IPS Cascais British International School vs Santo António International School

	I IPS Cascais British International School Lisbon, Portugal	S Santo António International School Lisbon, Portugal
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €11,548 - 17,755	Fees / year €11,160 - 14,860
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 5 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils	Pupils 440	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 22	Typical class size 23
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1982	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location 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 Estoril, Portugal. Avenida Sabóia, 662 A, 2765-277 Estoril. The school is in the heart of Estoril and is a full K-12 British international school. It is a Catholic independent institution.
Stages	Stages Foundation Stage to Year 9 is offered. iGCSEs are taken in Year 11. 6th Form (Years 12–13) coming soon.	Stages Full K-12; 5 to 9 years (Year 2–5); 10 to 13 years (Year 6–9); 14 to 15 years (Year 10–11); 16 to 18 years (Year 12–13).
School type	School type British international school delivering the National Curriculum of England.	School type Full K-12 British international private Catholic school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix 440 pupils from over 40 nationalities.	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Learning support and EAL rooms are available.	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Portugal	Country affiliation Portugal; Cambridge International Examinations (UK) accreditation.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation Catholic
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
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 Enrollment & one‑time fees - Yearly admission fee (non‑refundable): EUR 1,500 per pupil. - School deposit (non‑refundable): EUR 1,050 one‑time payment upon acceptance. - Reservation fee (non‑refundable): EUR 1,150 upon admission. - School insurance: EUR 210 annual. Tuition fees by year group (per term and annual totals for the 2025/2026 academic year) - Primary School (P1 – P5 / Year 1 – Year 5): Term 1 = EUR 3,650; Term 2 = EUR 3,650; Term 3 = EUR 3,650; Annual total = EUR 10,950 (meal pack noted with primary fees). - Middle School (A1 – A4 / Year 6 – Year 9): Term 1 = EUR 3,950; Term 2 = EUR 3,950; Term 3 = EUR 3,950; Annual total = EUR 11,850. - IGCSE (A5 – A6 / Year 10 – Year 11): Term 1 = EUR 4,300; Term 2 = EUR 4,300; Term 3 = EUR 4,300; Annual total = EUR 12,900. (CAIE / external examination fees are excluded.) - A'Level / AICE (A7 – A8 / Year 12 – Year 13): Term 1 = EUR 4,600; Term 2 = EUR 4,600; Term 3 = EUR 4,600; Annual total = EUR 13,800. (CAIE / external examination fees are excluded.) Billing schedule and payment terms - Invoice method: Tuition fees are invoiced by email. - Termly payment windows: - Term 1: payment expected between 30 August and 8 September (Term 1 is due on admission for new entrants). - Term 2: payment expected between 2 January and 8 January. - Term 3: payment expected between 1 April and 8 April. - Annual/termly payments are expected; there is a stated 5% discount for yearly fees paid at the beginning of September (discounts are non‑cumulative). - Overdue policy: late payments incur a 15% increase on amounts received after the due date; outstanding debts are prioritized against the eldest outstanding charge and pupils with outstanding fees may be denied return or admission. Boarding fees - The school operates as a day school; no boarding fees apply. Other costs and optional fees - Monthly Meal Pack (recommended / mandatory for Primary pupils when ordered termly): EUR 210 per termly order (Morning snack + Lunch + Afternoon snack). - Daily lunch ticket (when used): EUR 15 per day. - Field trips, after‑school activities, homework club, external summer school and similar services: charged as required and billed separately. - CAIE / external examination fees: charged separately and are excluded from tuition. - Student planner replacement: EUR 15 (charged if replacement is required). - Overtime / late‑collection fee: EUR 35 per 30 minutes (charged after a 30‑minute tolerance period). - Uniform: school uniform is compulsory for all pupils and may be purchased at the school office; specific item costs are not listed in the fee schedule. Refunds, withdrawal and related policies - Admission/registration fees, reservation fee and the school deposit are non‑refundable. - Early withdrawal: written notice of withdrawal with a full term's notice (90 days) is required when a pupil leaves during the academic year; failure to provide formal notice results in charge of the equivalent term's fees. - If a pupil does not attend after payment of registration/fees, the registration fee remains non‑refundable. Fee payment options - Accepted payment methods: payments in Euros may be made in cash, by bank transfer, or by account debit (débito directo). All payment slips should include the pupil's first and last name. Discounts and sibling policy - Discount for early payment: 5% reduction on yearly fees if paid at the beginning of September. - Sibling discount: 5% discount applied to the tuition fees for the second and subsequent pupils from the same family (applied to the younger sibling); discounts are non‑cumulative.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
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 The school has a uniform; all pupils wear uniform from Primary up to A Level. Uniforms may be purchased at the school office.
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 A Monthly SAIS Meal Pack is offered (morning snack, lunch, and afternoon snack); school lunch is not included in the SAIS school fee and is ordered on a termly basis.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership IPS Cascais is a member of Globeducate.	Governance and ownership The school is an international independent Catholic School.
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 The Cambridge Pathway Curriculum is followed from Primary KS2 through Middle School KS3, leading into IGCSEs and A Level/AICE Diploma years. It has been a Cambridge International School since 2013 and operates as a Cambridge examination center. The curriculum spans ages 5 to 18, with 5-9 years (Year 25) including English, Portuguese, Mathematics, Topic, ICT, Religious Education, Performing Arts, Arts & Crafts and GP. For 10-13 years (Year 69) the program includes English Language & Literature, Portuguese Language & Literature, Mathematics, Sciences, History, Geography, Arts & Design, ICT, GP, Religious Education, Performing Arts, HCP and Music. For 14-15 years (Year 1011) it includes English Language & Literature, Portuguese Language & Literature, Mathematics, Sciences, History, Geography, Business, Global Perspectives, ICT, DT, Art & Design, Physical Education, Religious Education, Ethics. For 16-18 years (Year 1213) there is a Range of Mathematics & Science Subjects, a Range of Languages, a Range of Humanities & Arts, Global Perspectives (Compulsory CAIE Subject), Ethics and Physical Education.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio The school has a 1:10 staff-pupil ratio. Average class size is 22 pupils.	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results Examination routes include SAIS A'LEVEL/AICE Diploma and SAIS IGCSE, with results updated yearly. World University SAIS Placement shows graduates progress to universities such as Faculdade de Direito da Universidade do Porto, Universidade Católica Portuguesa in Lisbon, and Bangor University in Wales, with results updated yearly.
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 Graduates progress to universities such as Faculdade de Direito da Universidade do Porto, Universidade Católica Portuguesa in Lisbon, and Bangor University in Wales.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
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 Pastoral component is led by the SAIS Coordinator for Middle School & MUNs. It provides pastoral support as an essential complement to academic training. The school emphasizes being physically, mentally and emotionally healthy as part of student development.
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) —
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 Promote fluency in at least two languages.
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 Mental wellbeing is prioritized; a pastoral component supports students' emotional health.
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 —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
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 The school is a full K-12 British international school and independent Catholic School in the heart of Estoril. It offers the Cambridge Pathway Curriculum with IGCSE and A Level/AICE Diploma years. All classrooms are located in the main building, while the dining hall and vocational subjects (Art, Design, Music and P.E. & P.) are on the ground floor leading to the patio. The school building is in Monte Estoril, near Cascais in the Lisbon district. The spacious Multi-Use Hall is used for physical education, weekly school assemblies, school presentations, external exams and other presentations.
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 A spacious Multi-Use Hall is used for physical education and for assemblies and presentations.
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 All classrooms are in the main building; the dining hall and vocational subjects (Art, Design, Music and P.E. & P.) are located on the ground floor leading to the patio.
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 Sofia V. Aguiar is the SAIS Coordinator for the Middle School & MUNs, coordinating Model United Nations activities.
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 SAIS emerged as a project created by a group of several professionals, teachers and former pupils from diverse educational backgrounds who saw different areas of learning that they felt warranted greater focus in their children's education. The school building is located in the heart of Monte Estoril, near the historical Villa of Cascais in the Lisbon District area. All classrooms are situated within the main building, the dining room and vocational subjects (Art, Design, Music, and P.E. & P. Arts) are located on the ground floor leading onto the Patio. Our spacious Multipurpose Hall is used for physical education, school weekly assemblies, external examinations and other performances.
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 SAIS Community includes a wide range of after-school cross-curricular activities, from sports to music and learning different instruments, photography and crafts. Summer school and work experience are particularly popular; external candidates are accepted. Through community service, pupils gain real-world experience and practical skills like leadership, problem-solving and time management, with projects such as partnerships with the Lisbon Project to support migrants and refugees in Lisbon.
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 Since 2013 the PTA has played an invaluable role in making new families feel welcomed into the SAIS Family. The Association is organized by year groups with a Parent Representative and meets monthly to aid in running activities, including fundraising and other events. All are welcome!
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 The Cambridge Pathway Curriculum is followed from primary through middle school, leading into IGCSEs and A Level/AICE Diploma years. World University SAIS Placement highlights strong university pathways, and results are praised as excellent with updates published yearly. Examinations for IGCSE and A Level/AICE Diploma are described as excellent and are updated annually. Global Perspectives is a Cambridge subject included in the upper years.
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 Performing Arts is included in the curriculum. SAIS partners with Oficina da Dança, which offers Ballet, Contemporary Dance, Ballet Fitness, Ballroom, Hip-Hop and Yoga, with SAIS pupils involved and performances hosted. Arts & Design, Music, and Photography & Crafts are present in the program or as after-school activities.
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 English (Languages) and Portuguese (Languages/Literature) are taught across age groups. Global Perspectives is a Cambridge subject in the upper years. The school participates in cultural initiatives such as watercolour and artwork prizes with local partners and maintains a voluntary work protocol with Junta de Freguesia Estoril.
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 There are after-school activities across sport and arts, including Ballet, Basketball, Badminton, Judo, Football and Volleyball, plus SAIS Tutoring and Summer School. Students have opportunities to learn music and different instruments, photography and crafts. External candidates are accepted for these activities.
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 Through community service and helping local charities and NGOs, SAIS pupils gain real-world experience and practical skills such as leadership, problem-solving and time management. Some pupils complete final projects for Global Perspectives in partnership with the Lisbon Project. The PTA has existed since 2013 to welcome new families and support fundraising and school activities, with year-group representatives meeting monthly. SAIS maintains partnerships with local and international organizations, including Grupo Desportivo Estoril Praia, Sal Surf School, Oficina da Dança, and Junta de Freguesia Estoril.
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 Student leadership is evident through SAIS Student Council involvement and roles such as Head Girl. The PTA involvement fosters leadership and fundraising, with active parent representation across year groups. The school emphasizes leadership development through university placement pathways and global perspectives programs.
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 A broad range of sports is offered, including basketball, badminton, football, volleyball, and judo, complemented by dance and fitness activities. Surf training is provided by Sal Surf School during Summer School, and Office da Dança offers dance activities to promote fitness and wellbeing. Summer School programs include activity blocks and work experiences that support overall well-being.
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 English and Portuguese are taught as languages across the early and middle years (5–9 and 10–13). In the upper years (14–15 and 16–18), English and Portuguese appear as Language & Literature, and a Range of Languages is listed for the final years. Within the Cambridge pathway, French, Spanish and Mandarin are offered as languages.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
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 —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards null	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations COBIS; Globeducate member	Accreditations Ministry of Education CAIE – Cambridge International Assessment Education Camara Municipal de Cascais AEEP – Associação de estabelecimento de Ensino particular e cooperativo
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.	Admissions 1. Pre-enrolment registration: Complete the Pre-enrolment Form with your child's details: Name, Birth Date, Nationality, Gender, First Language, Second Language, Current School, and Current Academic Year. The form also collects Parent/Guardian Information such as Name, Email, and Phone Number, and requires acceptance of the Privacy Policy. After submission, you will be contacted for an interview, and the admissions process continues from there. 2. Interview and next steps: Interviews are scheduled as part of the admissions process. You should expect to be called for an interview after completing the pre-enrolment form. The next steps are determined by SAIS's internal requirements.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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