Barlavento International Primary School vs Brave Generation Academy - Algarve

	B Barlavento International Primary School Algarve, Portugal	B Brave Generation Academy - Algarve Algarve, Portugal
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €7,050	Fees / year €6,600 - 10,640
Age range	Age range 3 - 11 years	Age range 12 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational, Online/Hybrid
Curriculum	Curriculum EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum, British Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English, Portuguese
Opened	Opened 1975	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Sitio Ferrel, Espiche, 8600-109 Luz, Algarve, Portugal. GPS coordinates 37°06'19.5″N 8°43'54.0″W.	Location Algarve region, Portugal: hubs in Lagoa, Lagos (1 & 2), Loulé, Tavira, and Vila Sol.
Stages	Stages 3-11 year olds (Foundation Stage through Primary)	Stages Secondary Education; Higher Education
School type	School type International Primary 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 England (based on the National Curriculum of England)	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 / Enrolment fees - Enrolment (one‑off, non‑refundable): EUR 300. - Deposit (one‑off, refundable subject to the school's notice and leaving conditions): EUR 2,350. The combined amount taken on acceptance is EUR 2,650 (enrolment fee + deposit). Tuition fees (per pupil) - Annual tuition: EUR 7,050 per year. - Termly tuition: EUR 2,350 per term. - 10‑month instalment option: EUR 705 per month (available only by prior arrangement). Note: the published tuition is a single fee level that applies across the school's year groups for primary pupils (ages 3–11). Billing schedule and payment terms - Accepted payment schedules: annual (in advance), per term (three equal payments, each in advance) or 10 equal monthly instalments (monthly instalments only by prior arrangement). - Term payment timing: first term payment due before the beginning of the Autumn term; the two further term payments are due before the last day of the previous term. - Monthly instalment timing: the first monthly instalment must be received before the beginning of the Autumn term; each subsequent instalment must be received before the 15th of the month prior to the month it covers. Monthly instalments require prior agreement. - Consequences of non‑payment: the school reserves the right to exclude a pupil from school until outstanding amounts are paid in full. - Sibling discount: a 5% discount is offered for a second sibling attending full time in the same academic year. Deposit, refund and notice terms - The deposit is refundable in part when the pupil completes their education or if one full term's written notice is given before withdrawal; any return is repaid without interest and after deduction of outstanding charges (for example unpaid lunches, clubs, unreturned books). The non‑refundable portion (enrolment fee) is retained by the school. A place cannot be reserved until the deposit is received in full together with the completed enrolment form and signed terms. - Required notice to withdraw: one full term's written notice is required; specific deadlines for giving notice relative to school holidays are set out in the school's terms and conditions. Failure to give the required notice can affect entitlement to any deposit refund. Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable. Barlavento operates as a day primary school for children aged 3–11 and does not publish any boarding fees. Other costs and typical additional charges - School meals: hot school lunches are available and cost EUR 25 per week (this covers a starter and main course each day). Packed lunches may be provided from home if preferred. - Uniform and equipment: standard uniform items (school polo shirts, sweatshirts, PE t‑shirts, hats/caps, coats and sensible footwear) are required; branded items are available for purchase from the school office. Equipment lists for Foundation Stage and Key Stages are provided by the school. Specific uniform prices are not listed in the published fee summary. - Incidental charges: the school's terms note that outstanding items such as unpaid lunches, clubs or unreturned books will be deducted from refundable sums; the school also charges separately for certain extras where applicable (for example trips, external examination fees or optional activities) though individual prices for those extras are not published in the main fee schedule. Refunds and adjustments - The refundable portion of the deposit is returned without interest and after deduction of any outstanding charges. The deposit will not be refunded if a pupil does not take up a reserved place unless one full term's notice has been given in writing. Fee payment options and invoicing (channels and mechanics) - The school accepts payments on an annual, termly or agreed monthly instalment basis; invoices and due‑date requirements follow the schedules above. The published fee information sets out these billing schedules and the timing of instalments; specific merchant channels (for example card payments, direct bank transfer details or online payment portal) are not itemised in the public fee summary. If you need a single concise line for a database entry: Annual tuition EUR 7,050; termly EUR 2,350; enrolment fee EUR 300 (non‑refundable); deposit EUR 2,350 (refundable subject to one‑term notice and deductions); meals EUR 25/week; payment options: annual, per term, or 10 monthly instalments; no boarding offered.	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 The school has a uniform: a grey polo shirt and purple sweatshirt, with grey, blue or black trousers/shorts/skirts/leggings. Students wear sensible shoes; a hat for summer; a grey Barlavento hoodie for winter. All clothing items should be labelled with the child's name.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options Healthy and nutritious school lunches are available to purchase from the school office. The menu is European with Portuguese influence from a local restaurant, with a balance between fish and meat dishes and a weekly vegetarian day. School meals cost €25 per week and include a starter (soup) and a main course daily. Children may also bring packed lunches from home, and free fruit is provided during morning breaks.	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The building and management of the school have been under the directors of Aljezur International School since August 2020, Karen Whitten and Sílvia Catarino. Pedagogic management was transferred in 2013 to the Nobel group. The school was previously managed by a group of governors.	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The school provides a rich, creative, balanced and stimulating curriculum based on the UK Curriculum, and includes Mindfulness, Portuguese, Gardening and Drama.	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 —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	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 Barlavento International Primary School places social and emotional wellbeing at the heart of learning. Emotional literacy is nurtured through a positive classroom culture and strong teacher relationships. The Barlavento Colour Pathway uses mindfulness to help children communicate, regulate emotions, reflect on behaviour and cultivate resilience. The Positive Pathways approach links behaviour, emotions and learning and provides proactive support such as calm corners and emotion check-ins. Staff use the CALM steps to respond rather than react, promoting thoughtful and respectful interactions. The aim is for each child to grow into a kind, respectful, independent and reflective learner who contributes to local and global communities while feeling safe and valued.	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) Barlavento International Primary School provides an inclusive setting that recognises each child is unique and may have different needs. Each child is valued and can participate and develop to their full potential in an inclusive environment. The Vision emphasises inclusion and aims to foster respectful, tolerant individuals within an international community. A positive approach to behaviour supports independence, thoughtful learning and celebrates achievements. Strong partnerships between home, school and the wider community are encouraged to support each child's progress. The school's ethos and values reinforce respect, resilience, kindness and reflection to support all learners.	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	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 Mindfulness and wellbeing are embedded in daily learning. The Primary curriculum includes Mindfulness and Wellbeing as core elements alongside Reading, Writing and Maths. The Barlavento Colour Pathway uses mindfulness to help children communicate, regulate emotions, reflect on behaviour and build resilience. CALM steps are used to respond to behaviour with calm reflection rather than quick reactions, supporting emotional regulation. The Positive Pathways approach provides proactive strategies such as calm corners and emotion check-ins to support wellbeing. The school prioritises the wellbeing of children through strong teacher relationships and a safe, caring environment.	Mental wellbeing Worktools are used to track progress, manage goals, and monitor well-being.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Barlavento International Primary School prioritises safety and the protection of children. The Headteacher states that the wellbeing of pupils is the priority. The school provides a safe and secure environment where children can learn and grow. Strong relationships between teachers and pupils support safeguarding and positive behaviour. Effective home–school partnership is encouraged to support children's safety and wellbeing. The Parent Handbook outlines collaboration with parents to support day-to-day education and wellbeing of children.	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The school is set in the Algarve countryside with extensive outdoor space. Two large shaded play areas include a climbing frame, slides and rope swings, a recreation orchard and an all-weather sports pitch for outdoor learning opportunities. The grounds include storytelling areas, forest schools, wildlife areas and fruit and vegetable gardens. Four large, brightly coloured, well equipped classrooms accommodate Foundation Stage, Key Stage One and Key Stage Two. All classrooms are fully air conditioned and there is a library area, a large IT room, a huge sports hall with a fully-equipped stage and a separate dining area for children and teachers.	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 Two large shaded play areas with a climbing frame, slides and rope swings support outdoor play. The all-weather sports pitch supports outdoor physical education and team games. The school has a large sports hall with a fully equipped stage for indoor activities and performances. These spaces enable a range of physical education and sport across the curriculum.	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Four large, brightly coloured, well-equipped classrooms accommodate Foundation Stage, Key Stage One and Key Stage Two. All classrooms are fully air conditioned to keep learning comfortable in hot summers and cooler winters. There is a library area and a large IT room to support reading, research and technology-based learning. An expansive sports hall supports physical education, performances and other activities.	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 Lunch time clubs include yoga, football, sports games, chess, gardening, art and animal care. These clubs provide opportunities for physical activity, creativity and teamwork. We welcome visitors to share interests and talents with the school community. We engage with link-schools around the world to develop our international global community.	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Barlavento International Primary School was established in 1975 by a small group of parents and teachers who lived in the Lagos area. In January 1982 the school moved to its current premises near Espiche, generously donated by Colonel and Mrs Vickers. It was governed by a group of governors until 2013 when pedagogic management was transferred to the Nobel group. In August 2020 guardianship of the building and management of the school was handed over to the directors of Aljezur International School, Karen Whitten and Sílvia Catarino. Sílvia taught Portuguese at Barlavento International Primary School from 2001 until 2009 and her son attended the school; Karen was a regular visitor between 2005 and 2013 as Aljezur students participated in joint projects with the primary school.	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 Barlavento is a happy international family school for 3–11 year olds with a caring, supportive environment where wellbeing and strong relationships with teachers are valued. The headteacher describes the school as a 'Barlavento Family' that aims to develop confident, empathetic learners who contribute to local and global communities, and it emphasizes partnership with parents through ongoing dialogue and involvement in day‑to‑day education and wellbeing. The site features current news and events such as the Spring Fair fundraiser that illustrate active community engagement.	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 —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The primary curriculum is based on the National Curriculum of England and adapted for the international community living in Portugal. The learning is delivered through a thematic approach that links History, Geography, Science, Art, Design and Technology, Music and Drama through topics such as 'Our Wonderful World', 'The Amazing Egyptians' and 'Mission to Mars'. Core skills are Reading, Writing and Maths. Portuguese, Physical Education, PSHE, Agriculture, Mindfulness and Wellbeing are also taught.	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 Thematic topics interlink History, Geography, Science, Art, Design and Technology, Music and Drama. Music and Drama are taught as part of the integrated curriculum. Art, Design and Technology are included within the broader curriculum.	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Portuguese is taught as part of the curriculum. The program is designed for an international community living in Portugal.	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 —	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 —	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 & 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 Mindfulness and Wellbeing are taught as part of the core curriculum. Physical Education is included as part of the curriculum. The wellbeing of children is the school's priority, with a safe and caring environment emphasized.	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 English is the language framework for learning; the primary curriculum is based on the National Curriculum of England and adapted for Portugal. Portuguese is taught as part of the curriculum. The curriculum uses a thematic approach linking History, Geography, Science, Art, Design and Technology, Music and Drama. Core skills include Reading, Writing and Maths, with additional lessons in Physical Education, PSHE, Agriculture, Mindfulness and Wellbeing.	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 —	Accreditations The school offers British, US, and Portuguese+ curricula that are accredited and internationally recognized.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions The school charges €7050 per annum for the academic year 2025/26, with fees also payable per term (€2350) or in 10 equal monthly installments (€705). An enrolment fee of €300 is non-refundable; a deposit of €2350 is refundable; total due on enrolment is €2650. Fees can be paid annually in advance, per term in advance, or in 10 monthly installments. A 5% discount is offered for a second sibling attending full-time for the same academic year.	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 —
	View full profile →	View full profile →