CJD International School and Oporto British School are both in Porto, about 8 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge IGCSE programmes. CJD International School also offers Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge International AS Levels and Cambridge A Levels, and Oporto British School also offers EYFS, British and IB. Published annual fees are €9,295 - 10,670 at CJD International School and €9,690 - 17,280 at Oporto British School, which puts Oporto British School roughly 35% higher. CJD International School takes pupils from 5 to 18, and Oporto British School from 3 to 18. CJD International School is the larger school, with around 2,200 pupils to Oporto British School's 558. Typical class sizes are 18 at CJD International School and 17 at Oporto British School.
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CJD International School
Porto, Portugal
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Oporto British School
Porto, Portugal
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| Snapshot | Snapshot | |
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Fees / year
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Fees / year €9,295 - 10,670 | Fees / year €9,690 - 17,280 |
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Age range
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Age range 5 - 18 years | Age range 3 - 18 years |
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Type
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Type Co-educational | Type Co-educational |
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Curriculum
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Curriculum Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels | Curriculum EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP) |
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Pupils
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Pupils 2,200 | Pupils 558 |
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Typical class size
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Typical class size 18 | Typical class size 17 |
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Instruction language
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Instruction language English | Instruction language English |
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Opened
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Opened 1934 | Opened 1894 |
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Bus service
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Bus service No | Bus service No |
| Essentials | Essentials | |
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Location
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Location Porto, Portugal. Rua do Porto Feliz s/n, 4350-016 Porto. The campus is served by a transport service with predefined routes and pickup points. | Location Located in Foz do Douro, Porto, at the top of the hill overlooking the Douro River and the Atlantic Ocean. The campus is compact and interconnected across age groups, with facilities including the Original Building, Farn Building, Primary Building, and Blue House. The address is Rua da Cerca, 338, 4150-201 Porto. |
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Stages
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Stages Cambridge Primary, Cambridge Lower Secondary, Cambridge Upper Secondary, Cambridge Advanced. | Stages Early Years, Primary and Secondary |
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School type
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School type International school. | School type A British International School providing an exceptional educational experience for 3- to 18-year-olds. |
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Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix Students come from over 50 countries. | Pupil nationality mix 577 students enrolled; 30 nationalities represented. |
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Additional learning support
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Additional learning support The school provides a Psychology and Guidance Service and a Multidisciplinary Support Team for Inclusive Education (EMAEI) to support inclusive education, with universal, selective and additional measures; Special Education support can be provided in small groups or individually, and a Health Space supports student health. | Additional learning support The Learning Development Department provides support to 3-18 year old students who have significant potential; Gifted and Talented; English as an Additional Language (EAL); and Special Educational Needs (SEND). We offer inclusive, individually tailored education that celebrates the successes of all. |
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Country affiliation
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Country affiliation Portugal. | Country affiliation British international school |
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Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation — | Religious affiliation — |
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School day structure
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School day structure — | School day structure — |
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Bus service details
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Bus service details The school offers a transport service with predefined routes and pick-up points. | Bus service details — |
| Fees | Fees | |
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Fee details
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Fee details Application & one-time entry fees - Application fee (one‑time, paid on application): €250. - Enrolment fee (one‑time, to confirm a place): €400. - Renewal fee (annual, for returning students): €350. - An initial three‑month tuition deposit is required to secure places for September; the application fee, enrolment fee and this initial three‑month deposit are non‑refundable. Tuition fees by year group (annual and per‑month; billed in 11 instalments) - Primary (Years 1–6): €9,295 per year — billed as €845 per month over 11 instalments. - Lower Secondary (Years 7–9): €9,460 per year — billed as €860 per month over 11 instalments. - Upper Secondary (Years 10–11): €10,505 per year — billed as €955 per month over 11 instalments. - Advanced / Sixth Form (Years 12–13): €10,670 per year — billed as €970 per month over 11 instalments. Billing schedule and payment terms - Annual tuition is divided into 11 monthly instalments, payable from September through July inclusive. Payments must be received by the 8th of each month. - Late‑payment charges: €5 if paid between the 9th and 11th of the month; €10 if paid between the 12th and 20th; €20 if paid from the 21st onwards. Students may be denied access if previous outstanding fees remain unpaid. - Optional services (for example extended hours, study support, and curricular enrichment activities) are billed monthly and changes or withdrawals of optional services must be requested in writing by the 8th of the month prior to the change. Boarding fees - CJD operates as a day school; boarding accommodation is not offered as part of the international school programme. Other costs and optional fees - Meal plan (lunch and afternoon snack): €120 per month (optional). - Extracurricular activities, school trips, summer and holiday camps, end‑of‑year events, externally administered exam fees (e.g., Cambridge exams), intensive English programmes, individualised learning support, transportation, and special materials (art supplies, coursebooks and workbooks) are charged in addition to tuition where applicable. - School uniform: Primary uniform is mandatory and available via the school's eCommunity online store. - Siblings discount: 10% reduction on siblings' tuition fees; the discount applies to tuition only and is applied to the youngest child(s). Refunds and fee reductions - The application fee, the enrolment fee and the initial three‑month deposit that secure places for September are non‑refundable. No refunds will be issued after the start of school activities or service provision. Tuition fees will not be reduced for non‑attendance or non‑use of optional services. Fee payment administration and payment options - Billing, enrolment validation and account management are administered by the school's administrative office and via the school's eCommunity platform; invoices and monthly billing follow the schedule above and are issued to families through those channels. - Specific payment methods (for example bank transfer, card or other online payment options) are provided on the invoices and account statements issued to families and through the school's eCommunity administration. Parents should follow the payment instructions shown on their invoice or account statement. | Fee details Admission fees - Registration (application) fee: EUR 150, non-refundable and payable with the application. - Acceptance (matrícula) fee: EUR 450, one-off payment when accepting an offered place; non-refundable. - Refundable deposit: a refundable deposit equal to one term's tuition is required before admission; this deposit is returned when the pupil leaves provided a full term's written notice of withdrawal is given (or the pupil is a Form 12 leaver) and there are no outstanding debts. Interest is not paid on the deposit. Tuition fees (per year group) — amounts shown as annual / per term (3 terms) / monthly (10 months) - Pre-Prep, Prep & Reception: Annual EUR 8,990 / Term EUR 3,090 / Monthly (x10) EUR 965. - Primary (Forms 1–5): Annual EUR 10,475 / Term EUR 3,605 / Monthly (x10) EUR 1,125. - Secondary (Forms 6–8): Annual EUR 12,155 / Term EUR 4,180 / Monthly (x10) EUR 1,300. - IGCSE (Forms 9–10): Annual EUR 14,445 / Term EUR 4,960 / Monthly (x10) EUR 1,550. - IBDP (Forms 11–12): Annual EUR 16,580 / Term EUR 5,690 / Monthly (x10) EUR 1,770. Other mandatory charges - Capital and maintenance charge: Annual EUR 700 per pupil, charged at the start of the academic year. - Pupil insurance: Annual EUR 50, charged on the first invoice of the year. Details of cover are available from the school's finance office/portal. - Examination fees: variable; external exam costs for IGCSE/IB are invoiced to parents and must be paid in advance. (For the 2025/2026 year the school lists examination charges as variable.) Optional / additional recurring costs - Canteen (school lunches): Primary meals EUR 5.35 per meal; Secondary meals EUR 6.45 per meal. Meals are invoiced monthly. - After Care (Primary): EUR 5.00 per hour; charged monthly and applied after the stated school finishing times. - Co‑curricular activities, trips and events: some activities are free, others have a cost; associated costs and invoicing arrangements vary by activity and will be billed when applicable. Uniform and typical item costs (examples of compulsory items and prices) - Short- or long-sleeve striped polo shirt (badged): around EUR 20.50. - Jumper (badged with school logo): around EUR 37.50. - Long-sleeve shirt / blouse (2-pack): around EUR 47.50. - School trousers / skirts / shorts: typical prices around EUR 33–37.50 depending on item. - PE kit items (sports T-shirt, hoody, sports pants): typical prices EUR 20.50–35.00. Billing schedule and payment terms - Payment frequency options: (a) Annual payment — single annual payment due in September; (b) Termly payment — three payments due in September, January and April; (c) Monthly payment — ten monthly payments from September to June. Invoices are due by the 10th day of the corresponding month. For pupils who start or leave mid-year the Monthly payment option is the only available method. - Surcharges for late payment (per outstanding invoice, per month of delay) for 2025/2026: Annual payment option EUR 175; Termly EUR 100; Monthly EUR 60. Repeated late payment may lead to penalties, removal of fee discounts and refusal of readmission; unpaid debts may be pursued by legal means. Discounts and family reductions - Reduction for families with more than two children at the school: 25% reduction on the third child's tuition; 50% reduction on the fourth child's tuition and for any additional children. The reduction level will be adjusted if one child leaves. Notice of withdrawal and refund rules - Notice of withdrawal: parents must give one full term's written notice to the school when withdrawing a pupil. Failure to provide the required notice may affect return of the refundable deposit. The refundable deposit is returned only if the one-term notice requirement is met and there are no outstanding debts. Registration and acceptance fees are non-refundable. Boarding - Boarding is not applicable: Oporto British School operates as a day school and does not publish boarding fees. Fee payment arrangements and bank details - The published fee pages set out invoicing and due dates and the available payment frequencies; the school provides bank account details for transfers (example bank details published in school documentation: IBAN PT50 0007 0513 0000 7560 0053 4, SWIFT/BIC BESCPTPL, Novo Banco). Parents are asked to reference the pupil name when making transfers and to supply proof of transfer when required. Specific invoice payment instructions and the definitive bank details appear on the school invoices and finance communications. Refunds and non‑refunds (summary) - Registration/application fee and acceptance/matrícula fee: non-refundable. Refundable deposit: refunded only if the required one-term written notice is given (or on Form 12 leaving) and there are no outstanding debts. Other charges (capital/maintenance, insurance, exam charges when invoiced) are treated as billed and refunds are subject to the school's published policies and the notice conditions above. Notes on surcharges and changes - Fees are normally reviewed annually and may change at the start of a new academic year; the school reserves the right to adjust fees at other times with reasonable notice. Parents contract to pay fees on the published schedule and surcharges apply for late payment as stated. |
| Diving deeper | Diving deeper | |
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Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements — | Boarding arrangements — |
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Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement Uniform is compulsory from pre-school to primary. Every day from September to July, students wear at least one item of upper clothing; younger children (1–5) must have a hat, raincoat, and a coat for art activities, and a CJD sleeping bag is required for ages 1–3. In the 2nd, 3rd and secondary cycles, lab coats are required for Visual Education and for laboratory science classes (Natural Sciences, Biology and Geology; Physics and Chemistry), purchasable at the school or via the eCommunity platform. | Uniform requirement Uniform is required; all items must be purchased from Manzana Verde, the school's uniform provider. Summer Uniform is a white polo shirt with a mid-grey pinafore/skirt/skorts/shorts/trousers, grey or navy socks, and black or navy shoes. Winter Uniform includes a tie (from Form 1), a long-sleeved white shirt (from Form 1), a mid-grey pinafore/skirt/skorts/trousers, a navy blue jumper, and black or navy shoes; Pre-Prep wear an OBS hoodie and a grey dress for girls; coats should be navy blue or red; IBDP students dress smart casual. |
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Food options
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Food options In the canteens, meals are prepared under the supervision of a nutritionist. Menus follow Ministry guidelines, prioritising variety and seasonality, and offer vegetarian and dietary options with accommodations for allergies or restrictions. Menus can be accessed through the eCommunity platform. | Food options A dining room is planned as part of the Future Campus, to be housed in the New Multipurpose Building. |
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House system
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House system — | House system The school has three houses: Bragança Dragons, Lancaster Roses and Windsor Royals. |
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Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership CJD International School is part of Dukes Education. Governors work with the Head and Senior Leadership Team to guide long-term strategy, monitor educational quality and safety, and ensure wellbeing and school improvement; operational responsibilities remain with the Head and Senior Leadership Team. | Governance and ownership The OBS was founded as a not-for-profit educational trust. The school is governed by an Association that elects the Board of Governors. |
| Academics | Academics | |
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Curriculum details
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Curriculum details Cambridge International Programme is the core curriculum at CJD International School, implemented through Cambridge Primary, Cambridge Lower Secondary, Cambridge Upper Secondary (IGCSE), and Cambridge Advanced (AS & A Levels). Cambridge Upper Secondary centers on the Cambridge IGCSE, with subjects earning 1 credit (2 for Coordinated Sciences); to progress to Cambridge Advanced, students must accumulate at least 7 credits and pass at least 5 of them in IGCSE. Cambridge ICE (International Certificate of Education) is a group award with five groups: Group I Languages (English, Spanish); Group II Humanities and Social Sciences (Economics, Geography, Cambridge Global Perspectives); Group III Sciences (Co-ordinated Sciences – Double Award); Group IV Mathematics; Group V Professional and Creative (Art and Design, Cambridge Global Perspectives, ICT). English is the official language of instruction and all classes are taught in English; home languages are valued and may be used as learning resources in appropriate contexts; English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is available; Global Perspectives is compulsory in CJD. | Curriculum details The school offers a broad, logically sequenced international curriculum taught in English, spanning Early Years through Secondary and culminating in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and IGCSE. The programme includes Early Years (EYFS), Lower Primary, Upper Primary, KS3, IGCSE, and IBDP; Portuguese is taught in Lower Primary. |
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Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio — | Student teacher ratio Average class size is 16. |
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Exam results
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Exam results — | Exam results — |
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Higher education progression
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Higher education progression The Office to Support Access to Higher Education provides career development support to help students plan their future path, including personalized consultations, group sessions, participation in career fairs, and guidance for higher education choices. | Higher education progression Secondary education culminates with the IB Diploma Programme, combining breadth of offer, independent extended research and presentation, preparation for life as a university student, and the opportunity to exercise further responsibility within the school community. |
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Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented Special Education services include Gifted and Talented students as part of the school's SEND provisions. | Gifted and talented The Learning Development Department provides support for Gifted and Talented/Academically able students, EAL and SEND. Provisions include in-class support and targeted sessions, liaison with teachers and parents, access to OBS Educational Psychologist, and tailored groups to develop specific abilities; education is inclusive and designed to help all students reach their potential. |
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Academic calendar
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Academic calendar — | Academic calendar — |
| Wellbeing & support | Wellbeing & support | |
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Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning The school fosters a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive environment where respect, acceptance, and happiness are central to every student's experience. The school serves students from over 50 countries, creating a multicultural community that supports global citizenship and collaborative learning. The Cambridge Program guides learners through IGCSE, AS, and A-Level examinations, with the AICE diploma as an option. Core values include resilience, empathy, teamwork, hard work, critical thinking, and global citizenship. The school emphasises strong partnerships with families to support students' passions and pathways to future success, with ongoing improvement in space, projects, and services. | Social & emotional learning The well-being, welfare and development of every individual in the school community is a cornerstone of Oporto British School. Each person is confident, secure, well-motivated and happy. Inter-personal relationships are fostered in an environment of mutual trust and respect, and individuals are encouraged to be independent while also working effectively as part of a team. There is an atmosphere of cooperation and friendliness, with a system for recognizing and addressing behaviour concerns. OBS provides a safe, supportive and inclusive environment where staff have pastoral roles and pupils can take on leadership responsibilities to support others. |
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN) The Specialised Services Team is multidisciplinary, including specialists in special education, psychology, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and health. Each student's unique abilities, difficulties, interests and expectations are taken into account to form an integrated profile that supports growth in a holistic, healthy and meaningful way. The Multidisciplinary Support Team for Inclusive Education (EMAEI) implements a multi-level framework (universal, selective, additional measures) and adapts practices to the Cambridge International Program. The team uses differentiated pedagogy and accommodations to provide appropriate support, including small-group or individual sessions to reinforce study, reading, writing, and socio-emotional skills. The Health Space provides health care, promotes healthy lifestyles, and supports student and staff wellbeing, including care for acute and chronic health needs and referrals as needed. | Special educational needs (SEN) OBS recognises students with special (or additional) needs as those with learning difficulties or disabilities requiring different or additional support from peers. Provision for SEND and English as an Additional Language (EAL) is coordinated by a dedicated Head of Learning Support (SENDCo). The SENDCo oversees IEPS and pupil passports and leads targeted interventions. EAL support is provided within the school to supplement language development. |
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English as an additional language
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English as an additional language English is the official language of instruction at CJD International School; all classes are taught in English and staff and students are expected to speak English during lessons. Home languages are valued and may be used as a learning resource, with library and other support to maintain linguistic diversity. For students with language-learning needs, targeted English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided to strengthen academic English, with an Intensive English Course (IEC) in lower years and in upper levels for students likely to reach the required level within six months. Progress in IEC is monitored through regular assessments, with language targets aligned to IGCSE (B1/B2) and A-Level (C1) requirements. Additional language support may include scaffolded instruction, individualized interventions, and teacher mentorship, and the wider school community supports home-language literacy where available. | English as an additional language English is the language of instruction in all but Modern Foreign Languages and Portuguese History. OBS provides EAL (English as an Additional Language) support within the school to supplement an existing or developing level of language. |
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Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing The health and wellbeing of students is supported by the Health Space, which promotes safe, healthy environments and provides care for acute and chronic health needs, accidents, and trauma, as well as referrals to health professionals when required. The Psychology and Guidance Service offers psychological support, career guidance, and development of skills, adapting methods to each student's needs and the school's context. A Multidisciplinary Support Team for Inclusive Education (EMAEI) works within a Cambridge-aligned framework to provide differentiated pedagogies and accommodations aimed at holistic development and socio-emotional growth. The school's approach to wellbeing is complemented by proactive staff engagement and a focus on fostering resilience, empathy, and inclusive participation across the learning community. | Mental wellbeing OBS promotes positive mental health and wellbeing for the whole school community. Mental health and emotional wellbeing are recognised as crucial factors in learning and achievement. All staff have a role to help everyone learn about maintaining positive mental health and to access help when needed, and the school works to reduce stigma and provide support networks. |
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding The safeguarding policy is designed to promote the welfare and safety of all children, with regular staff training, annual reviews, and accessible safeguarding information for the school community. Students have rights to feel safe, to be heard, and to report concerns, with trusted adults available to support them. The policy recognises safeguarding challenges for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and ensures they receive appropriate support. Staff are responsible for observing changes in behaviour, identifying concerns early, and providing help, with a designated safeguarding lead (DSL) overseeing safeguarding at the school. External authorities may be involved when necessary, and safeguarding records are kept securely and transferred to the child's next setting as required. | Safeguarding OBS recognises its moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all pupils. There is a dedicated Safeguarding Team and all staff receive annual safeguarding training. Staff are alert to signs of children in need, including those under severe academic pressures, at risk from eating disorders and mental health concerns, and follow procedures to ensure that pupils receive effective support, protection and justice. The Child Protection Policy sets out roles and responsibilities, safeguarding training and procedures for dealing with concerns. |
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Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy — | Safeguarding policy — |
| Facilities | Facilities | |
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Facilities overview
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Facilities overview Facilities include several separate buildings dedicated to different levels of education and services. The campus is connected by streets, pathways and green spaces, forming an educational city. Laboratories and a STEM room support hands-on, interdisciplinary learning with up-to-date technology. Playgrounds and sport spaces provide spaces for social interaction and physical activity. | Facilities overview OBS is located in Foz do Douro, Porto, at the top of a hill overlooking the Douro River and the Atlantic Ocean. The campus is compact and interconnected across Early Years, Primary, and Secondary, ensuring a natural progression between stages. Current facilities include a Primary Building with EYFS and Primary classrooms, a Library, and IT rooms, with specialist spaces in the Farn and Teage buildings. Teage Hall hosts music, drama, and performance spaces, and Blue House houses administrative offices and learning spaces. A Campus Development Plan adds a New Primary Building with 16 classrooms, a dining room, aftercare, reading corners, and a New Multipurpose Building with labs, a science prep room, a Pastoral and Learning Hub, and a multimedia room, along with New Sports Facilities including indoor basketball, volleyball, and football, and an outdoor football field. |
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Sports facilities
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Sports facilities Indoor and outdoor multi-sport facilities support both physical education classes and after-school activities. The spaces enable a range of team and individual sports in both climate-controlled and open-air environments. They are designed to accommodate training across multiple disciplines and skill levels. These facilities contribute to students' wellbeing and active learning. | Sports facilities New Sports Facilities include indoor basketball, volleyball, and football. There is an outdoor football field on campus. The school has a Sports Pavilion and other sports facilities to support a range of activities. The development plan includes athletic spaces as part of the expanded facilities. |
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Academic facilities
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Academic facilities The school provides laboratories for chemistry, physics, biology and geology, equipped to meet the pedagogical demands of the curricula. Laboratories integrate theory and practice to reinforce the scientific method on a daily basis. These spaces promote structured language use in science and develop organizational, collaborative, creative, dexterity and autonomous working habits. A STEM room supports interdisciplinary learning with up-to-date computer technology. | Academic facilities The Primary Building houses EYFS classrooms, Primary classrooms, a Library, and an IT room. The Farn Building includes an Art room and IT room. The Teage Building and Blue House host administrative offices and learning spaces. The Campus Development Plan adds a New Primary Building with 16 classrooms, a dining room, aftercare, and reading corners, and a New Multipurpose Building with Labs, a Science Prep room, a Pastoral and Learning Hub, and a Multimedia room, plus an Auditorium/Multipurpose room. The New Multipurpose Building includes a dining room and labs, a science prep room, and spaces for pastoral work and multimedia activities. |
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Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities Beyond the classroom, the school offers Team Sports and Individual Sports, Martial Arts, Performing Arts, Technologies and a Music Centre. These programs complement academic study by enabling practical application, creativity and collaboration. Facilities and spaces are organized to support both competitive and recreational participation. Students can engage in clubs and activities across arts, technology and physical education. | Extra curricular facilities OBS offers a range of co-curricular clubs, activities and sports delivered through internal clubs and partnerships with external providers. Students can explore arts and drama clubs, chess, robotics and coding activities. They can join competitive sports teams across a variety of sports to participate in inter-school tournaments. A peripatetic music teaching team provides instrumental lessons and platforms for performances and musical examinations. Older students may participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award. |
| Parent experience | Parent experience | |
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History
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History Colégio Júlio Dinis (CJD) is a private school in Porto, Portugal, founded in 1934 (Licence No. 146). It has grown to offer a transversal teaching model from nursery to secondary school with both national and international wings. In 2023 the move to Rua do Porto Feliz coincided with integration into the Dukes Education group, and CJD is currently part of the Dukes Education network. The CJD International School was established in Porto during the 2023/2024 academic year, drawing on more than 90 years of experience from the Portuguese school and offering the Cambridge Program (IGCSE, AS and A-Level exams) and the AICE diploma. | History OBS opened in 1894 with 11 British boys under Reverend William Slyman Picken. The school house in Foz do Douro, initially rented, was purchased in 1922 and remains part of the facilities. Non-British boys were admitted in 1902 and girls in 1914; after the Second World War the roll exceeded 100. In the 1960s a parallel Portuguese course was introduced alongside the English curriculum, and a major building programme in the 1970s and 1980s expanded capacity to more than 200 pupils. In the early 1990s OBS introduced post-IGCSE pathways leading to the International Baccalaureate Diploma; the school now hosts a mix of international and local families with pupil numbers in excess of 570. |
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Community
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Community Colégio Júlio Dinis International School serves students from over 50 countries, creating a multicultural environment. The school emphasises strong partnerships with families to support students as they pursue their passions and build pathways to a successful future. Its extracurricular program provides a range of activities to develop social, sporting, leadership and creative skills, including Team Sports, Martial Arts, Performing Arts, Technologies and a Music Centre. The school hosts and participates in events such as Carnival, ProBleu exhibitions across Porto Metro stations, and Education Day, reflecting an active and engaged school community. | Community OBS maintains a family-focused community with a broad co-curricular life. The school hosts a varied events calendar including a Solidarity Concert, an International Food Festival, La Fête de La Francophonie for Form 6 to 9, a Duke of Edinburgh journey, a photography competition, and an IB Art exhibition. The Carol Service at Stella Maris Church has become a highlight of OBS life. Alumni gatherings and other community events are part of school life. |
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Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association — | Parent teacher association All parents and teachers can join the PTA. The PTA promotes strong links between families and the school and organises fundraising and community events. Interim Membership for current pupils' parents/guardians enables attendance and voting at the AGM. The annual membership fee is €10 per year. |
| Extra-curricular | Extra-curricular | |
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Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual Basic Education offers a flexible extracurricular model with a broad range of clubs and projects. The Artistic Component includes Theatre, Creative Dance, Choir, Music Academy, and Art and Discovery Workshop, while the Technological Component covers Robotics, The Inventors, and Technology in Action, and the Sports Component features Rugby, Volleyball, Football, Basketball, Swimming, Chess, and Martial Arts. Themed Rooms host clubs related to Portuguese, Mathematics, Experimental Sciences, Social and Human Sciences, and Visual Arts, operating from 14:20 to 17:00. Projects include eTwinning, Erasmus+, and Eco-Schools. | Academic & intellectual The school has a range of co-curricular clubs, activities and sports delivered through internal clubs and partnerships with external providers. The school has chess, robotics and coding activities, and there are Science Club activities for secondary students. The school has peripatetic music teachers offering instrumental lessons and platforms for performance as well as musical examinations. |
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Arts & creative
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Arts & creative Arts and creative opportunities are central to CJD. The Performing Arts explore paths in dance, music, theater and visual arts, with offerings such as Ballet, Creative Dance, Dance, Yoga, Art and Discovery, and Acrobatic Gymnastics. The Music Centre delivers high-quality musical education with instruments including Violin, Piano, Guitar, Drums, Singing, Percussion, Ukulele, Youth Choir, String Ensemble, and Workshops. These programs nurture creativity across stage and studio. | Arts & creative The school has arts clubs and drama as part of the co-curriculum. The School Orchestra, School Band and OBS Choir provide performance platforms and opportunities for musical examinations. There are primary and secondary visual arts clubs including Art Club Primary, Portuguese Art Club Primary and Escola das Artes Secondary. |
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Cultural & language
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Cultural & language Francophonie Day is on the school calendar. DELF language exams are offered on site through a partnership with France Éducation International, with DELF levels from A1 to B2 and on-site exam preparation. The school is part of the official DELE exam centre network, allowing Spanish language examinations on campus with school-based preparation courses. An Intensive Preparation Course for DELE Exams runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays 18:15–19:15 from March 19 to May 21, 2026, totaling 15 hours. | Cultural & language Model United Nations is offered through OBSMUN. OBSMUN conferences bring delegates from international schools to debate topics across multiple committees. The 2025 conference includes committees such as WHO, DISEC, Security Council, ECOSOC, HRC and the General Assembly. OBSMUN is open to secondary students who can apply to be delegates and may take staff roles. |
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Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies Themed Rooms host clubs related to Portuguese, Mathematics, Experimental Sciences, Social and Human Sciences, and Visual Arts, operating from 14:20 to 17:00. This arrangement supports cross-curricular collaboration and student-led interests. The school also participates in cross-school projects such as eTwinning and Erasmus+ that broaden social and cultural experiences. | Social & hobbies The school has a wide range of social and hobby clubs including Chess Primary, Art Club Primary, Drama for Primary, and the Escola das Artes. There are performance and music groups such as School Orchestra, OBS Choir and School Band. There are many sports and movement clubs including Tennis, Running, Rugby, Football and Yoga. |
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Community & service
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Community & service Eco-Schools is a cornerstone environmental education initiative at CJD, engaging students in sustainable practices across the school community. eTwinning and Erasmus+ projects promote collaboration and active citizenship with other European schools. The ProBleu project supports ocean literacy and marine sustainability through cross-border collaboration. Digital Leaders programs empower students to lead technology-driven community projects. | Community & service — |
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Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional Digital Leaders program fosters leadership and digital literacy, empowering students to become technology advocates within the school. eTwinning and related projects foster leadership, teamwork, and cross-cultural collaboration across international networks. ProBleu and other initiatives provide opportunities to lead and participate in cross-cultural projects. | Leadership & professional Older students can participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award. The co-curriculum provides leadership opportunities through clubs and student involvement. The Inventors and Robotic Academy clubs and the School Orchestra, Drama and performing groups offer teamwork and leadership experiences. |
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing Team Sports promote physical health and social belonging, with Rugby, Volleyball, Football, Basketball, and Floorball on offer. Individual Sports develop concentration, motor coordination, and self-confidence through Skating, Swimming, and Chess. Martial Arts promote coordination, balance, flexibility and values such as respect and self-discipline through Judo, Karate and Jiu-Jitsu. | Lifestyle & wellbeing The school has sports teams and activities across age groups, including Football, Rugby, Tennis, Running and Volleyball. Yoga is offered for younger pupils and movement-based activities such as Ballet and Hip Hop are available. Karate and other movement clubs are also offered. |
| Language provision | Language provision | |
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Language provision
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Language provision English is the official language of instruction at CJD International School; all communications with parents are in English; home languages can be used to support learning; Portuguese is taught from Primary 1; other languages such as Spanish or French may be studied; library resources in home languages are provided when available; all teachers are language teachers; progress and placement are guided by language support policies. | Language provision The language of instruction in many Secondary subjects is English. Portuguese is taught as either Portuguese Language and Literature or Portuguese as a Foreign Language, along with Portuguese History and French as a Foreign Language. Portuguese is offered at IGCSE as either First or Foreign Language, with Spanish and French among the available IGCSE options. For the IB Diploma Programme, a wide range of subjects is offered, including Spanish and French. |
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Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching English is the official language of instruction; all classes are taught in English; home languages are valued and used as learning resources; Portuguese is taught from Primary 1; students may study other languages such as Spanish or French. | Bilingual teaching English is the language of instruction for many Secondary subjects. Subjects taught in English include Mathematics, Science, English Language and Literature, History, Geography, Computing, Physical Education, Music, Art and Drama. Portuguese is taught as either Portuguese Language and Literature or Portuguese as a Foreign Language, along with Portuguese History and French as a Foreign Language. In the IB Diploma Programme, a wide range of subjects is offered, including Spanish and French. |
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Immersion programs
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Immersion programs English is the language of instruction across the curriculum; English immersion is supported through English-only classroom use; Intensive English Course (IEC) provides targeted English language support for students with limited proficiency, with IEC available in Primary and Lower Secondary, and in Upper Secondary only to students likely to reach the required level within six months. | Immersion programs — |
| Reputation | Reputation | |
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Awards
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Awards eTwinning School Label – Recognized for cross-border collaborative projects under Erasmus+. Eco-Schools Green Flag – Recognition for environmental education initiatives. | Awards null |
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Accreditations
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Accreditations Cambridge – Cambridge-certified institution offering an English-language curriculum aligned with Cambridge International standards. DELF – Partner school of France Éducation International; DELF exams are available on CJD premises at levels A1, A2, B1, B2, with exam-preparation classes. DELE – Official DELE exam centre; Spanish-language certification available for candidates with courses and exam-prep for A1 and A2/B1; expansion planned. Eco-Schools – flies the Eco-Schools Green Flag, a recognition for environmental education and sustainable development. e-Twinning – holds the eTwinning School Label, a recognition for cross-border collaborative projects (including the eTwinning Junior Academy). Digital Leaders – Digital Leaders programme empowers students to lead in digital literacy and technology advocacy. ProBleu – participates in the ProBleu project, promoting ocean literacy and marine sustainability. | Accreditations CIS, COBIS, IB; ISI and IGEC inspections; IB Diploma Programme accreditation; Headmaster part of HMC; ISI inspection March 2025; CIS reaccreditation May 2016; IAPS member. |
| Admissions | Admissions | |
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Admissions
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Admissions 1. Book a visit to begin the admissions process. The admissions process is open to children from Primary 1 to Year 13. CJD International School operates on a rolling basis, offering enrolment throughout the school year until the end of the first term, contingent on availability and meeting admission requirements. If a grade level reaches capacity, a waiting list is maintained and applicants are notified when places become available. 2. Special Educational Needs. The school welcomes students with diagnosed or suspected special educational needs, provided staff and facilities can adequately accommodate them. Parents are encouraged to discuss their child's requirements during the admission process and provide a copy of an educational psychologist's report or a medical report if available. As part of this process, the applicant may be interviewed by the school psychologist, and the school reserves the right to request a psycho-educational evaluation before making a decision if deemed necessary. The school commits to discussing accommodations with parents and medical advisers if the child becomes a student. 3. Fluency in English. The school assesses students' English proficiency based on their expected time at the school. If it is believed students can develop sufficient academic English to transition into the Cambridge IGCSE curriculum during their time with us, they are admitted even if not initially proficient. Generally, Primary 3 is the last year we admit students with limited English proficiency. Parents can choose to arrange English as an additional language tuition at their own expense. 4. Grade placement. Placement is based on the student's previous academic journey (with required equivalences) and age as of September 1 of entry. A student may be placed in a lower grade if appropriate. Placement in a higher grade than the student's age group is considered only in exceptional circumstances, particularly if transcripts show the student has already completed the year. If placed above age, the placement is tentative and a change may be recommended after careful observation. 5. Rolling admissions and waitlist. The admissions process is rolling, with new students admitted throughout the year subject to availability and meeting admission requirements. If a grade level is full, a waiting list is maintained and applicants are notified when places become available. Families are encouraged to start the admissions process early to minimise the risk of missing a place. 6. Enrolment, contracts and fees. Enrollment takes place on the school's premises, following signing of a contract in person with the parent or guardian. The fees include an Enrolment Fee of 400€ and an Application Fee of 250€. An initial three-month deposit secures places for September, and these payments are non-refundable. The contract governs the terms of enrollment and the school calendar applies. | Admissions Visit the School. Contact the admissions office to arrange a visit. Inquiries can be directed to the admissions officer, Alexandra Monteiro, at +351 226 166 665 (landline) or +351 935 140 160 (mobile/WhatsApp). Applications are considered throughout the year. Fill in the Application Form. Complete one Application Form per child applying. After you submit, you will be asked to settle the non-refundable registration fee. The Apply Now option is available to submit the application. Assessment and Interview. We will contact you to arrange an interview and assessment with the relevant Academic Coordinator or Head of Section. Wherever possible presential interviews will be held at the school. Prior to the assessment meeting you will have to submit copies of your child's previous school reports, as well as any documentation to support Learning Needs (if applicable). Offer of a Place. Within 10 days of the assessment, we will inform you of the decision on whether a place will be offered. If there are no vacancies, your child will be placed on the waiting list and you will be updated on the status of your application. Acceptance of a Place. Once a place is offered, you have 15 days to accept the offer. You will be asked to return the signed Acceptance Form and payment of the Acceptance Fee and submit any missing documentation. You are then required to pay the refundable deposit within five weeks to guarantee your child's place. |
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Scholarships
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Scholarships Siblings discount: 10% discount on tuition fees. The discount applies only to tuition fees; other fees are not discounted. The discount is always applied to the youngest student(s). | Scholarships — |
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Waitlist
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Waitlist If a grade level reaches full capacity, the school maintains a waiting list and applicants will be notified when places become available. The admissions process is open to children from Primary 1 to Year 13 and runs on a rolling basis, with enrolment throughout the year subject to availability and requirements. Families are encouraged to initiate the admissions process at their earliest convenience to avoid missing a place. | Waitlist If there are no vacancies, the child will be placed on the waiting list and you will be updated on the status of your application. |
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