics, including adaptability, collaboration, and critical thinking, and fosters a lifelong love of learning.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) AIS supports students with a range of learning needs, with teachers working closely with families to identify appropriate strategies and provide tailored support; additional support can be provided to help students progress.	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language English is the main language of instruction; additional language support is available where needed, particularly in the early years. AIS offers instruction in English and Portuguese, with additional modern languages available. Speech and language therapy and EAL support are provided where needed.	English as an additional language Hub environment is English-speaking; Portuguese+ uses Portuguese materials and assessments within English-speaking Hubs, enabling study of the Portuguese national curriculum with bilingual readiness.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Student wellbeing is central; pastoral care supports students' mental, social, and emotional development, with staff available to speak with students about concerns and to promote a safe, respectful environment.	Mental wellbeing Worktools are used to track progress, manage goals, and monitor well-being.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Pastoral care and wellbeing policies promote a safe environment, with clear procedures to address concerns about behaviour or bullying; bullying is not accepted and is addressed promptly.	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Aspire International School Algarve has spacious outdoor areas and purpose-built classrooms. Modern facilities support every stage of a student's journey. AIS emphasises small class sizes, with a maximum of 12 students per class to enable individualized attention. The campus is located between Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago in the Algarve, Portugal.	Facilities overview Hubs in Portugal are co-learning spaces that foster a peer-to-peer atmosphere where Learners can thrive through skills and community work, with constant support from Learning Coaches. The hybrid model blends online study with in-person Hub experiences, with 24/7 access to the learning platform and varied lesson styles. The British, US, and Portuguese+ curricula are accredited and internationally respected. The Portuguese+ track delivers all learning materials and assessments in Portuguese, includes Exames Nacionais, and enables direct entry to Portuguese universities while still allowing study abroad, delivered in English-speaking Hubs. Locations include Lagoa, Lagos (1 & 2), Loulé, Tavira, Vila Sol, and Madeira (Funchal).
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The school has a swimming pool used for summer camp activities. The curriculum includes Physical Education as a specialist subject.	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The school follows a broad British curriculum, with iGCSEs and A levels supported by Pearson Edexcel accreditation. Aspire provides specialist instruction in Art, ICT, Physical Education, Performing Arts, and Music. Portuguese language and culture are integrated, with one day per week dedicated to Portuguese.	Academic facilities The British, US, and Portuguese+ curricula are accredited and internationally respected. Learners have 24/7 access to the learning platform, with guidance and feedback from Course Managers. Learners progress at their own pace from local Hubs or online. The Portuguese+ curriculum delivers materials and assessments in Portuguese, includes Exames Nacionais, and supports direct entry to Portuguese universities.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Aspire offers a wide range of clubs and enrichment activities. There is an active PTFA (Parent, Teacher & Friends Association) that supports the school community.	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History Brave Generation Academy was founded in Cascais in July 2022 by Tim Vieira and Lidia Vieira. The founders started with a learner centered, personalised approach and hired their first learning coach Marcus who became a co founder. The school adopted a hybrid, flexible learning model designed to democratize access to international education and enable learners to write their own paths. The network has expanded beyond Europe to Africa, the USA and Asia, with hubs intended to be close to learners and integrated into local communities.
Community	Community The Aspire International School Algarve hosts a range of community events that engage families and the local Algarve community. Recent events include a Wonderful Community Day with a family market (June 15, 2025), a Preloved Family Market (June 14, 2025), a World Children's Day community walk in Almancil (June 1, 2025), a Coastal Clean-Up in Vale do Lobo (May 20, 2025), and an Aspire Beach Clean-Up (May 20, 2025). Other activities include AIS Spring Fair 2025 – Full Schedule (March 28, 2025) and Spring Fair 2025 – Let's Make It Bloom! (March 21, 2025), and a Multicultural Fair (A Reflection on Our Incredible Multicultural Fair, November 8, 2024).	Community Brave Generation Academy builds a global learning community through its hubs. Learners work alongside peers and gain access to a worldwide network of fellow learners. Semiannual Build Weeks bring learners together for activities, while field trips and BGA wide events support academic and social development. In the Algarve, BGA hubs are located in Lagoa, Lagos 01, Lagos 02, Loulé, Tavira and Vila Sol.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The school has an active PTFA (Parent, Teacher & Friends Association) and the PTFA fosters meaningful connections between staff, students, and families.	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Aspire International School provides lunchtime and after-school clubs to extend learning beyond the classroom. These enrichment activities cover a broad range of interests, encouraging independent thinking, collaboration, and curiosity across academic disciplines. The timetable balances core subjects with clubs to help pupils pursue strengths and develop new skills. PSHE and Mindfulness are prioritized to support pupils' self-esteem, confidence, and emotional intelligence as part of holistic development.	Academic & intellectual The hybrid model combines online study with in-person Hub experiences. Learners choose between British (IGCSEs and A-Levels), American, or Portuguese+ curricula and progress at their own pace in local Hubs or online. Curricula are accredited and internationally respected. Higher Education offers fast, flexible Unique Pathway Degree Programmes in Business Management, Computing Science, Hospitality, and Sports, with a focus on life skills.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Art, Music, Drama and Sport are included in the timetable, with a strong emphasis on Expressive Arts. Expressive Arts & Design is explicitly highlighted in the Early Years as music, dance, role-play, and hands-on creativity. The timetable also provides opportunities for Arts with lunchtime and after-school clubs, and Dance/Expressive Arts showcases that highlight student creativity.	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Portuguese Language & Culture is a core focus under the Portuguese Push initiative, offering immersive language learning from preschool through A Level. Primary teachers are fluent in Portuguese, and KS3 features equal Portuguese and English instruction; there is an after-school Portuguese club for extra support. Cultural immersion includes celebrating Portuguese holidays and traditions and project work around Algarve landmarks, history, and artists, with strong community links including language and cultural exchanges and local partnerships.	Cultural & language The Portuguese+ curriculum offers materials and assessments in Portuguese, includes preparation for and completion of Exames Nacionais, and meets requirements for direct entry to Portuguese universities, while enabling admission to institutions worldwide. It is delivered within English-speaking Hubs to develop both Portuguese and English communication skills.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies The school offers a broad range of clubs and enrichment activities, including sports and arts. Inter-House Cross Country fosters teamwork and school spirit. Students can take on leadership roles such as Head Girl, prefects, Sports Captain, and House Captain, developing responsibility, communication, and initiative.	Social & hobbies Hubs are co-learning spaces that foster a peer-to-peer atmosphere. Learners thrive through skills development and community work, with constant support from Learning Coaches.
Community & service	Community & service The school engages with the local community through environmental and charitable initiatives. Portuguese language and culture activities include beach clean initiatives, and there are tree-planting projects in Almancil; Spring Fair events support Mudaki and local partners, with opportunities for student involvement in music, dance, and community service.	Community & service Learners engage in community work as part of hub activities and participate in collaborative projects with peers under the guidance of Learning Coaches.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Leadership opportunities are available across the student body, including serving as Head Girl and prefects, as well as roles such as Sports Captain or House Captain that empower students to lead peers and plan activities.	Leadership & professional Brave Generation Academy aims to empower learners to become leaders. Higher Education offers fast, flexible Unique Pathway Degree Programmes in Business Management, Computing Science, Hospitality, and Sports. These programmes complement the international curricula and prepare learners for university study globally.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The school offers a holistic program including sport and physical education, PSHE and Mindfulness, and a broad range of after-school clubs. Inter-House Cross Country and other sports promote fitness and teamwork, while Dance/Expressive Arts showcases support creativity and wellbeing.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Life Skills are central to the BGA approach. The learning model emphasizes adaptability, collaboration, and critical thinking. Learners access a flexible platform with 24/7 online availability and in-person Hub experiences.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision Preschool, Primary and Secondary follow the English National Curriculum. One day per week is devoted to the Portuguese language in Primary. In Secondary, core subjects include English, Maths, Science, Humanities, Portuguese, ICT and Modern Foreign Languages. Specialist English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided for students who are new to English.	Language provision Language of Instruction is Portuguese for core content, but the hub is English-speaking, offering a bilingual experience. The bilingual environment supports English language development and cultural fluency. Portuguese+ prepares learners for international universities through English fluency and the development of transferable 21st-century skills.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching The Hub environment is English-speaking, while the academic content is based on the Portuguese curriculum and taught in Portuguese. This creates a bilingual learning experience that enhances global readiness. Learners are guided by a dedicated Learning Coach, with online Course Managers providing academic direction.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs Portuguese+ offers global exposure; learners are immersed in an English-speaking, multicultural environment, developing language skills and a global perspective. The Hub environment is English-speaking, offering a bilingual experience that supports global readiness. Learners may also take select subjects from the British International Curriculum, broadening academic options. Additional opportunities expose learners to multiple languages and cultures.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards null
Accreditations	Accreditations Pearson Edexcel accreditation — Aspire International School Algarve is accredited to deliver the Pearson Edexcel British Curriculum, including iGCSEs and A levels, with globally recognised qualifications.	Accreditations The school offers British, US, and Portuguese+ curricula that are accredited and internationally recognized.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Families can begin the admissions process by getting in touch with the AIS admissions team. They answer initial questions and guide you through the next steps, including arranging a visit to the school. 2. You can arrange a visit through Schedule a Tour. AIS also offers up to three free trial days for students prior to enrolment. 3. Initially, AIS asks for basic information about your child's age, previous schooling, and any specific learning needs; the admissions team will guide you through the rest of the process step by step. 4. AIS accepts children from Preschool through to Secondary and Sixth Form. English is the main language of instruction, with additional language support available where needed. The school is non-selective and does not conduct assessments before enrolment; if obstacles to learning exist, please notify so appropriate support can be provided.	Admissions Watch Our Overview Video to understand BGA's learning model and pathways. Book a Call or Meeting with our Admissions Team to learn more and schedule a trial day if desired. Schedule a Trial Day to visit a BGA Hub and meet Learning Coaches. Fill Out the Application Form (approximately 10 minutes); after submission you'll receive an email with a summary of the Admissions Process and Next Steps, a link to a detailed Admissions Guide (curriculum breakdown, fees, FAQs), and a link to book the onboarding meeting. Attend an Onboarding Meeting with our Educational team and Learning Coaches to review the Learner's academic history, determine the academic level they will be placed at, discuss their learning pathway in more detail, and address any questions. Complete Full Enrolment: contracts and invoices are issued, and after signing and payment, official enrolment confirmation is issued. Get Ready for Day One: instructions are provided so the Learner can start their journey with confidence.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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