IPS Cascais British International School vs Prime School - Lisbon
IPS Cascais British International School and Prime School - Lisbon are both in Lisbon, about 22 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge A Levels programmes. IPS Cascais British International School also offers British, and Prime School - Lisbon also offers Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary) and Bespoke. Published annual fees are close, at €11,548 - 17,755 for IPS Cascais British International School and €9,253 - 22,160 for Prime School - Lisbon . Both take pupils from 3 to 18. Prime School - Lisbon is the larger school, with around 900 pupils to IPS Cascais British International School's 440. Typical class sizes are 22 at IPS Cascais British International School and 17 at Prime School - Lisbon .
IPS Cascais British International School is located in Bicesse, north of Cascais, Portugal. It is 25 kilometres from the centre of Lisbon. The campus address is Rua da Lagoa 171, 2645-344 Alcabideche, Portugal. The school serves a diverse international community with students from over 40 nationalities.
Location
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Stages
Stages
Foundation Stage to Year 9 is offered. iGCSEs are taken in Year 11. 6th Form (Years 12–13) coming soon.
Stages
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School type
School type
British international school delivering the National Curriculum of England.
School type
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Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
440 pupils from over 40 nationalities.
Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Learning support and EAL rooms are available.
Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Portugal
Country affiliation
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Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
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School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
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Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Initial / Application charges
- Registration (one‑off, non‑refundable on acceptance): EUR 4,000. Split into two equal payments if the child starts in Nursery (FS1) or Reception; the second payment is due on entering Year 1. - Annual enrolment/registration charge (invoiced annually): EUR 925.
Tuition fees (per term) — full detail by year group
- Nursery (mornings only) — per term by number of mornings: - 1 morning: EUR 2,705 - 2 mornings: EUR 2,825 - 3 mornings: EUR 2,950 - 4 mornings: EUR 3,065 - 5 mornings: EUR 3,190 - Nursery (full days) — per term by number of full days: - 1 day: EUR 2,780 - 2 days: EUR 2,970 - 3 days: EUR 3,170 - 4 days: EUR 3,360 - 5 days: EUR 3,541 - Reception (per term): EUR 3,612 - Years 1 & 2 (per term): EUR 4,514 - Years 3 & 4 (per term): EUR 4,838 - Years 5, 6 & 7 (per term): EUR 5,144 - Years 8 & 9 (per term): EUR 5,343 - Year 10 (per term): EUR 5,610
All per‑term tuition figures above are published as the standard per‑term charge. Family discount for third child and subsequent (applied to the youngest children): 20%.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Standard due date: fees and other charges are due on or before the first day of each term. Alternative instalment schedules are available where published; when paying in three instalments for the academic year the due dates for the three instalments are: 1st instalment by 26 August 2025, 2nd instalment by 26 December 2025, and 3rd instalment by 26 March 2026. - Payment conditions: acceptance of a place is confirmed only once required initial charges and completed documentation have been received; enrolment and registration fees are not refundable if the child does not attend. Late payment may attract interest and outstanding reports/documentation may be withheld until accounts are settled. Specific cheque clearance periods apply (Portuguese cheques: 2 days; UK cheques: 15 days; other cheques: 20 days). Payment by certain voucher systems must be processed in advance to allow for handling time. - Acceptance for less than a full term: enrolment during the first half of a term attracts a full term's fee; enrolment during the second half of a term attracts a half‑term's fee. Notice of withdrawal must be given in writing at least 90 calendar days before expected departure. If proper notice is not provided, one term's fee may be charged in lieu of notice.
Boarding fees
- Boarding provision is not listed among the school's standard fee charges for the current primary/secondary provision; there are no published standard boarding fees in the school fee schedules for the current academic provision.
Other costs and regular additional charges
- Lunch: - Nursery & Reception — per term: EUR 440; per day (1–4 meals/week): EUR 8.00 - Years 1 and up — per term: EUR 509; per day (1–4 meals/week): EUR 9.00 - Occasional lunches (payable on the day by 10:00): EUR 9.50 per day. - Bus transport (per term) — standard routes and fares: - 0–5 km (examples: Alcabideche, Estoril, Linhó): EUR 1,087 per term - 5–10 km (examples: Carcavelos, Cascais, Malveira da Serra, Oeiras): EUR 1,181 per term - +10 km (examples: Paço de Arcos, Lisboa): EUR 1,418 per term - Occasional trip (daily rate): single ride EUR 23; return EUR 31 - Discount on transport: second and subsequent children at the same address: 10%. Additional charges may apply for addresses outside usual routes. - Additional services / charges (examples and per‑session rates): - Special Education Needs (SEN) support: EUR 35 per session (30 minutes) - EAL / language tuition: EUR 35 per session (30 minutes) - Psychological & orientation services: EUR 40 per session (45 minutes) - Student transfer process administration: EUR 50 per student - After‑school VivaHUB activities and other extra‑curricular programmes are charged separately (prices vary by activity). Uniform items are charged separately (uniform cost varies by item and purchase).
Refunds and cancellation
- Enrolment/registration fees are non‑refundable once paid and a place is accepted. If a child is enrolled but does not attend, enrolment and registration fees are still payable and non‑refundable; the first term's fees remain payable. Refunds of tuition are not made if the school is forced to close for reasons beyond its control (force majeure). Refunds will be made for lunch or transport services that have not been provided; lunch credits may be issued when a child is absent for three or more authorised days. Notice and withdrawal rules (90 calendar days' written notice; charge in lieu of notice where applicable) apply as stated in the school's payment regulations.
Fee payment options
- Accepted payment methods: Bank transfer; TICKET, EDENRED, COVERFLEX or UP Portugal (voucher/payment providers); bank cheque; cash. Bank transfers should be made to the school owner's bank account; payments via voucher providers must be made four weeks prior to the first day of each term to allow processing; cheque clearance times apply as above. Credit card payment is not listed among the standard options. All bank charges are borne by the payer unless otherwise arranged.
Discounts
- Family discounts noted in the current fee schedule: third child and subsequent: 20% discount applied to the youngest children. Transport discount for second/subsequent children at same address: 10%. Other sibling discount structures or early‑payment discounts may be specified in the school's published payment regulations.
(Amounts and procedural dates are the school's published charges and terms for the current published fee schedule.)
Fee details
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Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
Uniform is compulsory for all children from Year 1 onwards. Foundation Stage (Nursery and Reception) do not require a uniform, but clothing should be appropriate for activities including physical education. Primary uniform (Years 1–6) includes grey trousers/shorts or tartan skort, white polo shirt with logo, navy pullover, softshell jacket, and blue floral summer dress; PE kit includes a white short-sleeve t-shirt with logo, blue shorts, tracksuit bottoms and jacket. Secondary uniform (Years 7–11) includes grey trousers/shorts or tartan skirt, white polo shirt with logo, navy pullover, and softshell jacket; footwear must be smart and closed-toe; PE kit includes a white t‑shirt, navy shorts, tracksuit top and bottoms. Uniforms can be purchased from TOGS Uniforms; PTA runs second-hand uniform sales.
Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
Meals / Lunches: The school provides healthy, balanced hot meals prepared by a local catering company, cooked on-site and eaten in the dining room. FS1 (Nursery) lunches are eaten in the classroom, KS1 and KS2 eat in the dining room; a vegetarian option is available; the school maintains a nut- and sesame-free environment.
Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
IPS Cascais is a member of Globeducate.
Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
IPS Cascais follows the National Curriculum for England, adapted to an international context. In Primary, core subjects are English, Mathematics, and Science, with additional language provision including Portuguese and Dutch, and English as an Additional Language (EAL). In Year 7, pupils receive a language taster in French (Term 1) and Spanish (Term 2), before choosing a language option from Term 3 onward. In Secondary (Years 7–11), pupils follow the National Curriculum for England and prepare for iGCSEs, with iGCSE study beginning in Year 10 and examinations in Year 11. A Sixth Form (Years 12–13) with A Levels is coming soon, and a new Secondary School campus will open in September 2026 to deliver Years 7–13.
Curriculum details
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Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
The school has a 1:10 staff-pupil ratio. Average class size is 22 pupils.
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
Globeducate pupils secure places at leading universities worldwide; in 2020/2021 our students gained admission to 25 of the world's top 50 universities.
Higher education progression
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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
Pastoral care nurtures pupils in a supportive, inclusive environment. A buddy system helps integrate new students and ensures no child feels left out. Staff collaborate closely with families, and parents are encouraged to contact staff about concerns. The safeguarding and wellbeing framework supports social and emotional development through PSHE and classroom activities, promoting emotional health and safe relationships. The school emphasizes respectful relationships and peer support to help pupils thrive academically and personally.
Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
Learning Support and EAL departments provide extra help and guidance. Additional English language classes are available for non-native speakers who need extra support to adapt to school in English. The school is fully accessible to all students, no matter their needs. The learning support services help ensure inclusive participation in the curriculum.
Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
Learning Support and EAL departments provide extra help and guidance. Additional English language classes are available for non-native speakers who need extra support to adapt to school in English. The school is fully accessible to all students, no matter their needs.
English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
Emotional well-being is a focus within the safeguarding curriculum. Safeguarding in Curriculum covers emotional well-being and how to seek help from trusted adults through PSHE and Computing lessons, assemblies, and external input. The approach supports students' resilience and ability to seek support when needed.
Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
IPS Cascais is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children. The Safeguarding Leadership Team includes a Designated Safeguarding Lead and Deputy DSLs. Key safeguarding policies include the Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy, Staff Code of Conduct, Online Safety Policy, and Behaviour and Anti-Bullying Policy. Safeguarding in the Curriculum weaves safeguarding through learning and assemblies, including healthy relationships, online safety, personal safety and consent, emotional well-being, and how to seek help from trusted adults. Safer Recruitment is followed to ensure suitability of staff and volunteers, and staff receive regular safeguarding training, with a culture of vigilance and partnership with families.
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
IPS Cascais Primary School moved into purpose-built, eco-friendly premises in September 2010. The Secondary School site is a brand-new development located about five minutes away from the Primary. The buildings are designed to support learning and are arranged to create a cohesive, safe and inclusive environment. The Primary building has no stairs, with bright, spacious classrooms and outside spaces, and an atrium used for shows and events. A new gymnasium and theatre are coming soon, and an additional sports field and a multipurpose pavilion will accompany the Secondary facilities as construction progresses.
Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
IPS has a multipurpose field within the school grounds. A hardcourt is available for basketball, tennis, and handball. Smaller green areas cater to younger pupils. An additional sports field will be added to the Primary site once the Secondary construction is complete, along with a multipurpose pavilion for sports and theatre productions.
Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
Classrooms are bright and spacious, equipped with learning resources, interactive and offline whiteboards, and all have outside space for outdoor learning and group work. The Atrium (Main building) houses specialist rooms for music, languages, and art, a library with a dedicated Librarian, and a dining room with meals cooked onsite. Learning Support and EAL rooms are available to assist diverse learners. The Primary School features Trombe walls, green roofs, and other eco-features as part of its sustainable design. A brand-new Secondary School is underway nearby to extend the academic facilities.
Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
Beyond the Classroom includes Pastoral Care, Additional Services, Alumni, PTA and International Experiences. VivaHUB offers After School and Summer programmes. Outdoor learning areas support Duke of Edinburgh skills development. The school emphasizes a broad programme of activities that extend learning beyond classroom lessons.
Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
IPS Cascais British International School is located in Bicesse, north of Cascais, about 25 km from central Lisbon. The school began with 5 pupils and has grown over the last 40 years into a united international community of around 440 children from more than 40 nationalities. The curriculum follows the National Curriculum of England from Foundation Stage to Year 9; in Years 11, students work toward iGCSEs, and A levels are planned for the future. A new secondary school is opening in September 2026 to provide Years 7–13, and the current secondary provision is expanding accordingly.
History
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Community
Community
IPS Cascais hosts a diverse international community of around 440 pupils from more than 40 nationalities. The school is a member of Globeducate and collaborates with partner organizations, including WWF and Eco-Schools. Community life is enriched by activities organized through the PTA, including events such as a cheese and wine evening, Halloween and bake sales, a Christmas fair, an International Day, a carnival parade, and other fund‑raisers. Parent Representatives meet with the Head of School regularly to foster strong links between home and school.
Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
The IPS Cascais PTA builds strong links between school and home to enhance pupil education. Each class elects a Parent Representative who meets with the Head of School to receive updates and help coordinate class communications. The PTA supports local and international charities and funds educational experiences and activities for the children, with events such as Cheese & Wine, Halloween costume swaps, Usborne book sales, second-hand uniform sales, Halloween bake sales, a PTA Christmas fair, International Day, a carnival parade, bake and book sales, a PTA quiz night, and a Summer fayre. The PTA also offers keep‑fit sessions and tennis lessons for parents, and maintains policies and channels for safeguarding and parent feedback.
Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
Regular visits and field trips complement classroom topics and provide practical, real-world context. Overnight stays and extended visits occur annually for children from Year 3 up. The Journey outdoor learning program develops practical skills such as shelter building, knots, fire and cooking, and also promotes communication, collaboration, resilience and leadership. A British-style House System promotes teamwork and belonging, while the Student Council gives pupils a voice in school life.
Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
VivaHUB includes a broad slate of arts and performance clubs such as Circus Club, Dance Club, Drama Club, Fairy Tales & Performance, IPS Choir, Power of Pronunciation, and Sing-Along Club. CreativeHUB offers Art Club, Arts & Crafts, Carpentry Club, Crochet Club, Little Carpenters, Mandala Club, Scrap 4 Fun, and Woodcrafting. Music is a valued part of the curriculum with specialist instrumental tuition, singing, and performances, and annual musical matinees and soirees showcase student talents.
Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
IPS Cascais participates in international experiences as part of Globeducate, with opportunities to study abroad at fellow Globeducate schools and to attend holiday camps. Pupils can choose from summer holiday camps in England, Canada, and Andorra. Locations include Stonar School near Bath, Blyth Academy campuses in Ontario, and Agora Andorra.
Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
VivaHUB provides a full after-school programme with a variety of clubs, including sports, arts, cooking, lego, and more. The VivaHUB programme categorises activities into ArtisticHUB, CreativeHUB, CulturalHUB, InnovationHUB, and WellbeingHUB with many club options. This range allows pupils to explore new hobbies and develop diverse interests.
Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
The PTA strengthens links between school and home, supports charities, and funds educational experiences and activities for pupils. Charity work is a regular feature, with events such as Cheese & Wine evenings, book sales, Halloween activities, an International Day, and a PTA Christmas fair. IPS Cascais partners with WWF and Eco-Schools to promote environmental stewardship and a Green Flag journey.
Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
Pupils can participate in a Student Council that elects representatives and meets with staff to ensure the school community has a voice. Children join a British-style House System to foster teamwork and leadership as well as a sense of belonging. Older alumni return for work experience and to assist with after-school training of school teams. The PTA also provides leadership opportunities by connecting families with school activities and fundraising.
Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Pastoral Care prioritises safeguarding and pupil welfare, with a buddy system to help integrate new students and prevent anyone from feeling left out. Learning Support and EAL offer extra help for non-native English speakers to ease transitions. VivaHUB WellbeingHUB includes mindfulness and other wellbeing-focused clubs and activities to support physical and mental health.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
The curriculum is delivered in English by native speakers, and English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is available for pupils who do not yet speak English. The main additional language offered within the curriculum is Portuguese. Dutch is offered for Dutch-speaking families with 2–3 hours per week. In Year 7, pupils sample French in Term 1 and Spanish in Term 2, then choose a language to develop in the coming years.
Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
Foundation Stages learn English through full immersion in an English environment. The language of the school, the playground, and the corridors is English, helping non-native speakers settle in and progress in an English-language environment. An English as an Additional Language (EAL) program provides support for Reception to Year 6; the school values linguistic diversity and encourages pupils to develop and use their home language in their play and learning.
Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
COBIS; Globeducate member
Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
IPS Cascais welcomes children from all over the world and is currently enrolling, accepting applications throughout the school year. IPS Cascais offers the National Curriculum for England to primary and secondary-aged students and is a proud member of Globeducate. The admissions process comprises six steps: express your interest; visit the school or schedule a meeting; submit the Registration Form and send previous school reports; pupil sits an entry task; confirmation of place; pay charges to secure the pupil's seat. Places are mainly awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on availability. Priority is given to siblings of current students; children whose first language is not Portuguese or who have had the majority of their education in English; first-language English speakers; and families from organisations with whom IPS has long-standing protocols. A new Secondary School opens in September 2026; it will move to a new campus with specialist facilities near the current site and will deliver an educational programme from Years 7 to 13, preparing pupils for universities worldwide.
