Eden Montessori International School vs Nobel Algarve British International School - Almancil Campus

	E Eden Montessori International School Algarve, Portugal	N Nobel Algarve British International School - Almancil Campus Algarve, Portugal
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €6,340 - 9,115	Fees / year €6,660 - 18,430
Age range	Age range 3 - 12 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Montessori Curriculum, IB (PYP)	Curriculum IB (DP), BTEC Qualification, Cambridge IGCSE
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 21	Typical class size 18
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Portuguese	Instruction language English, Portuguese
Opened	Opened 2018	Opened 1972
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Fontainhas - Pinhal, Ferreiras, Albufeira, 8200-560, Portugal (mailing address Cx. Postal 835T, EN 125). Located in the Algarve region of southern Portugal. The school can be reached by phone at +351 289 037 265 or 935 450 009. It provides a bilingual environment in English and Portuguese.	Location Two campuses in the Algarve region of Portugal: Nobel Algarve Almancil and Nobel Algarve Lagoa. Almancil is located between Faro and Albufeira, near Vale de Lobo and Quinta do Lago. Lagoa is located along the EN125 route between Lagos and Albufeira. Lagoa campus address is Barros Brancos, EN125, 8401-901 Lagoa, Portugal; Almancil campus address is Caminho das Pereiras, 8135-022 Almancil, Portugal.
Stages	Stages Pre-School (Children's House) 3-6; Lower and Upper Elementary 6-12; Extracurricular 3-12. In 2024 the school blended Montessori with the International Baccalaureate Programme (IB) and is a Candidate School for the Primary Years Programme (PYP).	Stages Nursery to Year 13
School type	School type —	School type British international school
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix 50+ nationalities represented
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support Adaptations available for SEN students
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Portugal	Country affiliation Portugal
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation Secular
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 fees - A one‑time application fee of EUR 25 is charged at the time the application form is submitted. Payment details for this application fee are provided and payable by bank transfer (Letras d'Alecrim – Colégios LDA, Caixa Crédito Agricola, IBAN: PT50 0045 7012 4029 6923 0042 9, BIC/SWIFT: CCCMPTPL). Tuition fees by year group (annual amounts) - Annual tuition and associated first‑year charges published by third‑party school‑fee directories (based on the school's published figures as reported for the 2023/2024 academic year) are as follows: - Kindergarten / Age 3 (Kindg. 1): Total annual fee EUR 6,340 (first year total including one‑time charges EUR 6,365). - Kindergarten / Age 4 (Kindg. 2): Total annual fee EUR 6,340. - Kindergarten / Age 5 (Kindg. 3): Total annual fee EUR 6,340. - Grade 1 / Age 6: Total annual fee EUR 7,660. - Grade 2 / Age 7: Total annual fee EUR 7,660. - Grade 3 / Age 8: Total annual fee EUR 7,660. - Grade 4 / Age 9: Total annual fee EUR 9,090. - Grade 5 / Age 10: Total annual fee EUR 9,090. - Grade 6 / Age 11: Total annual fee EUR 9,090. - For a new enrolment in the youngest kindergarten year the published breakdown shows: Application Fee (one‑time) EUR 25; Enrolment Fee (annual) EUR 620; Tuition Fee (annual) EUR 5,720 — total first‑year cost EUR 6,365. The tuition amounts above are presented as annual totals. Billing schedule and payment terms - The fees reported in the published fee schedule are given as annual amounts and include a separate enrolment (registration) charge plus the tuition amount for the year; the published presentation shows annual billing items rather than a public termly breakdown. Sibling discounts are recorded (2nd child 10%; 3rd+ child 15%). Boarding fees - The school's programmes cover ages 3–12 (Children's House and Elementary levels). There is no published boarding provision for these age ranges; no boarding fees are listed in the school's public programme descriptions. Other costs and typical additional charges - An annual enrolment (registration) fee of EUR 620 is shown in the published fee breakdown for first‑year enrolments. - Aftercare and extracurricular activities are offered by the school as programme items, but separate fees for aftercare, extracurricular activities, meals, uniform, learning materials, trips or similar extras are not published in the fee schedule available through the school's public materials. Refund information - No school‑level refund policy for tuition, enrolment or application fees is published in the publicly available admissions form and programme pages reviewed. The fee documents and programme pages do not show a detailed refund or withdrawal timetable. Fee payment options - Bank transfer (IBAN/BIC) is published as the payment method for the application fee (bank details provided on the application form). Other payment methods (credit card, online payment portal, cash, direct debit) are not documented in the publicly available admissions form or programme pages reviewed. Notes on discounts and special charges - Sibling discounts are published in the fee summary: 10% discount for the second child and 15% for the third and subsequent children (applies to published school fees excluding aftercare, extracurriculars and meals). Summary of findings and missing items - The school's official application form and admissions materials include a EUR 25 application fee and provide bank transfer details for payment. - A detailed per‑grade annual fee schedule (with enrolment fee and annual tuition totals) is published through established international school directories; those listings report the annual figures shown above and indicate the fees as published for the 2023/2024 academic year. - The following fee items and specifics were not found in the school's publicly available admissions form and programme pages and therefore are not available to state as fact here: a current academic‑year per‑term billing breakdown, an explicit published billing calendar (dates or due‑by terms), published boarding charges (no boarding for ages 3–12), published uniform costs, published daily meal prices, a published refunds/withdrawals policy, and a full list of accepted payment methods beyond the bank transfer details shown for the application fee.	Fee details Application and initial charges - Registration (non-refundable, payable on acceptance of a place): EUR 500. - Enrolment fee (charged annually for all age groups; includes school insurance): EUR 340 per year. Tuition fees (International section) — rates shown as Annual / Full-term (x3) / Monthly (x10) - Pre-School (ages 3–4): Annual EUR 6,660 / Full-term EUR 2,220 / Monthly EUR 666. - Year 1: Annual EUR 8,700 / Full-term EUR 2,900 / Monthly EUR 870. - Years 2–6: Annual EUR 11,490 / Full-term EUR 3,830 / Monthly EUR 1,149. - Years 7–9: Annual EUR 14,730 / Full-term EUR 4,910 / Monthly EUR 1,473. - Year 10: Annual EUR 15,150 / Full-term EUR 5,050 / Monthly EUR 1,515. - Year 11: Annual EUR 14,610 / Full-term EUR 4,870 / Monthly EUR 1,461. - Years 12 & 13: Annual EUR 16,410 / Full-term EUR 5,470 / Monthly EUR 1,641. Canteen / Lunch - Pre-School (mandatory): Annual EUR 1,560 / Full-term EUR 520 / Monthly EUR 156. - Years 1–13: Annual EUR 1,680 / Full-term EUR 560 / Monthly EUR 168. Other per-item charges and services - Special Educational Needs (SEN) support: EUR 35 per session (30 minutes). - English as an Additional Language (EAL) / language tuition: EUR 35 per session (30 minutes). - Psychological and orientation services: EUR 40 per session (45 minutes). - School transfer (administrative) fee: EUR 50 per student. - External examination fees are charged separately by the examining bodies and attract VAT and administrative charges. - Bus transport, uniform and after-school activity fees are set in the school's institutional documents. Billing schedule and payment terms - Full-term payment (x3 instalments): instalments due by the dates shown in the school fee schedule (example instalment deadlines stated as 1st instalment by 11 August; 2nd by 11 December; 3rd by 11 March in the published schedule). Debit direct arrangements are required for instalment plans. - Monthly payment (x10 instalments): successive instalments as scheduled (example schedule runs from 1 July through 1 April in the published schedule). Direct debit is mandatory for monthly payments; a once-off administrative charge of EUR 50 is applied annually if direct debit is chosen. - Early-payment discount for renewal annual payments: an Early Bird discount applies for full-year payments received by the deadline shown in the current fee schedule (example: a 4% discount for payments received by 31 March in the published schedule). Family discounts apply (second child 3%; third child and subsequent 20% applied to the youngest children). Discounts are not combinable with other rate discounts. - The school's terms require written notice of withdrawal at least 90 calendar days before the expected departure date. Registration fees are non-refundable as stated in the initial charges. Boarding - The school operates boarding provision for students (day and boarding options exist). Boarding fee schedules are managed separately to the International tuition schedule and should be requested directly; boarding fees are not itemised in the International section tuition table. Refund and withdrawal rules - The initial registration charge is non-refundable. Notice of withdrawal must be provided in writing at least 90 calendar days prior to the expected departure date; additional terms for refunds and liabilities are set out in the school's institutional regulations. Accepted payment methods and account details - Accepted payment methods: bank transfer, TICKET / EDENRED / UP Portugal, bank cheque, cash (subject to legal cash limits), direct debit (for monthly instalments), international transfers and credit card payments via the school's international payments provider. - School bank accounts (examples shown on the school payment page): - IBAN: PT50 0007 0000 0009 8802 3582 3 (SWIFT/BIC: BESCPTPL) — Novo Banco. - IBAN: PT50 0045 7060 4004 6436 578 72 (SWIFT/BIC: CCCMPTPL) — Crédito Agrícola. - International transfers and credit card payments can be made through the school's TransferMate facility for international education payments. Direct debit is mandatory for monthly plans; a once-off EUR 50 administrative charge applies when direct debit is used. Summary of key actionable figures - Registration (on acceptance): EUR 500 (non-refundable). - Enrolment: EUR 340 per year. - Example annual tuition (Years 2–6): EUR 11,490; Years 12–13: EUR 16,410. Full-term and monthly equivalents are published alongside each annual rate. (End of fee overview.)
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement Pupils wear the school uniform at all times and it is checked daily. The uniform includes a navy jumper with the school emblem and a white polo shirt, with grey skirts or trousers; a new uniform with a navy hoodie and blazer is being introduced.
Food options	Food options —	Food options Lagoa campus has two canteens and a snack-bar, and a dedicated area for packed lunches is available.
House system	House system —	House system The House system is a distinctly British feature used for collaboration and healthy competition among students. Each House has a colour, an emblem, an attribute and a charity, and students participate in inter-house competitions and House Council leadership.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Founded by a group of like-minded families united to allow children to flourish and grow in freedom. It describes itself as a diverse, multicultural community that upholds Christian values, welcomes neighboring families, and celebrates Christian holidays in the traditional way.	Governance and ownership The school is part of Globeducate. It is governed by a Board of Directors that sets policies and oversees finances, and it operates as a private company with swift decision-making. An Advisory Board provides governance support, and safeguarding is prioritized by the leadership.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The school provides Montessori education for Pre-School and Elementary levels. In 2024, the school blended its Montessori method with the International Baccalaureate Programme (IB). The school is a Candidate School for the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. The school offers a bilingual environment in English and Portuguese. Programs include Childrens House (3-6 Years), Lower and Upper Elementary (6-12 Years), and Extracurricular (3-12 Years), including aftercare and extracurricular activities.	Curriculum details British National Curriculum is taught across Nobel Algarve Almancil (IGCSEs, BTEC and IB Diploma) and Nobel Algarve Lagoa (British curriculum with IGCSEs and A-Levels; Portuguese National Curriculum pathway also available). Nobel Algarve is a member of Globeducate's GBIS network.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results In 2024/25, Nobel Algarve Lagoa posted results under the Portuguese National Curriculum above national and regional averages. The 9º ano overall average was 63.6% (+11 percentage points above the national average), with Mathematics 65.6% (+13.6%), Portuguese 61.3% (+7.3%), and PLNM 70.3% (national 58%). For ModA assessments (4º and 6º anos), Advanced+Proficient percentages included English 90% (4º ano), Portuguese 50% (4º ano), Mathematics 47% (4º ano), PLNM 50% (4º ano), Portuguese 58% (6º ano), Mathematics 45% (6º ano), and History/Geography of Portugal 52% (6º ano). At 12º ano, the overall average was 12.5 marks (+1.1 above the national average of 11.4) with improvements in Portuguese, Mathematics A, Physics and Chemistry, Philosophy and Spanish.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression From Year 7, students use the Unifrog platform to explore careers and university pathways; an annual on-site university fair brings international universities to campus; tailored talks and one-on-one guidance support choices for IGCSEs and A-levels and UCAS/international applications. Graduates go on to study a range of subjects at top universities worldwide, including fields such as Biological Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, Law, Economics, and Business.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented Globeducate's four pillars—Enrich, Challenge, Shape and Achieve—shape a broad, balanced curriculum that helps students discover and develop their talents. Enrichment is supported by the Journey outdoor learning programme, Duke of Edinburgh's Award, VivaHUB After School activities, and opportunities for international exchange within Globeducate.
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning Instill a love of learning. Encourage self-discipline. Nurture self-confidence and independence. Improve concentration. Instill a sense of compassion and empathy for others. Provide a bilingual environment (English & Portuguese).	Social & emotional learning —
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language Provide a bilingual environment (English & Portuguese).	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview Nobel Algarve operates two campuses, Almancil and Lagoa. Almancil opened in 2020 with purpose-built facilities set in green surroundings, including a Pause Pod and a Feng Shui-inspired central quad. Outdoor spaces feature a sensory garden, dedicated play areas for younger students, and multi-sport courts with an astroturf pitch. Indoors, there is a multi-media centre and library, modern science labs, spacious dining facilities, and interactive whiteboards in every classroom. Lagoa offers new facilities for learning, including science laboratories and music rooms; a bespoke pre-school with indoor and outdoor space; a gymnasium/performance space; and a brand-new canteen, with classroom blocks designed around communal spaces and ongoing landscaping improvements.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities Almancil has multi-sport courts and an astroturf pitch for outdoor sport. Lagoa includes a new multi-purpose gymnasium/performance space for indoor physical education and events. Outdoor spaces at Almancil support physical education activities, while Lagoa provides indoor spaces suitable for sport and performances as part of the school facilities.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities Almancil has a multi-media centre and library, modern science laboratories, and interactive whiteboards in every classroom. Lagoa offers modern classrooms including science laboratories and music rooms. Lagoa includes a bespoke pre-school with indoor and outdoor space for early years exploration. The Lagoa classrooms are designed with communal social spaces around them, and landscaping is planned to continue enhancing the learning environment. The Almancil campus features purpose-built spaces designed to promote learning.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Extracurricular program serves ages 3-12 and includes aftercare and extracurricular activities.	Extra curricular facilities Beyond the classroom, VivaHUB Afterschool offers activities. The Journey provides outdoor learning experiences. Duke of Edinburgh's Award is available at Nobel Algarve. Lagoa also runs Beyond the Classroom activities, including VivaHUB Afterschool, The Journey, Duke of Edinburgh, and School Community opportunities.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Since 2018 Eden Montessori International School in Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal, has provided a Montessori environment for Pre-School and Elementary levels. It was founded by a group of like-minded families seeking a respectful, inclusive education that nurtures independence and a love of learning. In 2024 the school blended its Montessori pedagogy with the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme and became a Candidate School for the PYP, pursuing IB World School authorization. The school offers a bilingual English–Portuguese environment.	History Nobel Algarve Lagoa has provided international education in the Algarve since 1972. The Lagoa campus offers a British curriculum for Nursery to Year 13, with IGCSEs, BTEC Diplomas or A-Levels, and also a pathway with the Portuguese National Curriculum. Nobel Algarve Almancil also offers a British-based English National Curriculum with IGCSE, BTEC and IB Diploma for Nursery to Year 13. Nobel Algarve is a member of Globeducate, and its Globeducate British International Schools (GBIS) cluster follows four core pillars: Enrich, Challenge, Shape and Achieve.
Community	Community The school emphasizes a community-focused ethos and aims for connection among students, families and staff. It hosts events to bring the Eden community together, such as a Summer Fair scheduled for June 13, 2026, and invites families to join its mailing list for updates on events and news. The bilingual environment supports communication within the community by offering English and Portuguese in daily life.	Community Nobel Algarve Lagoa has a welcoming school community that comes together regularly to celebrate community, school spirit and sustainability. Sustainability education is recognized with Green Flag status since 2017. Local and international events include art competitions, Global Academic Olympics, MEGAS track and field, a carol service in Silves Cathedral, and participation in the Globeducate Leadership Summit and OPOMUN.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association The Nobel Parents' Committee (NPC) is a pro-active group of eight parents elected through a public vote. The NPC works with the school on important issues and organizes events, including the Christmas Fair, and supports school life through parent-led after-school activities. The NPC has several sub-committees, with details provided in September. In addition to the NPC, each class has a Class Representative, the first contact for day-to-day questions. The NPC is available to assist new parents and can be contacted at npc.lagoa@nobelalgarve.com.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school follows a Montessori program with five basic areas: Practical Life, Sensorial, Language Arts, Mathematics, and Cultural subjects. In Children's House (3-6 years), independence and hands-on learning build concentration, coordination, and self-esteem. In Lower Elementary (6-9 years), the curriculum is integrated, covering ecology, chemistry, anatomy, art, music, physical education, reading, grammar, drama, history, mathematics, language, literature, and geography. The program provides a bilingual environment in English and Portuguese.	Academic & intellectual Students participate in the Global Academic Olympics and OPOMUN (Oporto Model United Nations), supporting inquiry-based learning and debate skills. The school hosts local and international competitions, including art competitions. Nobel Algarve Lagoa head students represent the school at the Globeducate Leadership Summit to engage with peers and develop global citizenship.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Arts and crafts activities expose children to different materials and foster creativity. Music classes for younger and older groups develop rhythm and instrument skills, with piano offered twice a week. Dance, including ballet and gymnastics, is available as afterschool activities, along with other music-focused offerings.	Arts & creative VivaHUB Afterschool offers an extensive range of after-school activities, including art classes. Arts, music, and other creative subjects are integrated into the learning program, with STEAM approaches used in Lagoa to foster creativity and collaboration. High-quality arts provision is part of the daily curriculum.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Cultural subjects include science, geography, history, art, music, and physical education. The program also emphasizes language development through Language Arts and reading and writing activities. Eden provides a bilingual environment in English and Portuguese.	Cultural & language There are multiple opportunities to explore Portuguese language and culture. Lagoa offers two learning pathways: a British international pathway following the English National Curriculum and a Portuguese pathway following the Portuguese National Curriculum. The student body includes more than 50 nationalities, promoting cross-cultural understanding. Portuguese is the language of instruction on the Portuguese pathway.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies At Eden, aftercare and extracurricular activities include swimming, cooking classes, arts and crafts, forest school, gymnastics and ballet, music, piano, and horse riding. Swimming is offered weekly at a nearby indoor pool; horse riding is arranged with a local stable; some activities are onsite and others offsite and may have additional costs.	Social & hobbies VivaHUB Afterschool provides a broad range of activities including sports, art classes, chess, and coding. The house system promotes collaboration and healthy competition, with Student Leadership and Student Voice through the House Council. Inter-house competitions and charity work give students social and teamwork experiences.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service The Duke of Edinburgh's Award includes volunteering as a core component, with Bronze, Silver and Gold levels and opportunities for community involvement. Local and international events include carol services at Silves Cathedral, Globeducate Leadership Summit, and OPOMUN, which broaden civic and global awareness. The Nobel Parents' Committee coordinates events such as the Christmas Fair and supports school life, with Class Representatives and volunteer opportunities for parents.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional The House system supports Student Leadership and Student Voice through the House Council. Head students represent Nobel at the Globeducate Leadership Summit. Participation in OPOMUN and other Globeducate events develops leadership and global citizenship. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award also fosters leadership through volunteering, expeditions and skills development.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing These activities support physical health and wellbeing, including weekly swimming, outdoor Forest School experiences, gymnastics, ballet, and horse riding. Physical activity is integrated with creative and artistic exploration through music and arts classes.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Wellbeing is a whole-school priority, with a PSHE program and a nurse and psychologist available for student support. The Journey and a broad outdoor-learning programme promote physical and mental well-being and resilience. VivaHUB Afterschool emphasises well-being and personal development.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The school provides a bilingual environment in English and Portuguese.	Language provision All students study at least two languages, one as Language and Literature and one additional language. English and Portuguese can be studied as Language and Literature. IGCSE examinations can be taken in English, French, and Portuguese. Diploma Programme learners have access to a range of languages as both Language and Literature and Language Acquisition, supported by teachers in several World Languages, with some DP study available via the Pamoja platform.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The school provides a bilingual environment in English and Portuguese.	Bilingual teaching English is the primary language of instruction. All students study at least two languages, with English and Portuguese available as Language and Literature and an additional language offered. Private language lessons in other languages can be arranged, and an EAL programme supports students who do not yet have English proficiency, with a staged progression to mainstream English.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Not currently accepting applications. Open days will be scheduled and announced on social media and on this page. A 'Schedule a tour' option is available for inquiries.	Admissions 1. Request info: Fill in the form on this page to register your interest; a member of the Admissions Team will contact you. The school operates rolling admissions and accepts applications for both campuses throughout the year, depending on availability. Early contact is recommended to have the best chance of securing a place. 2. Book a Visit: Coming to see the schools in person is the best way to experience campus life. We will organise a meeting (in person or virtual) with the head of the relevant school campus and section. At the meeting, you will be asked to complete a registration form with your child's details, including previous school reports. 3. Apply for a place: After your meeting, you will be advised of your options and placement availability for your child in the appropriate year. If there are no available spaces, we will let you know and place you on a waiting list if you desire. 4. Enrolment: To finalise enrolment, you will be required to pay the initial fees and provide supporting documents for your application, including: copy of your child's identification document; medical information or vaccination records; copies of both parents' identity cards or passports; both parents' fiscal numbers; if foreign citizens, a copy of residence permits; and copies of both parents' proof of address. Payment options include Bank Transfer; TICKET, EDENRED or UP Portugal; Bank Cheque; Cash; Direct debit; International Transfers and Credit Card. TransferMate is available for international payments.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist If there are no available spaces, families are informed and placed on a waiting list on request.
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