Montalvo International School vs Vale Verde International School

	M Montalvo International School Algarve, Portugal	V Vale Verde International School Algarve, Portugal
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €11,550 - 13,785	Fees / year €7,143 - 12,408
Age range	Age range 11 - 17 years	Age range 5 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels	Curriculum Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English, Portuguese
Opened	Opened 2023	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Algarve, Portugal. Located in Loulé at Avenida Marçal Pacheco, 37, the school sits in the heart of the historic town of Loulé in the Algarve region.	Location Estrada do Burgau, 8600-120 Luz-Lagos, Algarve, Portugal
Stages	Stages KS3; iGCSEs (Year 10–11); AS/A Levels (Year 12–13)	Stages Primary (Year 1–6) and Secondary (Year 7–13)
School type	School type British international school	School type International school with bilingual English–Portuguese programme; Cambridge curriculum; IGCSE and AS/A Levels
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support Limited facilities and resources for students with special educational needs; SEN support available at additional charge after assessment
Country affiliation	Country affiliation United Kingdom	Country affiliation Portugal
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure School day starts at 9:00 for Primary (Year 1–6) and 9:00 for Secondary (Year 7–13); Primary ends at 15:30; Secondary ends at 15:45; after-school activities 15:45–16:30; bus service available
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details Bus service from Portimão to school daily with stops along the way including Lagos; billed termly with annual commitment
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application fees - One-time registration / application fee: EUR 300. Tuition fees by year group (annual and termly breakdown) - Grade 8 (age ~13): Annual tuition EUR 11,250. Per term (annual ÷ 3) EUR 3,750. - Grade 9 (age ~14): Annual tuition EUR 13,785. Per term EUR 4,595. - Grade 10 (age ~15): Annual tuition EUR 13,785. Per term EUR 4,595. - Grade 11 (age ~16): Annual tuition EUR 13,785. Per term EUR 4,595. - Grade 12 (age ~17): Annual tuition EUR 13,785. Per term EUR 4,595. Billing schedule and payment terms - Published tuition figures are stated as annual totals; per-term figures above are the annual total divided into three equal instalments (termly amounts shown). For billing schedule and precise payment due dates, the school's admissions office handles invoicing and payment arrangements. Boarding fees - The school is listed as a day school; there are no published boarding fees because boarding is not offered. Other costs and fees - Books and examination fees: The school's published information indicates that books are provided and that exam fees are covered for enrolled students. - Sibling discount: 2nd child – 5%; 3rd child – 10%; 4th child onwards – 15%. Refund information - No separate boarding- or board-related refund applies (board is not provided). For tuition refund, withdrawal or pro‑rata rules, and any conditions that apply to refunds, fee contracts and admissions paperwork from the school's admissions office set the terms. Fee payment options - Fee arrangements and payment methods are handled by the school's administration; contact details for arranging payments are the school phone and administration email shown in the school's contact information.	Fee details —
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement Short sleeve blue polo shirt with School badge; White or black plain socks; Black shorts or trousers (no sweatpants or leggings on its own); knee-length skirt (girls). Shoes must be all-black, sensible, protective and allow for the growth and healthy development of feet; high heels, flip-flops and backless/back-strapped shoes are not allowed. During inclement weather, a vest under or a black/dark coat may be worn over the uniform.
Food options	Food options —	Food options Snacks and lunch are available for purchase each day, including vegetarian options. The menu is sent out on a Wednesday and pre-ordering for the following week is needed by Friday evening to prepare accordingly.
House system	House system —	House system The house system at VVIS consists of four houses: Apollo, Poseidan, Vulcan, Zeus. All students and staff are assigned to one house; students from the same house are encouraged to work together across year groups in various activities throughout the school year. Staff House Leaders, Student Council and Student House Captains from the Sixth Form coordinate and support house events and initiatives.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Key Stage 3 runs Years 7–9 (ages 11–14) and builds the foundations for GCSE study. In Year 9, students study English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities (Geography and History), Languages, Art and Design, Technology, Physical Education and Computing, and by the end of Year 9 they sit three iGCSEs: Foundation Maths, English and a Science subject of their choosing. The iGCSE years span Year 10–11, with students choosing at least three option subjects from Maths, Languages, Science, Humanities/Social Sciences and Creative/Technical/Vocational subjects; core iGCSE requirements include Mathematics, English Language, Literature, Portuguese and the three Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology). AS/A Levels cover Years 12–13 (grades 12–13, ages 16–17) and are described as the culmination of British International Education, taken over two years to prepare for post-school life. The school positions the iGCSE and A Level pathways as a launchpad to universities and higher education.	Curriculum details Cambridge Lower Secondary leading to IGCSE (Pearson/Cambridge); Cambridge Pathway from Year 1 through Year 13 leading to AS and A Levels; Cambridge Checkpoint assessments at the end of Year 6 and Year 9; Primary is bilingual (60/40 English/Portuguese) with core Literacy, Numeracy and Science taught in English.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio 18 students per class (secondary)
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression The school positions iGCSEs and A Levels as a launchpad to universities and higher education worldwide.	Higher education progression Advanced Levels offered (minimum of 3 subjects per subject area); Cambridge AS/A Levels are recognised worldwide as a means to enter university; staff provide guidance on applying to universities, personal statements, UCAS deadlines and subject options.
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 The school is student-centered and progress-driven. It aims to help students reach their personal best by building confidence and a learning environment that pushes for high achievement. Small class sizes provide individualized attention and support social development. Being surrounded by similarly aged peers helps build relationships and social connections. The school emphasizes personal growth and the development of social-emotional skills as part of daily learning.	Social & emotional learning Vale Verde International School develops students' social, physical and interpersonal skills and a sense of personal responsibility. The school provides a happy, stimulating learning environment where pupils are encouraged to be independent, cooperative, confident and reflective learners. The bilingual curriculum supports cross-cultural learning and communication in English and Portuguese. Core values such as honesty, respect, responsibility, tolerance, effort, and self-discipline guide behaviour and interaction within the school community. The approach encourages students to think critically and engage respectfully with diverse perspectives. The school aims to prepare learners for lifelong learning and to contribute positively to society.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school is student-centered and progress-driven, and it looks after the specific needs of all students. Robust methods and systems are in place to ensure the academic and pastoral needs of all students are met.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school recognises that students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) or medical conditions may have safeguarding issues that require extra consideration. SEND and SENCo terminology appear within the safeguarding framework, indicating formal recognition of SEND in student support. All staff are trained to adopt a child-focused approach and to be vigilant for signs that a student may need help. The policy describes a structured system to monitor students known to be at risk and to provide appropriate support. The school undertakes collaboration with external professionals and services to ensure timely access to specialist help when needed. The school seeks to give every pupil the opportunity to realise their potential by addressing SEN and medical needs within a supportive environment.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language The school runs a bilingual curriculum with English and Portuguese. English Literacy, Numeracy and Science are taught in English throughout the primary curriculum. Bilingual teaching is divided 60/40 between English and Portuguese in Years 1 to 6. The Língua Portuguesa for foreign and native learners programme supports learners who are non-native or native Portuguese speakers. It is the only international school in the Algarve offering these language proportions. Portuguese instruction focuses on arts, culture and sports to support non-native speakers and help them prepare for Portuguese tuition.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing Mental health and wellbeing are a core focus of VVIS and are addressed through safeguarding and a tailored PSHE curriculum. All staff are aware that mental health issues may indicate safeguarding concerns and are trained to respond appropriately. The school actively promotes the health, wellbeing and resilience of students and staff, including guidance on responsible social media use through a tailored PSHE programme. Early Help identifies and provides support to students as soon as a problem emerges, including prevention, identification and access to early specialist support. If concerns relate to self-harm, eating disorders or suicidal thoughts, they are brought to the senior management team and acted on promptly.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding Key safeguarding contacts are the Primary Designated Safeguarding Lead Clarissa Conroy, the Secondary Designated Safeguarding Lead Brendan de Beer, and the Principal Ben Riley. Safeguarding covers protecting health, wellbeing and human rights, enabling children to live free from harm, and providing safe care. All staff have a duty to raise concerns and follow reporting procedures, including mandatory reporting when required. The curriculum includes PSHE to promote safety and wellbeing, and online safety education addresses content, contact, conduct and commerce risks. Pastoral care supports students, and the school collaborates with external agencies and families to safeguard pupils. Safeguarding is a shared responsibility across the school.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The school began its academic endeavour in the cultural centre of the Algarve, located in Loulé. The first school building dates back to the 1890s. The goal is to make the Montalvo International School premises in Loulé a Centre of Excellence for examination year groups from Years 9 to 13, providing a dedicated hub for learning with on-site teaching and all the amenities needed within the welcoming environs of Loulé city.	Facilities overview Located in the peaceful Western Algarve, Vale Verde International School sits on Estrada do Burgau in Luz-Lagos, Portugal. The Primary School offers a bilingual curriculum with half the subjects taught in Portuguese and half in English, with core Literacy, Numeracy and Science taught in English. The Cambridge curriculum guides the Secondary School from Year 7 through Year 13, leading to Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced Levels (AS & AL). The school also hosts music education on site, with ABRSM practical and theory examinations available and additional evening and weekend lessons. Limited facilities for students with special educational needs.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The learning hub is designed for Years 9–13 with a focus on iGCSEs and A Levels, offering on-site study spaces and targeted teaching to support examination preparation and student development.	Academic facilities Vale Verde follows the Cambridge curriculum from Year 1 through Year 13, leading to Cambridge International Examinations and Edexcel/Pearson AS and A Levels. In Primary, it is bilingual with Portuguese and English, with core literacy, numeracy and science taught in English. Lower Secondary (Years 7-9) follow Cambridge subjects; Years 10-11 offer IGCSE, and Years 12-13 offer AS/A Levels. A wide range of subjects is offered at Advanced Level, including Business Studies/Economics, History/Geography, Computer Science, Mathematics, Biology/Physics/Chemistry/Marine Science, English, Portuguese and Psychology. Vale Verde is an ABRSM examination centre for practical and theory examinations and follows the Cambridge Checkpoint assessment pathway.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities After school activities run Monday through Thursday from 15:45 to 16:30. Clubs include Chess, Capoeira, Animation, Volleyball, Football, Arts & Crafts, and Portuguese and French. Additional evening and weekend music lessons are available. Vale Verde International School is an ABRSM examination centre for practical and theory examinations.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History —
Community	Community —	Community The school has students from 27 nationalities. Diversity is key; every pupil is valued as a unique individual and encouraged to work as a team. It promotes honesty, respect, responsibility and integrity as core values. Its aims include celebrating the joy of learning, developing lifelong learning, and fostering inter-cultural awareness.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school emphasizes a holistic educational approach that goes beyond academics. There is a focus on extracurricular activities, cultural exchange programs, and community integration. The aim is to broaden students' horizons and provide learning opportunities both in and out of the classroom. The Montalvo Partnership Program will be developed in the coming months to support language immersion and community involvement.	Academic & intellectual The Primary School offers a bilingual curriculum with half of the subjects taught in Portuguese and half in English, following the UK National Curriculum. Core subjects of Literacy, Numeracy and Science are taught in English throughout the year. The Secondary School follows the Cambridge Lower Secondary curriculum, with Year 7 to Year 11 and class sizes limited to eighteen students to enable individual attention. VVIS leads students along the Cambridge Pathway from Year 1 to Year 13, culminating in AS and A Level examinations, with a broad range of subjects and Cambridge Checkpoint assessments to monitor progress.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative Music, Drama and Art and Design form part of the curriculum, with Music on the timetable up to Year 9 and opportunities for instrumental study in the evenings and weekends. The school is an ABRSM examination centre for practical and theory examinations, supporting students pursuing music qualifications. In Upper Secondary, Art and Design and other creative subjects are offered as part of the IGCSE/AS/A Level options.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The school offers cultural exchange programs and opportunities to engage with the local Algarve community. Language immersion is supported by learning Portuguese within the community. The Montalvo Partnership Program will support these language and cultural immersion efforts. Extracurricular activities accompany cultural experiences to broaden students' horizons.	Cultural & language Vale Verde Primary provides a bilingual curriculum with 60/40 English/Portuguese in Years 1 to 6, with core Literacy, Numeracy and Science taught in English. Portuguese instruction focuses on arts, culture and sports to support non-native speakers and prepare pupils for later Portuguese tuition. The Estudo do Meio programme and the Língua Portuguesa for foreign and native learners programme underpin bilingual teaching, making VVIS the Algarve's only international school offering these proportions.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies The school offers a range of extracurricular activities as part of its holistic education. Students have opportunities to engage in activities outside the classroom. Extracurriculars are designed to broaden horizons and support personal development. Cultural exchange programs and community involvement complement these activities.	Social & hobbies Leadership skills are developed as part of the curriculum and the values of International Education are promoted. Students cooperate with others and engage in social issues within the national and international community. Diversity is celebrated with 27 nationalities represented, and every pupil is valued as a unique individual within a caring school community. The curriculum encourages cross-curricular learning and teamwork.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service Social responsibility is promoted as pupils cooperate with others and engage in social issues within the national and international community. Diversity is a central aspect of the community, with inclusion across backgrounds, races and religions. The school aims to develop a responsible community through care, encouragement and inspiration.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional Leadership skills are developed as part of the curriculum and the values of International Education are promoted. The Cambridge Pathway guides study from Year 1 to 13, culminating in AS and A Levels, with subject choices aligned to university aims. The school provides guidance on applying to universities, including personal statements, UCAS deadlines and subject options. Advanced Level subjects are offered based on demand to tailor study to strengths.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The school pursues a holistic educational approach that extends beyond academics to support student well-being. Extracurricular activities, cultural exchange programs, and community integration contribute to students' well-being and personal growth. Language immersion supports social development and well-being by helping students connect with the local community. The Montalvo Partnership Program will support these holistic aims.	Lifestyle & wellbeing A healthy balance in life, including hygiene, nutrition and physical activity, is a core goal. Physical Education is a compulsory, timetabled subject for all pupils. The school fosters a caring, supportive environment that promotes wellbeing across the curriculum. Music and other after-hours activities further support students' physical and mental well-being.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English is a core subject and language of instruction in iGCSE. Portuguese is taught as a core subject (iGCSE includes Portuguese among required subjects). A range of modern foreign languages is offered as options, including French, German, Spanish and Mandarin. The teaching staff includes language specialists in French and Portuguese and a Spanish teacher.	Language provision Languages taught are English and Portuguese. English is the language of instruction for core subjects, while Portuguese is taught across the curriculum with emphasis on arts, culture and sports; other Portuguese-taught subjects include Cooking and Food, Physical Education, Theatre, Culture and Traditions, EVT, Arts, FPS/ER and Music. In Years 7–9, Portuguese is part of the Cambridge curriculum; in Years 10–11, Portuguese is offered as an optional subject, and Portuguese is included among Advanced Level subjects.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching Pupils in Primary School follow a bilingual curriculum with half of their subjects in English and half in Portuguese, following the UK National Curriculum. Core subjects of Literacy, Numeracy and Science are taught in English throughout the academic year. Bilingual teaching is 60/40 between English and Portuguese in Years 1 to 6.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations Cambridge Assessment International Examinations – Cambridge Lower Secondary curriculum and IGCSE qualifications (Pearson and Cambridge variants) administered by Cambridge Assessment International Examinations. Edexcel/Pearson – AS and A Levels are recognised worldwide for university entry. ABRSM – Vale Verde International School is an examination centre for ABRSM practical and theory examinations. AEEP – Member of AEEP (Associação de Estabelecimentos de Ensino Particular e Cooperativo). Cambridge Checkpoint Assessments – Checkpoint assessments are internationally recognised, externally set and marked, and used by Cambridge International schools worldwide.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions From initial enquiry to the first lesson, we guide applicants every step of the way. Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions a family can make. At Montalvo International School, the process is clear, personal, and supportive, ensuring that each student who joins is placed in an environment where they can truly excel. The admissions process reflects the school's values of Academic Excellence, Care, and Individual attention.	Admissions Step 1: Opening an Application File. Submit an application form with the non-refundable application fee of €50 to initiate the process. An email confirms receipt of the forms, but receipt does not imply admission. A student's admission is provisional until the final step in the process has been concluded and the relevant fees have been paid. A place is guaranteed only once all steps in the admissions process are completed. Step 2: Placement Testing. Students complete the Cambridge Insight placement test to determine placement. English placement is required for students for whom English is not their mother tongue. Additional language lessons may be recommended at the parents' expense to cope with the curriculum. Subject-specific placement tests may be required for mathematics, foreign language and science, and a personal interview is required prior to commencement. Step 3: Completing the Application File. Complete the Application File by submitting the documents listed: copies of recent school records, health records and vaccination certificates, Language Background Form, any prior assessment reports, declaration of special needs (if applicable with SEN charge), a copy of the child's passport, a passport-size photo, the parent's tax card, a signed Financial Regulations, and the initial €500 non-refundable registration fee. Submit these forms to VVIS Admissions by mail or email. Documents must be submitted prior to admission. Step 4: Acceptance. After the Application File is complete, it is reviewed by the Head of the relevant division for final decision on acceptance and grade placement. VVIS admits on a space-available basis; if no space is available, the applicant may be placed on a waiting list. For previously wait-listed students, the Admissions Office will call as soon as a space becomes available and an acceptance letter will be emailed to welcome the family. A student will be admitted only after all admission policies are complied with, including vaccination records and the tax number.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist Admission is on a space-available basis; applications are not considered more than two years in advance of entry. If a class is full, the applicant's name may be placed on a waiting list. The Admissions Office will call as soon as a space becomes available and an acceptance letter will be emailed to welcome the family.
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