Aspire International School vs Vilamoura International School

	A Aspire International School Algarve, Portugal	V Vilamoura International School Algarve, Portugal
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €7,055 - 13,995	Fees / year €5,950 - 13,950
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Pearson Edexcel IGCSE	Curriculum IB (DP), British Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 12	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language Portuguese, English
Opened	Opened —	Opened 1984
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
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 Vilamoura International School is located in Vilamoura, Algarve, Portugal, at APT 856, 8125-911 Vilamoura. It sits in the coastal resort town of Vilamoura in the Algarve region. It runs a daily school bus service with routes including Loulé/Almancil, Olhão/Faro, Vilamoura, Albufeira, and Messines.
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 Preschool to Secondary School; two pathways from ages 3 to 18: Portuguese Studies following the Portuguese national curriculum, and English Studies following an adapted British international curriculum. The English pathway covers Primary, Cambridge International Lower Secondary and IGCSE, and culminates in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Grades 11 and 12.
School type	School type Independent international school	School type Private international school; part of the Inspired Education network.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided through a structured programme for students with little or no English exposure.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation Portugal. Portuguese Studies pathway follows the Portuguese national curriculum.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details A daily school bus service is offered with routes including Loulé/Almancil, Olhão/Faro, Vilamoura, Albufeira, and Messines. Buses depart at 5:00 pm, with an assistant accompanying kindergarten and primary pupils. The service operates throughout the school year.
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 Application / Registration fees - Registration (enrolment) fee (non-refundable): €400 for new enrolments. - Re-enrolment (annual re-enrolment) fee (non-refundable): €250. Tuition fees — English Studies (per year group, payment frequencies shown as printed) - Nursery & Reception - Annual: €6,950. - Termly (per period, x3): €2,386.17. - Monthly (instalments): €650.77 (Nursery/Reception monthly figure is invoiced in 11 instalments). - Pre‑1 to Grade 3 - Annual: €8,550. - Termly (x3): €2,935.50. - Monthly (x10): €880.65. - Grade 4–5 - Annual: €9,650. - Termly (x3): €3,313.17. - Monthly (x10): €993.95. - Grade 6–8 - Annual: €10,450. - Termly (x3): €3,587.83. - Monthly (x10): €1,076.35. - Grade 9–10 - Annual: €12,500. - Termly (x3): €4,291.67. - Monthly (x10): €1,287.50. - Grade 11–12 (Senior / IB / A‑Level years) - Annual: €13,950. - Termly (x3): €4,789.50. - Monthly (x10): €1,436.85. Tuition fees — Portuguese Studies (per year group, payment frequencies shown as printed) - Jardim de Infância (Nursery) - Annual: €5,950. - Termly (x3): figures shown per period; monthly instalment (Nursery): €557.14 (paid in 11 instalments). - 1º Ciclo do Ensino Básico (1º–4º ano) - Annual: €6,050. - Termly (x3): €2,077.17 (monthly x10 listed). - 2º Ciclo do Ensino Básico (5º–6º ano) - Annual: €6,400. - Termly (x3): €2,197.33 (monthly x10 listed). - 3º Ciclo do Ensino Básico (7º–9º ano) - Annual: €6,600. - Termly (x3): €2,266.00 (monthly x10 listed). - Ensino Secundário (10º–12º ano) - Annual: €6,950. - Termly (x3): €2,386.17 (monthly x10 listed). Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition invoicing and payment options: tuition may be invoiced and paid annually, termly (September, January and April) or monthly across the academic year. Nursery/Reception monthly tuition is invoiced in 11 instalments; all other education levels monthly instalments are invoiced in 10 instalments. Termly and monthly payment options are subject to a 3% administrative fee. Invoices are issued by the 5th business day of the month in which they are due (other charges separately by the 10th business day). Invoices overdue by more than 30 days incur interest of 5% on the amount due. Security / deposit & discounts - Families with more than one child enrolled receive a siblings discount on the youngest child: 2nd child 10%, 3rd child 15%, 4th child and subsequent 20%. - Where applicable the school requires the activation of payment guarantees; specific security or deposit terms (for example pre-authorised card authorisations or deposits) and applicability to fiscal residents are stated in the fees documentation and associated conditions. Boarding - The school operates as a day school; boarding facilities / boarding fees are not applicable. Other costs and regularly billed extras - Mandatory / annual charges and digital services: - Mobile Device Management (MDM): €20 (applicable to Pre‑1 / 1st Year). - Global Study Platform / Inspired AI / Inspired Metaverse: €50 (Grades 4–5) and €100 (Grades 6–12). - Examination fees: - IGCSE exam fees (Grade 10): €160 per subject (invoiced annually in April where applicable). - IB exam fees (Grade 12): €900 (fee for the cohort/subjects as indicated). - Transport (termly billing; invoiced Nov, Jan, Apr): transport is offered by zone with termly and occasional per‑trip charges. Example zone charges (round‑trip / one‑way / occasional per trip) listed include: Vilamoura Zone: €455 / €273 / €7; Vila Sol Zone: €515 / €309 / €8; other zones range from ~€545 to €740 (round‑trip) with occasional per‑trip prices €9–€12 depending on zone. Transport requires an annual subscription and routes may be subject to minimum numbers. - School meals and food service: - Lunch and snack services are optional. Daily occasional user fees vary by year group (occasional daily rates printed range from €5 to €12 depending on year group); regular user subscriptions are invoiced by period / term. The school notes that daily prices include lunch and afternoon snacks for the relevant year groups. - Other charges (examples as invoiced when applicable): student replacement card €7; translation of documents €0.10/word; additional family yearbook one‑off €25; iPad acquisition (Apple iPad Air 11'' Wi‑Fi 128GB with accessories and one year insurance) and iPad rental options (rental termly fees and purchase one‑off fees listed). Charges for extracurricular activities, study support, wellbeing individual support and school trips are listed and invoiced as specified (termly, monthly or when incurred). Refunds and cancellations - Registration / enrolment fees are non‑refundable. Certain enrolment periods (for example specified August enrolment windows) are non‑refundable when noted. Extracurricular activity enrolments require a full‑term commitment; if a student withdraws mid‑term the full term fee for that activity is charged unless the activity is cancelled or does not meet minimum enrolment requirements. Taxes / VAT are included in the fees where applicable. Fee payment methods - Invoices can be paid by the ATM reference shown on each invoice, by direct debit, by education tickets, by bank transfer or by cash. Cash payments carry a monthly cash limit of €2,000 and an associated service fee of €50 per payment. Direct debit payments are debited by the 12th of each month; failed direct debit attempts will be requested via ATM reference or bank transfer. Specific payment instructions and ATM reference details appear on each invoice. Overdue invoices incur interest as noted above. (End of fees overview.)
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement Uniform is worn by CIV students from Kindergarten through Year 9 (Portuguese Studies) and from Nursery through Year 10 (English Studies). The secondary school students (Years 11–13) do not wear a uniform but must present themselves in a respectful, appropriate manner. Uniform items include dark blue trousers/shorts or a skirt; white polo; dark blue sleeveless pullover; blue-and-white striped shirt (short or long sleeves); dark blue waterproof jacket; dark blue socks; dark shoes. The PE kit comprises blue shorts; blue sweatshirt; white T‑shirt; white socks; suitable athletic shoes. Gala attire includes dark blue trousers or skirt; white-and-blue striped shirt; blue pullover; dark socks; dark shoes.
Food options	Food options —	Food options The campus has a dining hall on site.
House system	House system The school uses a house system with inter-house events. An example is the Inter-House Cross Country.	House system The school operates a house system with house points and merits to recognise student achievement.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is independent. It is led by School Director Ian Bailey.	Governance and ownership The school is part of Inspired Education.
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 Two academic pathways for students aged 3 to 18: Portuguese Studies following the Portuguese national curriculum, and English Studies following an adapted British international curriculum. The English Studies pathway uses the British National Curriculum in Primary, Cambridge International Lower Secondary and IGCSE, culminating in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Grades 11–12. The Portuguese Studies pathway includes national examinations in Grades 9 and 12. The school is a Cambridge International Examination and Alliance Française centre. Multilingualism is promoted through early language learning in Portuguese, English and French, with opportunities to study Spanish, German and Russian as extracurricular activities. English-exposure students receive English as an Additional Language (EAL) support to help integrate into the curriculum. The school is part of Inspired Education Group.
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 IB Diploma Programme provides access to universities in Portugal and 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's holistic approach fosters cognitive, social, and emotional growth alongside multilingual proficiency. Communication skills in different social contexts are emphasized. The school develops cognitive and socio-affective abilities within an international, multilingual environment. The school promotes humanistic and democratic values for a well-rounded education.
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 English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided through a structured programme for students with little or no English exposure. All students develop English language proficiency as part of the school's international curriculum. The school invests in early language learning of Portuguese, English, French, and Russian.
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 The CIV model focuses on cognitive and socio-affective development within a multilingual environment. The curriculum emphasises sports, the arts, philosophy, and life skills to support well-being and personal growth.
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 Access to the premises is controlled with an individual, non-transferable card. Identification upon entry and exit is mandatory. Evacuation and safety procedures, including drills for fire, earthquakes, and bad weather, are in place.
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 Vilamoura International School is set on a 27,000m² campus in a unique natural environment, enabling outdoor learning and play. It has state-of-the-art classrooms tailored to each age group and fully equipped laboratories for Chemistry, Physics, and Biology. There are dedicated Music and Art rooms, a ballet studio, a multipurpose room, two gymnasiums, an astroturf football field, and courts for basketball, tennis, and volleyball. A well-stocked library and a dining hall support daily school life. The campus is expanding with plans to further enhance facilities across academic, sports, and arts areas.
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 Two gymnasiums support physical education and a wide range of activities. An astroturf football field offers outdoor play and matches. Courts for basketball, tennis, and volleyball support PE classes and school teams. The facilities enable a comprehensive sports program.
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 school offers two academic pathways: the Portuguese Studies Programme follows the Portuguese national curriculum from Preschool to Grade 12, and the English Studies Programme is adapted to the local context. The English pathway follows the British National Curriculum in Primary, the Cambridge Lower Secondary and IGCSE, culminating in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Grades 11 and 12. Portuguese pathway students sit national examinations in Grades 9 and 12. English pathway students begin preparing for IGCSE in Grade 9, with examinations taken in Grade 10, before progressing to the IB Diploma Programme. The English pathway provides access to IBDP qualifications and top universities worldwide, and the school offers fully equipped laboratories for Chemistry, Physics, and Biology, plus dedicated Music and Art rooms and a well-stocked library.
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 The enrichment programme includes sports, arts, international exchanges, and work experience. Specialist-led extracurricular activities complement the curriculum. CIV is part of Inspired Education and offers opportunities such as summer camps, student exchanges, leadership conferences, and collaborative overseas projects.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History Founded in 1984 as Colégio Internacional de Vilamoura, CIV is a private school in the Algarve offering two curricula from ages 3 to 18: Portuguese Studies following the Portuguese national curriculum and English Studies following an adapted British international curriculum culminating in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Grades 11 and 12. CIV is part of Inspired Education, a global group of premium schools.
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 Vilamoura International School maintains a multilingual community with early language learning in Portuguese, English, and French, and opportunities to study Spanish, German, and Russian as extracurricular activities. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided for students with little English exposure. The school emphasizes sports, the arts, philosophy, and real-world skills through a broad enrichment programme, including international exchanges and work experience. As part of Inspired Education, CIV offers access to summer camps, student exchanges, leadership conferences, and overseas collaborative projects.
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 Two curricula are offered: Portuguese Studies following the national curriculum and English Studies combining the British National Curriculum, Cambridge programmes, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Grades 11 and 12. The English Studies pathway includes IGCSE examinations in Grade 10 before progressing to the IB Diploma Programme. Upper School provides internships and access to national and international research centres linked to prestigious universities. CIV is an IB World School and a Cambridge International Examination centre, with a Cambridge English Language Assessment centre and an examination centre for Alliance Française.
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 Arts are promoted as a core part of CIV's education. The campus includes dedicated Music and Art rooms and a ballet studio to support visual and performing arts. Specialist-led extracurricular activities further enhance learning in the arts, helping students develop creativity and confidence.
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 Early language learning includes Portuguese, English, and French, with opportunities to explore Spanish, German, and Russian as extracurricular activities. CIV is a Cambridge International Examination centre and an Alliance Française examination centre, supporting language qualifications and intercultural learning.
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 Over 20 extracurricular activities and clubs are available, allowing students to pursue sports, creative and performing arts, and enriching academic opportunities. The enrichment programme includes a broad range of activities that extend beyond the core curriculum.
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 Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) is an experiential learning component of the IB Diploma, where students engage in a wide variety of extracurricular activities, including community service and athletic options. The SRC (Student Representative Council) in Sixth Form leads student initiatives and community projects, providing leadership and decision-making opportunities. Active citizenship, solidarity, and social, cultural and environmental volunteering are promoted as core values.
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 The SRC in Sixth Form provides student leadership and a solidarity role in school life. Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) fosters leadership through extracurricular engagement. The Inspired Education network offers leadership conferences and collaborative overseas projects to develop professional skills, while internships in Upper School support real-world experience.
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 campus spans 27,000 m² with outdoor spaces and state-of-the-art facilities, including dedicated Music and Art rooms, a ballet studio, two gymnasiums, and extensive sports and science facilities. The school emphasises a bilingual, international environment that supports a well-rounded lifestyle through sports, arts, and academic opportunities.
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 Two academic pathways: Portuguese Studies follows the Portuguese national curriculum from Preschool (age 3) to Grade 12 (age 18), while English Studies follows an adapted British international curriculum. The English pathway uses the British National Curriculum in Primary, Cambridge International Lower Secondary and IGCSE, culminating in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in Grades 11 and 12. All students begin language learning early in Portuguese, English, and French, with opportunities to study Spanish, German, and Russian as extracurricular activities. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided for students with little or no English exposure to help them integrate into the English Studies curriculum. CIV is a Cambridge International Examination centre and an Alliance Française examination centre, supporting internationally recognised language certifications.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
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 —
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 1. Submit an Enquiry & Visit the School. Parents complete the enquiry form to start the application process and come for a meeting with the Educational Board at the school. This meeting provides an opportunity to learn more about the school's values, educational programme, curriculum options, and internal procedures. This initial contact helps align expectations. 2. Student Meeting & Assessment. A meeting will be scheduled for students and parents with the Heads of Department. At this stage, previous school reports should be submitted. The meeting assesses fit with the programme and discusses the student's needs and strengths. 3. Admission Decision. Admission decisions are communicated to parents by the Admissions Officer. If the application is successful, you will be provided with further enrollment instructions. The admissions process helps determine whether the student aligns with CIV's programmes and enables planning for next steps. After receiving the admissions offer, submit the following documents to complete enrolment: identification for the student and parents/guardians, up-to-date vaccination records and a medical certificate, the most recent school evaluation report (if applicable), and any residence visas or passports as required.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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