Educan and Vilamoura International School are both in Algarve, about 11 km apart. Both schools offer British programmes. Educan also offers Pearson Edexcel IGCSE, and Vilamoura International School also offers IB. Published annual fees are €6,309 at Educan and €5,950 - 13,950 at Vilamoura International School, which puts Vilamoura International School roughly 58% higher. Educan takes pupils from 5 to 16, and Vilamoura International School from 3 to 18.
Educan, Algarve is located at Rua de Portugal n.º3, 8100-554 Loulé, Portugal. Loulé is in the Algarve region of southern Portugal. The campus is accessible via local roads.
Location
Vilamoura International School is located in Vilamoura, Algarve, Portugal, at APT 856, 8125-911 Vilamoura. It sits in the coastal resort town of Vilamoura in the Algarve region. It runs a daily school bus service with routes including Loulé/Almancil, Olhão/Faro, Vilamoura, Albufeira, and Messines.
Stages
Stages
Key Stage One (Y1–Y2) to Key Stage Five (Y12–Y13)
Stages
Preschool to Secondary School; two pathways from ages 3 to 18: Portuguese Studies following the Portuguese national curriculum, and English Studies following an adapted British international curriculum. The English pathway covers Primary, Cambridge International Lower Secondary and IGCSE, and culminates in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Grades 11 and 12.
School type
School type
Private international day school following the Pearson Edexcel International British Curriculum
School type
Private international school; part of the Inspired Education network.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
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Additional learning support
English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided through a structured programme for students with little or no English exposure.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Portugal
Country affiliation
Portugal. Portuguese Studies pathway follows the Portuguese national curriculum.
A daily school bus service is offered with routes including Loulé/Almancil, Olhão/Faro, Vilamoura, Albufeira, and Messines. Buses depart at 5:00 pm, with an assistant accompanying kindergarten and primary pupils. The service operates throughout the school year.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application and Registration Fees
- Annual registration fee: EUR 300. - Security deposit: EUR 250 (refundable when any school materials or property belonging to Educan are returned at the end of enrolment).
Tuition fees by year group (payment options shown: Annual / Termly / Monthly)
- Key Stage One (Years 1–2): Annual EUR 6,309 / Termly EUR 2,214 / Monthly EUR 604. - Key Stage Two (Years 3–6): Annual EUR 7,016 / Termly EUR 2,462 / Monthly EUR 671. - Key Stage Three (Years 7–9): Annual EUR 7,701 / Termly EUR 2,702 / Monthly EUR 737. - Key Stage Four (Years 10–11): Annual EUR 8,387 / Termly EUR 2,943 / Monthly EUR 803. Optional IGCSE subjects beyond the listed core subjects are charged EUR 110 per month each. Examination fees are not included in these tuition figures. - Key Stage Five (Years 12–13): Fees are not published in the fee schedule and must be requested from the school.
Sibling and discounts
- Second child: 4% discount on tuition. - Third and subsequent children: 5% discount on tuition.
Afternoon clubs and wraparound care (fee details)
- Club Pack (five days per week: three clubs + two homework clubs): EUR 750 (termly). - Homework Club (one day per week): EUR 180 (termly). - Single Club (one day per week): EUR 255 (termly). - Kids Club (every afternoon): EUR 250 (termly). - Clubs run from the middle of September to the end of June.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Payment frequency options: Annual payment (includes a 5% discount), Termly (3 instalments), or Monthly (11 instalments). - Termly payments are due at the start of Terms 1, 3 and 5; for the 2025/2026 academic year those term-start months are September 2025, January 2026 and April 2026. Clubs are scheduled across the school year from mid-September to the end of June.
Other costs and charges
- Examination costs are charged separately and are not included in the tuition figures above. Optional IGCSE subject charges are EUR 110 per month where applicable. Stationery, workbooks, textbooks and other student equipment are included within the annual registration fee.
Refund information
- The security deposit (EUR 250) is refundable when school property and materials belonging to Educan are returned upon a pupil leaving. No other refund terms are detailed in the published fee schedule.
Fee payment options and practical notes
- The published fee schedule sets the available payment frequencies (annual, termly, monthly) and the associated discounts/instalment structure; it does not specify accepted payment methods (for example, which card types or bank transfer details are accepted) or the full terms and conditions for late payment, refunds beyond the security deposit, or withdrawal penalties in that document. For those operational payment-method details and contract terms, direct contact with the school is required.
Fee details
Application / Registration fees - Registration (enrolment) fee (non-refundable): €400 for new enrolments. - Re-enrolment (annual re-enrolment) fee (non-refundable): €250.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition invoicing and payment options: tuition may be invoiced and paid annually, termly (September, January and April) or monthly across the academic year. Nursery/Reception monthly tuition is invoiced in 11 instalments; all other education levels monthly instalments are invoiced in 10 instalments. Termly and monthly payment options are subject to a 3% administrative fee. Invoices are issued by the 5th business day of the month in which they are due (other charges separately by the 10th business day). Invoices overdue by more than 30 days incur interest of 5% on the amount due.
Security / deposit & discounts - Families with more than one child enrolled receive a siblings discount on the youngest child: 2nd child 10%, 3rd child 15%, 4th child and subsequent 20%. - Where applicable the school requires the activation of payment guarantees; specific security or deposit terms (for example pre-authorised card authorisations or deposits) and applicability to fiscal residents are stated in the fees documentation and associated conditions.
Boarding - The school operates as a day school; boarding facilities / boarding fees are not applicable.
Other costs and regularly billed extras - Mandatory / annual charges and digital services: - Mobile Device Management (MDM): €20 (applicable to Pre‑1 / 1st Year). - Global Study Platform / Inspired AI / Inspired Metaverse: €50 (Grades 4–5) and €100 (Grades 6–12). - Examination fees: - IGCSE exam fees (Grade 10): €160 per subject (invoiced annually in April where applicable). - IB exam fees (Grade 12): €900 (fee for the cohort/subjects as indicated). - Transport (termly billing; invoiced Nov, Jan, Apr): transport is offered by zone with termly and occasional per‑trip charges. Example zone charges (round‑trip / one‑way / occasional per trip) listed include: Vilamoura Zone: €455 / €273 / €7; Vila Sol Zone: €515 / €309 / €8; other zones range from ~€545 to €740 (round‑trip) with occasional per‑trip prices €9–€12 depending on zone. Transport requires an annual subscription and routes may be subject to minimum numbers. - School meals and food service: - Lunch and snack services are optional. Daily occasional user fees vary by year group (occasional daily rates printed range from €5 to €12 depending on year group); regular user subscriptions are invoiced by period / term. The school notes that daily prices include lunch and afternoon snacks for the relevant year groups. - Other charges (examples as invoiced when applicable): student replacement card €7; translation of documents €0.10/word; additional family yearbook one‑off €25; iPad acquisition (Apple iPad Air 11'' Wi‑Fi 128GB with accessories and one year insurance) and iPad rental options (rental termly fees and purchase one‑off fees listed). Charges for extracurricular activities, study support, wellbeing individual support and school trips are listed and invoiced as specified (termly, monthly or when incurred).
Refunds and cancellations - Registration / enrolment fees are non‑refundable. Certain enrolment periods (for example specified August enrolment windows) are non‑refundable when noted. Extracurricular activity enrolments require a full‑term commitment; if a student withdraws mid‑term the full term fee for that activity is charged unless the activity is cancelled or does not meet minimum enrolment requirements. Taxes / VAT are included in the fees where applicable.
Fee payment methods - Invoices can be paid by the ATM reference shown on each invoice, by direct debit, by education tickets, by bank transfer or by cash. Cash payments carry a monthly cash limit of €2,000 and an associated service fee of €50 per payment. Direct debit payments are debited by the 12th of each month; failed direct debit attempts will be requested via ATM reference or bank transfer. Specific payment instructions and ATM reference details appear on each invoice. Overdue invoices incur interest as noted above.
(End of fees overview.)
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
Uniform is worn by CIV students from Kindergarten through Year 9 (Portuguese Studies) and from Nursery through Year 10 (English Studies). The secondary school students (Years 11–13) do not wear a uniform but must present themselves in a respectful, appropriate manner. Uniform items include dark blue trousers/shorts or a skirt; white polo; dark blue sleeveless pullover; blue-and-white striped shirt (short or long sleeves); dark blue waterproof jacket; dark blue socks; dark shoes. The PE kit comprises blue shorts; blue sweatshirt; white T‑shirt; white socks; suitable athletic shoes. Gala attire includes dark blue trousers or skirt; white-and-blue striped shirt; blue pullover; dark socks; dark shoes.
Food options
Food options
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Food options
The campus has a dining hall on site.
House system
House system
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House system
The school operates a house system with house points and merits to recognise student achievement.
Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
The school is part of Inspired Education.
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Educan, Algarve delivers the Pearson Edexcel International British Curriculum. Core subjects are taught in the morning from 9:00 to 13:00 with a hands-on approach to learning. Afternoon clubs run from 14:00 to 15:30 and cover a range of activities including Portuguese, Dutch, Mandarin, French and Russian, plus Homework Club, Mindfulness, Art & Design, Science Experiments, Cooking, Engineering, Computing and Physical Education. Tutoring is provided by experienced teachers to support all students. A Pearson Edexcel Qualifications guide is provided for parents and students to understand the qualifications offered.
Curriculum details
Two academic pathways for students aged 3 to 18: Portuguese Studies following the Portuguese national curriculum, and English Studies following an adapted British international curriculum. The English Studies pathway uses the British National Curriculum in Primary, Cambridge International Lower Secondary and IGCSE, culminating in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Grades 11–12. The Portuguese Studies pathway includes national examinations in Grades 9 and 12. The school is a Cambridge International Examination and Alliance Française centre. Multilingualism is promoted through early language learning in Portuguese, English and French, with opportunities to study Spanish, German and Russian as extracurricular activities. English-exposure students receive English as an Additional Language (EAL) support to help integrate into the curriculum. The school is part of Inspired Education Group.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
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Higher education progression
IB Diploma Programme provides access to universities in Portugal and worldwide.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
The school provides a nurturing and inclusive learning environment that fosters a love for learning and personal growth. The learning journey is student-centred with small groups and an emphasis on autonomy, self-confidence, responsibility and teamwork.
Social & emotional learning
The school's holistic approach fosters cognitive, social, and emotional growth alongside multilingual proficiency. Communication skills in different social contexts are emphasized. The school develops cognitive and socio-affective abilities within an international, multilingual environment. The school promotes humanistic and democratic values for a well-rounded education.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided through a structured programme for students with little or no English exposure. All students develop English language proficiency as part of the school's international curriculum. The school invests in early language learning of Portuguese, English, French, and Russian.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
Mindfulness is offered as an after-school club to support pupils' well-being, with clubs running in the afternoons from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm, including Mindfulness as part of the activities.
Mental wellbeing
The CIV model focuses on cognitive and socio-affective development within a multilingual environment. The curriculum emphasises sports, the arts, philosophy, and life skills to support well-being and personal growth.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
Access to the premises is controlled with an individual, non-transferable card. Identification upon entry and exit is mandatory. Evacuation and safety procedures, including drills for fire, earthquakes, and bad weather, are in place.
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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Facilities overview
Vilamoura International School is set on a 27,000m² campus in a unique natural environment, enabling outdoor learning and play. It has state-of-the-art classrooms tailored to each age group and fully equipped laboratories for Chemistry, Physics, and Biology. There are dedicated Music and Art rooms, a ballet studio, a multipurpose room, two gymnasiums, an astroturf football field, and courts for basketball, tennis, and volleyball. A well-stocked library and a dining hall support daily school life. The campus is expanding with plans to further enhance facilities across academic, sports, and arts areas.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
Two gymnasiums support physical education and a wide range of activities. An astroturf football field offers outdoor play and matches. Courts for basketball, tennis, and volleyball support PE classes and school teams. The facilities enable a comprehensive sports program.
Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
The school offers two academic pathways: the Portuguese Studies Programme follows the Portuguese national curriculum from Preschool to Grade 12, and the English Studies Programme is adapted to the local context. The English pathway follows the British National Curriculum in Primary, the Cambridge Lower Secondary and IGCSE, culminating in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Grades 11 and 12. Portuguese pathway students sit national examinations in Grades 9 and 12. English pathway students begin preparing for IGCSE in Grade 9, with examinations taken in Grade 10, before progressing to the IB Diploma Programme. The English pathway provides access to IBDP qualifications and top universities worldwide, and the school offers fully equipped laboratories for Chemistry, Physics, and Biology, plus dedicated Music and Art rooms and a well-stocked library.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
Clubs are catered to develop Foundation Subjects and enhance students' creativity and life perspective, with sessions in the afternoons from 2pm to 3:30pm. Clubs are open to internal and external students. Available clubs include Portuguese, Dutch, Mandarin, Homework Club, Mindfulness, Art&DT, Science Experiments, French, Russian, Cooking, Engineering, Computing and Physical Education. Tutoring is provided for internal and external students by experienced qualified teachers.
Extra curricular facilities
The enrichment programme includes sports, arts, international exchanges, and work experience. Specialist-led extracurricular activities complement the curriculum. CIV is part of Inspired Education and offers opportunities such as summer camps, student exchanges, leadership conferences, and collaborative overseas projects.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
Founded in 1984 as Colégio Internacional de Vilamoura, CIV is a private school in the Algarve offering two curricula from ages 3 to 18: Portuguese Studies following the Portuguese national curriculum and English Studies following an adapted British international curriculum culminating in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Grades 11 and 12. CIV is part of Inspired Education, a global group of premium schools.
Community
Community
Educan, Algarve offers a nurturing, inclusive learning environment within a dynamic and supportive community. Lessons follow the Pearson Edexcel International British Curriculum, with core subjects taught in the morning from 9am to 1pm, and afternoon clubs from 2pm to 3:30pm. Clubs expand learning beyond the core curriculum and include Portuguese, Dutch, Mandarin, French, and Russian, along with options such as Cooking, Engineering, Computing, Art and Design Technology, Science Experiments, Mindfulness, and Physical Education. The school emphasizes active student involvement and aims to develop creativity, critical thinking and personal growth through a combination of academic study and engaging club activities.
Community
Vilamoura International School maintains a multilingual community with early language learning in Portuguese, English, and French, and opportunities to study Spanish, German, and Russian as extracurricular activities. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided for students with little English exposure. The school emphasizes sports, the arts, philosophy, and real-world skills through a broad enrichment programme, including international exchanges and work experience. As part of Inspired Education, CIV offers access to summer camps, student exchanges, leadership conferences, and overseas collaborative projects.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
Educan's academic program covers core subjects in the morning (9am to 1pm) and uses the Pearson Edexcel International British Curriculum with a hands-on approach to learning. Morning classes provide flexibility for families, with Club activities in the afternoons or time for family. The program aims to foster critical thinking, autonomy and collaboration through its teaching approach. Educan's Annual Science Project enables students to explore real-world problems, conduct experiments, and present their findings to develop scientific thinking.
Academic & intellectual
Two curricula are offered: Portuguese Studies following the national curriculum and English Studies combining the British National Curriculum, Cambridge programmes, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Grades 11 and 12. The English Studies pathway includes IGCSE examinations in Grade 10 before progressing to the IB Diploma Programme. Upper School provides internships and access to national and international research centres linked to prestigious universities. CIV is an IB World School and a Cambridge International Examination centre, with a Cambridge English Language Assessment centre and an examination centre for Alliance Française.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
Clubs include Art&DT and Cooking, supporting creative expression and practical design skills. The arts-focused clubs foster creativity through hands-on projects and demonstrations. These offerings extend core subjects into creative pursuits and personal projects during the afternoon sessions.
Arts & creative
Arts are promoted as a core part of CIV's education. The campus includes dedicated Music and Art rooms and a ballet studio to support visual and performing arts. Specialist-led extracurricular activities further enhance learning in the arts, helping students develop creativity and confidence.
Cultural & language
Cultural & language
Language options include Portuguese, Dutch, Mandarin, French and Russian, available as afternoon clubs. Pupils can choose from an array of language options, and the clubs are open to internal and external students. These language clubs contribute to cultural awareness and cross-cultural communication.
Cultural & language
Early language learning includes Portuguese, English, and French, with opportunities to explore Spanish, German, and Russian as extracurricular activities. CIV is a Cambridge International Examination centre and an Alliance Française examination centre, supporting language qualifications and intercultural learning.
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
Clubs take place in the afternoons from 2pm to 3:30pm. Options include Homework Club, Mindfulness, Art&DT, Science Experiments, French, Russian, Cooking, Engineering, Computing and Physical Education. These clubs support varied interests and encourage teamwork and personal development.
Social & hobbies
Over 20 extracurricular activities and clubs are available, allowing students to pursue sports, creative and performing arts, and enriching academic opportunities. The enrichment programme includes a broad range of activities that extend beyond the core curriculum.
Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) is an experiential learning component of the IB Diploma, where students engage in a wide variety of extracurricular activities, including community service and athletic options. The SRC (Student Representative Council) in Sixth Form leads student initiatives and community projects, providing leadership and decision-making opportunities. Active citizenship, solidarity, and social, cultural and environmental volunteering are promoted as core values.
Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
The SRC in Sixth Form provides student leadership and a solidarity role in school life. Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) fosters leadership through extracurricular engagement. The Inspired Education network offers leadership conferences and collaborative overseas projects to develop professional skills, while internships in Upper School support real-world experience.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Mindfulness and Physical Education are part of the clubs to support students' wellbeing. The afternoon schedule provides a balanced day with time for learning, recreation and family life. The program emphasizes holistic development through physical activity and mindful practices.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
The campus spans 27,000 m² with outdoor spaces and state-of-the-art facilities, including dedicated Music and Art rooms, a ballet studio, two gymnasiums, and extensive sports and science facilities. The school emphasises a bilingual, international environment that supports a well-rounded lifestyle through sports, arts, and academic opportunities.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Portuguese, Dutch, Mandarin, French, Russian
Language provision
Two academic pathways: Portuguese Studies follows the Portuguese national curriculum from Preschool (age 3) to Grade 12 (age 18), while English Studies follows an adapted British international curriculum. The English pathway uses the British National Curriculum in Primary, Cambridge International Lower Secondary and IGCSE, culminating in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in Grades 11 and 12. All students begin language learning early in Portuguese, English, and French, with opportunities to study Spanish, German, and Russian as extracurricular activities. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided for students with little or no English exposure to help them integrate into the English Studies curriculum. CIV is a Cambridge International Examination centre and an Alliance Française examination centre, supporting internationally recognised language certifications.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
The school offers an easy admission process with visits to the building on open days or a trial day to meet faculty and learn about the programs; a meeting can be booked. Fees for 2025/2026 are published: annual registration fee 300€, security deposit 250€. Tuition is published by year group: Key Stage One (Y1–Y2) 6,309€ per year; Key Stage Two (Y3–Y6) 7,016€ per year; Key Stage Three (Y7–Y9) 7,701€ per year; Key Stage Four (Y10–Y11) 8,387€ per year; Key Stage Five (Y12–Y13) please contact us for options. Payment options include Annual (with 5% discount), Termly (three payments), or Monthly (eleven payments). Sibling discounts: second child 4%; third and subsequent children 5%. Afternoon Clubs run 14:00–15:30 with Club Pack (Five days per week: Three Clubs + Two Homework Clubs) 750€, Homework Club (One day per week) 180€, Club (One day per week) 255€, Kids Club (Every afternoon) 250€; fees and schedules are published in the Fees 2025/2026 document.
Admissions
1. Submit an Enquiry & Visit the School. Parents complete the enquiry form to start the application process and come for a meeting with the Educational Board at the school. This meeting provides an opportunity to learn more about the school's values, educational programme, curriculum options, and internal procedures. This initial contact helps align expectations. 2. Student Meeting & Assessment. A meeting will be scheduled for students and parents with the Heads of Department. At this stage, previous school reports should be submitted. The meeting assesses fit with the programme and discusses the student's needs and strengths. 3. Admission Decision. Admission decisions are communicated to parents by the Admissions Officer. If the application is successful, you will be provided with further enrollment instructions. The admissions process helps determine whether the student aligns with CIV's programmes and enables planning for next steps. After receiving the admissions offer, submit the following documents to complete enrolment: identification for the student and parents/guardians, up-to-date vaccination records and a medical certificate, the most recent school evaluation report (if applicable), and any residence visas or passports as required.
