IPS Cascais British International School vs The British School of Lisbon

	I IPS Cascais British International School Lisbon, Portugal	T The British School of Lisbon Lisbon, Portugal
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €11,548 - 17,755	Fees / year €13,110 - 21,375
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 16 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels	Curriculum British Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 440	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 22	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1982	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
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 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 Foundation Stage to Year 9 is offered. iGCSEs are taken in Year 11. 6th Form (Years 12–13) coming soon.	Stages Early Years; Primary School; Middle School; Secondary School; Sixth Form
School type	School type British international school delivering the National Curriculum of England.	School type British international school following the English National Curriculum
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 Language support is available for a limited number of students
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Portugal	Country affiliation United Kingdom
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	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 —	Bus service details The school offers a bus service; routes cover most expatriate residential compounds.
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 Application and enrolment fees - Application fee (one-time): EUR 250. - Enrolment (acceptance) fee (one-off, charged per family): EUR 5,000 (non‑refundable). Tuition fees by year group (annual and per term) 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 —	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 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 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 —
House system	House system —	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 IPS Cascais is a member of Globeducate.	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 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 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 The school has a 1:10 staff-pupil ratio. Average class size is 22 pupils.	Student teacher ratio Small class sizes and a low student to teacher ratio.
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
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 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 —	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 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) 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 Classroom support is provided to students whose English is an additional language.
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 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 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 Pupils are to be safe and happy as guiding principles, and a health and safety policy protects pupil welfare.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 —
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 —
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 —
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 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 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 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 —	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 —
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 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.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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