Bright International School vs Montalvo International School

	B Bright International School Algarve, Portugal	M Montalvo International School Algarve, Portugal
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €8,750 - 16,360	Fees / year €11,550 - 13,785
Age range	Age range 3 - 19 years	Age range 11 - 17 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils	Pupils 140	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 18	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2024	Opened 2023
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Parque Industrial de Loulé, Zona Industrial B, Lote 14, 8100-272 Loulé, Algarve, Portugal. The campus sits in the Algarve region near Loulé and serves an international community.	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 Early Years (3–5 years); Primary (5–11 years); Lower Secondary (11–14 years); Upper Secondary (IGCSE) (14–16 years). Cambridge Advanced opens in September 2027.	Stages KS3; iGCSEs (Year 10–11); AS/A Levels (Year 12–13)
School type	School type Day school offering the Cambridge International Pathway.	School type British international school
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix Over 30 nationalities are represented at Bright International School.	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Inclusive school with a Wellbeing Department consisting of psychologists and pastoral care; supports social, emotional and cognitive needs.	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Portugal	Country affiliation United Kingdom
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure Bright operates from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Early Years run 9:00 am to 3:00/4:00 pm; Primary and Lower Secondary run 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application & Registration Fees - Annual registration fee: EUR 1,000 (charged once on acceptance and invoiced annually). Tuition fees (listed per term and per year group) - Cambridge Early Years - Pre-Reception: EUR 2,650 per term / EUR 7,750 per year. - Reception: EUR 2,650 per term / EUR 7,750 per year. - Cambridge Primary - Year 1: EUR 3,400 per term / EUR 9,900 per year. - Year 2: EUR 3,400 per term / EUR 9,900 per year. - Year 3: EUR 3,870 per term / EUR 11,150 per year. - Year 4: EUR 3,870 per term / EUR 11,150 per year. - Year 5: EUR 4,295 per term / EUR 12,565 per year. - Year 6: EUR 4,295 per term / EUR 12,565 per year. - Cambridge Lower Secondary - Year 7: EUR 5,120 per term / EUR 14,980 per year. - Year 8: EUR 5,120 per term / EUR 14,980 per year. - Year 9: EUR 5,120 per term / EUR 14,980 per year. - Cambridge Upper Secondary (IGCSE) - Year 10: EUR 5,250 per term / EUR 15,360 per year. - Year 11: EUR 5,250 per term / EUR 15,360 per year. Billing schedule and payment terms - Invoicing frequency: fees may be invoiced either termly or annually according to the parent's preference. - Standard term invoicing and due dates (example schedule shown): - Term 1 invoiced on 1 June; payment due by 1 July. - Term 2 invoiced on 2 November; payment due by 2 December. - Term 3 invoiced on 1 March; payment due by 1 April. - Annual registration fee invoiced in February with a stated due date in that month. - Cash payments are not accepted; all fees must be received net of bank charges. - Late-payment penalty: a 5% monthly compounded fine is charged on overdue amounts; legal recovery costs may be added and access to some services may be restricted for students with past-due debts. Boarding fees - Boarding is not listed among the school charges. The school operates as a day school with published school hours and no boarding fee schedule. No boarding fees apply. Other mandatory and optional costs - School meals: EUR 570 per term (school meals are mandatory for pupils and are invoiced alongside term fees). - School bus: EUR 600 per student per term (use of bus service is subject to a one-term commitment). - iPad (Years 1–6): EUR 645 (one-off charge where applicable). - Uniform welcome pack: EUR 270 (welcome pack charge). - Soprano flute (Years 1–6): EUR 10 (specified item charge). - Examination fees: IGCSE examination fee EUR 160 per exam. - After-school activities: charged per activity with a minimum one-term commitment; withdrawals mid-term do not entitle to refunds. - One-to-one Inclusion Team support: charged when required; fee determined case-by-case. Refund information and notice of withdrawal - Notice of withdrawal: parents/guardians must notify the school in writing at least one full term before the student's intended departure. Failure to provide proper notice will result in charges for the subsequent term. - Non-refundable items: the annual registration fee and any payments made to the school are non-refundable under any circumstance. If a student does not attend at the start of the school year, the annual registration fee and Term 1 fees are not refundable. Fee payment options and bank details - Payment methods accepted: bank transfer and direct debit (direct debit is offered/recommended); cash is not accepted. Parents are requested to indicate the student's name and number on transfers. - Bank example provided by the school (payments must be received net of charges): - Bank name: Millennium BCP; Beneficiary: EUPHEUS – International Educational Project, Lda; IBAN and BIC/SWIFT details are published for transfers. Discounts and penalties - Annual-payment discount: 3% discount on annual tuition fees for full-year payments made by the stated annual-discount deadline. - Sibling discount: 20% discount on tuition for the third and subsequent children. Discounts are void if fees are not paid according to the published payment schedule. - Late-payment penalty: 5% monthly compounded fine on overdue payments and possible legal recovery charges.	Fee details Application fees - One-time registration / application fee: EUR 300. 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 —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement The school uniform includes a white polo shirt with the Bright logo and a yellow collar and sleeves; a grey hoodie; a dark grey Bright-logo winter jacket; a black hat; a yellow and black sports T-shirt; a yellow and black sports jacket; and black track shorts or black track pants.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options The school offers nutritious school meals daily, including a morning snack, an afternoon snack and a healthy lunch. Meals are supplied by Thomas Franks and include Meat, Fish, Vegetarian and Salad Bar options, with provisions for vegetarian/vegan and allergy-friendly choices.	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is part of the Sharing Education Group.	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Bright follows the Cambridge Pathway, a comprehensive, flexible curriculum designed by Cambridge International Education to guide learners from Early Years to Advanced qualifications. It comprises five stages for ages 3 to 19, with each stage building on the previous one to prepare students for the next steps. Cambridge qualifications are globally recognised and valued by universities, employers and institutions worldwide. The Pathway offers structured progression, personalised learning, and an emphasis on enquiry-based learning, holistic development, and a strong assessment framework. Bright also commits to inclusive education, wellbeing and equal opportunities for all students in a safe, supportive environment.	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 —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	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 —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning Bright integrates wellbeing across the Cambridge Curriculum to promote mental, physical and emotional health. The pastoral programme prioritises resilience, personal growth and life skills, building a strong sense of community and preparing students for a dynamic global future. Mental health is a cornerstone with dedicated resources and open conversations to help students manage stress and develop resilience. Emotional health is supported by guidance to identify and express emotions, build relationships and develop self-awareness, with safe spaces for emotional growth. The wellbeing framework is structured by the PERMAH model (Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment and Health).	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) Inclusive Learning Support provides personalised assistance and strategies to meet diverse learning needs and to promote inclusive education.	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 as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is a core focus, fostering resilience and a healthy mindset through resources and open conversations. An Educational Psychologist collaborates with teachers, families and other professionals to assess learning, emotional and developmental needs, and to develop tailored support plans that promote academic achievement and personal growth.	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Safeguarding is a top priority. The school maintains a safeguarding team with a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads (DDSLs), implementing strict protocols to keep students safe. The pastoral programme supports holistic growth through an enquiry-based approach and positive psychology, guided by the PERMAH framework.	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Flexible learning spaces designed to meet individual needs. The spaces blend formal and informal seating with movement opportunities, quiet zones, and comfortable pods for focused work. Indoor learning spaces are complemented by integrated outdoor areas that support exploration, physical activity and connection with nature. The Cambridge Pathway forms the basis of the learning experience. New facilities are under development.	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 —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Flexible, student-centered learning spaces support Cambridge curriculum delivery; indoor and outdoor environments are designed to enhance independent inquiry and collaboration.	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 Ballet; DJ lessons; Inventors; Karate; Musical Instruments; Playball; Robothink; Homework Club; PE Club; Ukulele Club.	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Bright International School has been transformed into a hub of innovative education. Building on the Cambridge International Education curriculum, Bright is expanding to include Upper Secondary (IGCSE) and Advanced (A Levels). This transformation reflects a strong commitment to high-quality education and highlights the Bright community's collaboration among learners, teachers and families. Bright International School is operated by the Sharing Education Group.	History —
Community	Community Bright International School hosts a diverse community with over 30 nationalities. Community life includes cultural and sports events, open learning activities and shared experiences that foster belonging and collective growth. There are testimonials from students and parents about their Bright experience. Families are invited to join the Bright community and participate in school life.	Community —
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association Bright International School has a Parent-Teacher Association (PTA). The school publicly acknowledges the PTA for organizing events. Bright's Instagram posts show appreciation for PTA activities. The school communicates with parents in English, Portuguese and Spanish to support a multilingual community engaged with PTA activities. Bright International School is operated by the Sharing Education Group.	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The Cambridge Pathway is a comprehensive, flexible educational programme designed by Cambridge International to guide learners through every stage of their academic journey from Early Years to Advanced qualifications. It comprises five key stages for learners aged 3 to 19. Bright integrates the Cambridge Pathway with inclusive teaching to tailor learning for every student. The Cambridge Pathway is globally recognised and offers structured progression, enquiry-based learning and a strong assessment framework, supporting students from Early Years through to Advanced qualifications, including Upper Secondary (IGCSE) and Cambridge Advanced opening in 2027.	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 The After-School Activities Programme offers opportunities in arts, music, science and sports. Activities include Ballet, DJ Lessons, Inventors, Karate, Musical Instruments, Playball and Robothink, delivered on campus with published schedules and not included in tuition. A range of clubs such as Homework Club and Ukulele Club are available, with more activities planned for 2025/26.	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Bright is a multicultural community with over 30 nationalities. Communication with parents is possible in English, Portuguese and Spanish. School communications with parents via emails, online platforms, parent-teacher meetings and events is conducted in English.	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 Student Voice empowers students to shape their education by fostering collaboration and leadership. The Prefect Group enables students to lead and participate in projects, with roles including a Head Prefect and a Literacy Lead. Lower Secondary pupils apply for these roles and are interviewed, and the school regularly seeks feedback from the student body on whole-school matters.	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 runs regular social events for parents and the local community, and parental involvement is encouraged and appreciated. Annual events include performing arts occasions such as the Christmas Concert, Carnival and the school play, as well as the Christmas Bazaar. The wonderful parent group supports Open Days and marketing the school throughout the Algarve.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Leadership opportunities are provided through the Prefect system, with Lower Secondary pupils applying and being interviewed for roles and a Head Prefect leading the group. There is a Literacy Lead among the prefect roles. The Student Voice initiative centers on giving students the platform to lead, participate in projects and contribute to school improvements.	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Wellbeing is integrated into school life and the Cambridge Curriculum, promoting mental, physical and emotional health. The wellbeing framework highlights mental, physical and emotional health as three pillars of student health. A pastoral programme prioritises resilience, personal growth and life skills, with on-site healthcare, inclusive learning support and safeguarding measures. An ESL Programme supports students in enhancing English proficiency.	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 English is the primary language of instruction and serves as the official language. The host country's language is valued and encouraged, and the school supports students' diverse mother tongues. An ESL programme is designed to support students in enhancing their English proficiency. The Cambridge Pathway guides learning through Early Years, Primary, Lower Secondary and Upper Secondary (IGCSE).	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 —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions The school uses an online five-step admissions process via OpenApply. 1. Send an Enquiry; the Admissions Team provides information through OpenApply. 2. Book a School Tour (60 minutes, in person or online). 3. Submit Final Application (application form on OpenApply and upload the most recent report cards). 4. Trial Day & Assessment (where possible, students spend a day with their age-group class). 5. Confirmation of Enrolment (enrolments are confirmed once payment for all invoiced fees is received). The school welcomes students from 3 to 14 years old at the time of admission. Classes are capped at 18 students, with teaching assistants in Early Years and Primary Pathway classrooms. The school day runs 8:30 am–5:00 pm, Early Years 9:00 am–3:00/4:00 pm, and Primary/Lower Secondary 9:00 am–4:00 pm. Uniforms are required. The school provides hot lunch prepared by a nutritionist, with three options (Mediterranean, diet, vegetarian) and a salad bar; stationery is provided; from Grade 7 laptops are required; bring a personal water bottle. Parents are involved and the Principal regularly meets with families. Students come from over 25 nationalities and the school is non-religious. Enrolment is handled through bright-is.openapply.com and you'll be redirected to the Enrolment Platform.	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.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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