Aspire International School vs Montalvo International School
Aspire International School and Montalvo International School are both in Algarve, about 8 km apart. Both schools offer British programmes. Aspire International School also offers EYFS and Pearson Edexcel IGCSE, and Montalvo International School also offers Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge A Levels. Published annual fees are €7,055 - 13,995 at Aspire International School and €11,550 - 13,785 at Montalvo International School, which puts Montalvo International School roughly 20% higher. Aspire International School takes pupils from 3 to 18, and Montalvo International School from 11 to 17.
British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Pearson Edexcel IGCSE
Curriculum
British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils
Pupils
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Pupils
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Typical class size
Typical class size
12
Typical class size
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Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
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Opened
2023
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, Portugal. Located in Loulé at Avenida Marçal Pacheco, 37, the school sits in the heart of the historic town of Loulé in the Algarve region.
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
- 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)
- 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.
*Tuition fees by year group (annual and termly breakdown)*
- Grade 8 (age ~13): Annual tuition EUR 11,250. Per term (annual ÷ 3) EUR 3,750. - Grade 9 (age ~14): Annual tuition EUR 13,785. Per term EUR 4,595. - Grade 10 (age ~15): Annual tuition EUR 13,785. Per term EUR 4,595. - Grade 11 (age ~16): Annual tuition EUR 13,785. Per term EUR 4,595. - Grade 12 (age ~17): Annual tuition EUR 13,785. Per term EUR 4,595.
*Billing schedule and payment terms*
- Published tuition figures are stated as annual totals; per-term figures above are the annual total divided into three equal instalments (termly amounts shown). For billing schedule and precise payment due dates, the school's admissions office handles invoicing and payment arrangements.
*Boarding fees*
- The school is listed as a day school; there are no published boarding fees because boarding is not offered.
*Other costs and fees*
- Books and examination fees: The school's published information indicates that books are provided and that exam fees are covered for enrolled students. - Sibling discount: 2nd child – 5%; 3rd child – 10%; 4th child onwards – 15%.
*Refund information*
- No separate boarding- or board-related refund applies (board is not provided). For tuition refund, withdrawal or pro‑rata rules, and any conditions that apply to refunds, fee contracts and admissions paperwork from the school's admissions office set the terms.
*Fee payment options*
- Fee arrangements and payment methods are handled by the school's administration; contact details for arranging payments are the school phone and administration email shown in the school's contact information.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
The school uses a house system with inter-house events. An example is the Inter-House Cross Country.
House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
The school is independent. It is led by School Director Ian Bailey.
Governance and ownership
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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
Key Stage 3 runs Years 7–9 (ages 11–14) and builds the foundations for GCSE study. In Year 9, students study English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities (Geography and History), Languages, Art and Design, Technology, Physical Education and Computing, and by the end of Year 9 they sit three iGCSEs: Foundation Maths, English and a Science subject of their choosing. The iGCSE years span Year 10–11, with students choosing at least three option subjects from Maths, Languages, Science, Humanities/Social Sciences and Creative/Technical/Vocational subjects; core iGCSE requirements include Mathematics, English Language, Literature, Portuguese and the three Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology). AS/A Levels cover Years 12–13 (grades 12–13, ages 16–17) and are described as the culmination of British International Education, taken over two years to prepare for post-school life. The school positions the iGCSE and A Level pathways as a launchpad to universities and higher education.
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
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
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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
The school positions iGCSEs and A Levels as a launchpad to universities and higher education worldwide.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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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 is student-centered and progress-driven. It aims to help students reach their personal best by building confidence and a learning environment that pushes for high achievement. Small class sizes provide individualized attention and support social development. Being surrounded by similarly aged peers helps build relationships and social connections. The school emphasizes personal growth and the development of social-emotional skills as part of daily 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)
The school is student-centered and progress-driven, and it looks after the specific needs of all students. Robust methods and systems are in place to ensure the academic and pastoral needs of all students are met.
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
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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
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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
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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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
The school began its academic endeavour in the cultural centre of the Algarve, located in Loulé. The first school building dates back to the 1890s. The goal is to make the Montalvo International School premises in Loulé a Centre of Excellence for examination year groups from Years 9 to 13, providing a dedicated hub for learning with on-site teaching and all the amenities needed within the welcoming environs of Loulé city.
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
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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 learning hub is designed for Years 9–13 with a focus on iGCSEs and A Levels, offering on-site study spaces and targeted teaching to support examination preparation and student development.
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
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
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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
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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
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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 school emphasizes a holistic educational approach that goes beyond academics. There is a focus on extracurricular activities, cultural exchange programs, and community integration. The aim is to broaden students' horizons and provide learning opportunities both in and out of the classroom. The Montalvo Partnership Program will be developed in the coming months to support language immersion and community involvement.
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
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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 school offers cultural exchange programs and opportunities to engage with the local Algarve community. Language immersion is supported by learning Portuguese within the community. The Montalvo Partnership Program will support these language and cultural immersion efforts. Extracurricular activities accompany cultural experiences to broaden students' horizons.
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
The school offers a range of extracurricular activities as part of its holistic education. Students have opportunities to engage in activities outside the classroom. Extracurriculars are designed to broaden horizons and support personal development. Cultural exchange programs and community involvement complement these activities.
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
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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
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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
The school pursues a holistic educational approach that extends beyond academics to support student well-being. Extracurricular activities, cultural exchange programs, and community integration contribute to students' well-being and personal growth. Language immersion supports social development and well-being by helping students connect with the local community. The Montalvo Partnership Program will support these holistic aims.
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
English is a core subject and language of instruction in iGCSE. Portuguese is taught as a core subject (iGCSE includes Portuguese among required subjects). A range of modern foreign languages is offered as options, including French, German, Spanish and Mandarin. The teaching staff includes language specialists in French and Portuguese and a Spanish teacher.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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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
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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
From initial enquiry to the first lesson, we guide applicants every step of the way. Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions a family can make. At Montalvo International School, the process is clear, personal, and supportive, ensuring that each student who joins is placed in an environment where they can truly excel. The admissions process reflects the school's values of Academic Excellence, Care, and Individual attention.
