Greene's College Oxford - Lisbon vs The British School of Lisbon
Greene's College Oxford - Lisbon and The British School of Lisbon are both in Lisbon, about 1 km apart. Both schools offer British programmes, and Greene's College Oxford - Lisbon also offers Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge A Levels. Published annual fees are close, at €15,100 - 19,800 for Greene's College Oxford - Lisbon and €13,110 - 21,375 for The British School of Lisbon. Greene's College Oxford - Lisbon takes pupils from 14 to 18, and The British School of Lisbon from 3 to 16.
British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Curriculum
British Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
145
Pupils
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Typical class size
Typical class size
2
Typical class size
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Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
—
Opened
—
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Estoril, Portugal. The Algarve Campus is planned for expansion to the Algarve.
Location
The British School of Lisbon has two campuses in Lisbon, Portugal: Primary Campus at Rua São Paulo 89, Lisbon 1200-427, and Secondary Campus at Rua de Alcolena 10, Lisbon 1400-004. The school operates from two campus locations in Lisbon.
Stages
Stages
A Levels and IGCSEs are delivered internationally. The program uses the Oxford-style tutorial method with paired or small-group tutorials, supported by Greene's Online for live feedback and progress tracking.
Stages
Early Years; Primary School; Middle School; Secondary School; Sixth Form
School type
School type
International tutoring college delivering British A Levels and IGCSEs internationally
School type
British international school following the English National Curriculum
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
Language support is available for a limited number of students
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
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Country affiliation
United Kingdom
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
Enrollment is year-round with no fixed academic calendar. Tutorials use weekly Personal Tutoring sessions to provide personalised guidance.
School day structure
School runs Monday to Friday, 8:30am–3:30pm; on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, finishes at 4:30pm for after-school activities; 10:30am break; lunch 12:00–13:00; a 15-minute break at 14:30.
Bus service details
Bus service details
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Bus service details
The school offers a bus service; routes cover most expatriate residential compounds.
Amounts shown are annual tuition fees; the school offers payment either annually or in three equal instalments (three terms). Per‑term values below are the annual amount divided by three, rounded to the nearest euro where required.
- Kindergarten 1 (age 3): Annual EUR 13,110 — Per term EUR 4,370. - Kindergarten 2 (age 4): Annual EUR 13,110 — Per term EUR 4,370. - Kindergarten 3 (age 5): Annual EUR 15,219 — Per term EUR 5,073. - Grade 1 (age 6): Annual EUR 15,219 — Per term EUR 5,073. - Grade 2 (age 7): Annual EUR 16,445 — Per term EUR 5,482. - Grade 3 (age 8): Annual EUR 16,445 — Per term EUR 5,482. - Grade 4 (age 9): Annual EUR 16,445 — Per term EUR 5,482. - Grade 5 (age 10): Annual EUR 17,171 — Per term EUR 5,724. - Grade 6 (age 11): Annual EUR 17,171 — Per term EUR 5,724. - Grade 7 (age 12): Annual EUR 17,171 — Per term EUR 5,724. - Grade 8 (age 13): Annual EUR 17,171 — Per term EUR 5,724. - Grade 9 (age 14): Annual EUR 21,375 — Per term EUR 7,125.
What tuition covers and what is charged separately
- Tuition covers stationery, learning materials and consumables. - The following are charged separately from tuition: school excursions, school uniform, school bus services and school meals. - Uniforms are compulsory and are purchased externally (available at El Corte Inglés, Lisboa). Footwear, PE kit and seasonal uniform arrangements are specified by the school and paid for by families.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Fees are payable either in a single annual payment before the start of the academic year, or in three equal instalments due before the start of each term. Fees are reviewed annually. - The first-year total for a newly enrolled pupil includes the one‑off application and enrolment charges in addition to the annual tuition; an example breakdown for Kindergarten 1 first year: Application EUR 250 + Enrolment EUR 5,000 + Tuition EUR 13,110 = Total EUR 18,360 (first year).
Boarding
- The school does not offer boarding provision; it operates as a day school for ages 3–15.
Other costs and optional charges
- School trips and excursions: charged separately and billed as applicable. - School bus: charged separately when used. - School meals: charged separately. - Uniform: purchased externally at the specified retailer; families should budget for uniform, footwear and PE kit. - Additional optional costs (external examination fees, certain extracurricular activities, specialist resources or trips) may be charged where applicable; these are not included in listed tuition.
Refund information
- The school's public fee information identifies the enrolment (acceptance) fee as a one‑off charge; that fee is listed in directory summaries as non‑refundable. No detailed, publicly posted full refund schedule for tuition or termly refunds was available on the school's public fees page.
Fee payment options
- The school's public fees page sets out payment frequency and timing (annual or three instalments) but does not publish a definitive list of accepted payment methods on the public fee page. Parents should note that many international schools accept bank transfer and card payments, but accepted methods were not published explicitly on the school's public fee information.
Notes and verification summary
- Public school material states the billing options, what tuition includes/excludes and the requirement to purchase uniform externally, but the school's public fee page does not publish a full, line‑by‑line downloadable fee schedule on the public page for the 2025/2026 academic year. Third‑party school directories list the one‑time fees and the annual tuition amounts shown above (application EUR 250; enrolment EUR 5,000; annual tuition per year group as listed).
(End of fee 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
School uniform is compulsory for all students and must be worn neatly. Uniforms can be purchased at El Corte Ingles Lisboa, Avenida António Augusto de Aguiar 31; footwear should be black and business‑like. PE uniforms are worn on PE days, and summer and winter uniforms are worn according to guidance from the Headteacher; coats and anoraks are encouraged in cold weather and sun hats on sunny days.
Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
The school uses a four‑house system: Shackleton, Franklin, Eliot and Turing. Siblings are assigned to the same House; Houses run across the school and meet regularly in their House group. Each House supports a different charity and is led by a House Leader; the House Cup is awarded at Prize Giving after fundraising and competitions.
Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
Greene's Educational Services Limited (NIPC/NIF: 980751292) trades as Greene's College Oxford.
Governance and ownership
The British School of Lisbon is part of Dukes Education, a family of schools across the UK and Europe. Governors work with the Head and Senior Leadership Team to set strategic goals and monitor educational quality, safety and wellbeing; operational responsibilities remain with the Head and Senior Leadership Team. The School Charter sets the mission, vision and guiding principles.
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Greene's College Oxford offers British A Levels and IGCSEs to students worldwide. Courses are tailored to fit each student's goals and needs. We serve students taking A Levels or IGCSEs for the first time or retaking A Levels, focusing on student-driven progress. The education relies on three elements: inspirational tutors, paired or small-group tutorials, and Greene's Online. The Oxford-style tutorial method is delivered online and is central to meeting students' academic goals. The curriculum includes paired and small-group tutorials with instant feedback and weekly Personal Tutoring, plus Leadership sessions and student-led societies.
Curriculum details
English National Curriculum forms the core of the curriculum. The ENC is used as a rigorous standard and is adapted to provide an international perspective, including studies of local culture, language and heritage. In Lower School, an Integrated Curriculum for Years 1-4 covers Computing, Geography, Art and Design and History. From the moment a student joins The British School of Lisbon, a dedicated team of professionals is assigned to create a personalised academic plan tailored to the student's strengths and to guide them through the process of selecting, applying to and being admitted to top universities in the UK, US and worldwide.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
Small class sizes and a low student to teacher ratio.
Exam results
Exam results
In the 2022-23 academic year, 46% of Greene's grades were A* or A. Students who studied with Greene's achieved above the national average in A* and A grades. Staff and tutors are credited for supporting strong results.
Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
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Higher education progression
A dedicated team develops a personalised academic plan to guide students through selecting, applying to and being admitted to top universities in the UK, the US 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
Greene's College Oxford supports academic welfare through its Personal Tutor system, with weekly mentoring and guidance on welfare as part of the student journey. Personal Tutors address welfare concerns and help students manage workload, motivation, and personal challenges, connecting them with appropriate support when needed. The Welfare section lists local mental health resources around Oxford, including Oxfordshire Mind and related services, with information and contacts provided. Students are encouraged to discuss welfare issues with their Personal Tutor, who can guide them to local services or professionals as required. The handbook also references self-help resources and counselling guidance to support mental health and wellbeing.
Social & emotional learning
The British School of Lisbon aims for pupils to thrive academically, personally and socially, and ensures pupils are safe and happy through a holistic pastoral approach.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
Greene's provides Examination Access Arrangements (EAAs) for students with a special educational need or disability that places them at a substantial disadvantage in exams, in line with JCQ rules. Examples include extra time, supervised rest breaks, assistive technology, and sitting exams in a private room. Applicants must provide appropriate evidence, such as documentation, diagnostic reports, or a current EHCP, to the college SENCO for review. Access arrangements are not automatic; each application is considered on its own merits, and the Examinations Office must be informed. There is a fee for each access arrangement application, payable at the time of examination entry.
Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
Greene's provides dedicated support for international students to develop English language skills essential for academic success. The college offers English as a Foreign Language (EFL) and IELTS courses to help students achieve the proficiency required for future A-level study and university applications. These courses are taught using the same tutorial method as the rest of Greene's programmes. English Language study is available within the GCSE pathway (with English as a Second Language for international students) and across other routes to support progression. The EAL provision is designed to support international students' progression to higher levels of study.
English as an additional language
Classroom support is provided to students whose English is an additional language.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
Academic study can be demanding, and the Welfare section notes that Personal Tutors address mental health and welfare concerns as part of academic support. Personal Tutors are not healthcare professionals but can discuss concerns and guide students to appropriate services. Local resources around Oxford provide mental health support, including Oxfordshire Mind and related services, with ongoing information and helplines. The handbook directs students to GPs and counselling options, and provides links to national resources and self-help leaflets. The college emphasises a culture of speaking openly about welfare with tutors and seeking help when needed.
Mental wellbeing
Staff emphasise wellbeing as part of students' development, with psychology-informed approaches and wellbeing-focused roles, including a teaching assistant whose work is informed by a Master's degree in Music Therapy.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
The safeguarding policy was adopted in August 2025 and is due for review in August 2026. The Designated Safeguarding Lead is responsible for implementing the policy, with the Governing Body, especially the Governor for Safeguarding, ensuring annual review. All staff receive safeguarding and child protection training at least every three years, with updates as required. The college follows inter-policy matters and multi‑agency procedures, including reporting concerns to the Oxfordshire Multi-agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) and involving OSCP where appropriate, with the Designated Safeguarding Lead attending relevant case conferences. Records of safeguarding concerns are kept securely and access to information is on a need‑to‑know basis; the policy also covers safeguarding in online settings and other areas such as online safety and extremism prevention.
Safeguarding
Pupils are to be safe and happy as guiding principles, and a health and safety policy protects pupil welfare.
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
BSL has two Lisbon campuses: Cais do Sodré for primary and Restelo for secondary. Restelo is located within the CF Os Belenenses sports complex. Phase I of the Restelo campus opened in September 2024; Phase II is planned for Summer 2025. Phase I provides bright, spacious classrooms, fully equipped science laboratories, and play areas and sports fields. Phase II will introduce a building with over 6000 square metres of landscaped outdoor space, specialist facilities including science labs, a design & technology suite, and a large library with panoramic views, plus extensive sports facilities including an indoor multi-purpose hall.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
Extensive sports facilities include an indoor multi-purpose hall. The Restelo campus is situated within the Os Belenenses football club complex, providing access to Lisbon's sporting environment. Phase I includes sports fields as part of the campus.
Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
Phase I features bright, spacious classrooms and fully equipped science laboratories. Phase II adds science labs, a design & technology suite, and a large library with panoramic views.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extracurricular activities include a wide range of clubs (sports, languages, coding); after-school activities are compulsory for every child; clubs are chosen each term by parents and balance active/sport with intellectually stimulating programmes; enrichment activities support physical development, creativity, well-being, self-confidence and teamwork.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
Greene's College Oxford is Oxford's oldest tutorial college. It delivers British A levels and IGCSEs from the heart of Oxford to students worldwide. The educational approach blends small group or individual tutorials with a weekly Personal Tutor, supported by Greene's Online. The wider curriculum includes regular Leadership sessions and a variety of student-led societies. Greene's Educational Services Limited trades as Greene's College Oxford and is registered in England; students can study on campus in Oxford or online, with spaces in Estoril and Lisbon, Portugal.
History
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Community
Community
The wider curriculum includes regular Leadership sessions to prepare students for their future careers alongside a variety of student-led societies.
Community
BSL emphasizes a strong sense of community among staff, parents and students. The Parents' Connection is a social and welcoming organisation that promotes interaction between parents and the school community. It acts as a meeting place for parents and coordinates fundraising activities for the school community and charitable causes. The school aims to provide events for the whole school community and to welcome new families joining BSL, as well as activities that support the children during the school day, such as Lunch Mums and Dads and Reading Parents.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
The Parents' Connection is a parent-led organisation that operates outside of school governance. All parents become members automatically when their child joins the school. It runs events and fundraising activities for the school community and for charitable causes. Its main goals are to provide events for the whole school community, to facilitate fundraising for charities, to welcome new families and to organise activities that aid the children during the school day (Lunch Mums and Dads, Reading Parents). It is self-funding, with funds raised used for charity or for school events and finances are transparent.
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
Delivers British A levels and IGCSEs internationally. Courses can be online and tailored to each student's goals, with enrolment possible at any time. The tutorial method uses paired or small-group tutorials and is complemented by weekly Personal Tutoring sessions to provide personalised guidance. Students have access to Greene's Online to upload work, receive feedback, and track progress, and there is a strong emphasis on independent study and leadership through the wider curriculum. In 2022-23, 46% of grades were A* or A, reflecting high achievement across A levels.
Academic & intellectual
The school offers a broad range of clubs that develop academic skills and inquiry, including Chess, Science and Robotics & Coding. Young learners engage in Inventors Club to problem-solve, and older students may participate in inter-school Chess tournaments. Enrichment activities promote curiosity, collaboration, resilience and self-confidence. After School Activities are compulsory for every child at school.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
The school offers arts and creative enrichment including Violin, Ballet and Choir, and Drama activities. These activities nurture creativity and performance skills. Participation in drama activities and choir supports expressive communication and collaboration. Roller Skating is also part of the enrichment options.
Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
Language learning is provided as part of enrichment activities. Portuguese is emphasised as a second language and the school supports students to develop high fluency.
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
There is a wide variety of student-led societies, providing opportunities to engage with interests beyond the core curriculum. The learning approach emphasises collaborative learning through paired tuition and independent study, fostering active participation in group activities. Students can access resources online and on campus to support participation in societies and informal interests.
Social & hobbies
The school offers social and hobby clubs such as Chess, Choir, Science and Robotics & Coding, and Inventors Club. Drama activities support teamwork and expressive communication. Sailing, Judo, Ballet and Roller Skating provide additional recreational options. Older students have opportunities to compete in inter-school Chess tournaments.
Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
Regular Leadership sessions prepare students for their future careers. The Oxford tutorial model combines individual or small-group tutorials with expert tutors and academic mentors to guide students. The combination of Personal Tutoring and a strong emphasis on independent study fosters leadership and professional development, encouraging students to take initiative and seek answers for themselves.
Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
The school offers a broad programme of sports and activities to promote a healthy, active lifestyle. Physical education introduces students to a wide range of sports and activities and supports physical fitness as well as emotional, intellectual and personal development. Enrichment activities such as Sailing, Judo, Ballet and Roller Skating provide additional opportunities for physical activity and personal development. These experiences contribute to students' wellbeing and development.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
The curriculum is based on the English National Curriculum (ENC). Portuguese is taught as a second language with the aim of fluency. Middle School includes modern languages; in Senior School, students study a modern foreign language at GCSE level, and all students study a language other than English. Language support is available for a limited number of students.
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
Greene's Lisbon Campus is in Príncipe Real, Lisbon, in the Palacete Castilho. Greene's College Oxford is an independent sixth form tutorial college with campuses in Oxford (UK), Estoril and Lisbon (Portugal), with academic oversight provided by the campus in the UK. The learning model uses small-group or paired tutorials in the Socratic method, with emphasis on independent study to prepare students for the transition from International A levels to university life. Prospective students can register interest. Greene's Hotel Management & Hospitality Diploma is announced, combining A level theory with hands-on practical experience to prepare graduates for entry to the hospitality industry.
Admissions
The school is selective. Entry assessments are required and can be organised either at the campus or remotely for applicants from abroad. A decision is typically communicated within 5 working days of applying. The school delivers the English National Curriculum with adaptations for an international setting, and studies are accepted by British and international universities. Lead classroom teachers are UK qualified and experienced. Nursery class size is capped at 18; Primary and Secondary class sizes are capped at 22. The curriculum is delivered in English, and language support is available but limited; typically a child with no English above age 10 will not gain admission. Enrollment can occur throughout the academic year and new arrivals are integrated. The timetable runs Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 15:30, with Tuesday and Wednesday finish times at 16:30 due to after-school activities. The school offers a bus service with routes covering most expatriate residential compounds; some remote or untypical areas may not be served. The school has a Primary Campus at Rua São Paulo 89, Lisbon 1200-427 and a Secondary Campus at Rua de Alcolena 10, Lisbon 1400-004. The school is licensed by the Portuguese Ministry of Education under Authorisation No. 266/EPC/Lisboa e Vale do Tejo/2022.
