Nobel Algarve British International School - Almancil Campus vs Vale Verde International School

	N Nobel Algarve British International School - Almancil Campus Algarve, Portugal	V Vale Verde International School Algarve, Portugal
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €6,660 - 18,430	Fees / year €7,143 - 12,408
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 5 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), BTEC Qualification, Cambridge IGCSE	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 18	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Portuguese	Instruction language English, Portuguese
Opened	Opened 1972	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Two campuses in the Algarve region of Portugal: Nobel Algarve Almancil and Nobel Algarve Lagoa. Almancil is located between Faro and Albufeira, near Vale de Lobo and Quinta do Lago. Lagoa is located along the EN125 route between Lagos and Albufeira. Lagoa campus address is Barros Brancos, EN125, 8401-901 Lagoa, Portugal; Almancil campus address is Caminho das Pereiras, 8135-022 Almancil, Portugal.	Location Estrada do Burgau, 8600-120 Luz-Lagos, Algarve, Portugal
Stages	Stages Nursery to Year 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 50+ nationalities represented	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Adaptations available for SEN students	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 Portugal	Country affiliation Portugal
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Secular	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 and initial charges - Registration (non-refundable, payable on acceptance of a place): EUR 500. - Enrolment fee (charged annually for all age groups; includes school insurance): EUR 340 per year. Tuition fees (International section) — rates shown as Annual / Full-term (x3) / Monthly (x10) - Pre-School (ages 3–4): Annual EUR 6,660 / Full-term EUR 2,220 / Monthly EUR 666. - Year 1: Annual EUR 8,700 / Full-term EUR 2,900 / Monthly EUR 870. - Years 2–6: Annual EUR 11,490 / Full-term EUR 3,830 / Monthly EUR 1,149. - Years 7–9: Annual EUR 14,730 / Full-term EUR 4,910 / Monthly EUR 1,473. - Year 10: Annual EUR 15,150 / Full-term EUR 5,050 / Monthly EUR 1,515. - Year 11: Annual EUR 14,610 / Full-term EUR 4,870 / Monthly EUR 1,461. - Years 12 & 13: Annual EUR 16,410 / Full-term EUR 5,470 / Monthly EUR 1,641. Canteen / Lunch - Pre-School (mandatory): Annual EUR 1,560 / Full-term EUR 520 / Monthly EUR 156. - Years 1–13: Annual EUR 1,680 / Full-term EUR 560 / Monthly EUR 168. Other per-item charges and services - Special Educational Needs (SEN) support: EUR 35 per session (30 minutes). - English as an Additional Language (EAL) / language tuition: EUR 35 per session (30 minutes). - Psychological and orientation services: EUR 40 per session (45 minutes). - School transfer (administrative) fee: EUR 50 per student. - External examination fees are charged separately by the examining bodies and attract VAT and administrative charges. - Bus transport, uniform and after-school activity fees are set in the school's institutional documents. Billing schedule and payment terms - Full-term payment (x3 instalments): instalments due by the dates shown in the school fee schedule (example instalment deadlines stated as 1st instalment by 11 August; 2nd by 11 December; 3rd by 11 March in the published schedule). Debit direct arrangements are required for instalment plans. - Monthly payment (x10 instalments): successive instalments as scheduled (example schedule runs from 1 July through 1 April in the published schedule). Direct debit is mandatory for monthly payments; a once-off administrative charge of EUR 50 is applied annually if direct debit is chosen. - Early-payment discount for renewal annual payments: an Early Bird discount applies for full-year payments received by the deadline shown in the current fee schedule (example: a 4% discount for payments received by 31 March in the published schedule). Family discounts apply (second child 3%; third child and subsequent 20% applied to the youngest children). Discounts are not combinable with other rate discounts. - The school's terms require written notice of withdrawal at least 90 calendar days before the expected departure date. Registration fees are non-refundable as stated in the initial charges. Boarding - The school operates boarding provision for students (day and boarding options exist). Boarding fee schedules are managed separately to the International tuition schedule and should be requested directly; boarding fees are not itemised in the International section tuition table. Refund and withdrawal rules - The initial registration charge is non-refundable. Notice of withdrawal must be provided in writing at least 90 calendar days prior to the expected departure date; additional terms for refunds and liabilities are set out in the school's institutional regulations. Accepted payment methods and account details - Accepted payment methods: bank transfer, TICKET / EDENRED / UP Portugal, bank cheque, cash (subject to legal cash limits), direct debit (for monthly instalments), international transfers and credit card payments via the school's international payments provider. - School bank accounts (examples shown on the school payment page): - IBAN: PT50 0007 0000 0009 8802 3582 3 (SWIFT/BIC: BESCPTPL) — Novo Banco. - IBAN: PT50 0045 7060 4004 6436 578 72 (SWIFT/BIC: CCCMPTPL) — Crédito Agrícola. - International transfers and credit card payments can be made through the school's TransferMate facility for international education payments. Direct debit is mandatory for monthly plans; a once-off EUR 50 administrative charge applies when direct debit is used. Summary of key actionable figures - Registration (on acceptance): EUR 500 (non-refundable). - Enrolment: EUR 340 per year. - Example annual tuition (Years 2–6): EUR 11,490; Years 12–13: EUR 16,410. Full-term and monthly equivalents are published alongside each annual rate. (End of fee overview.)	Fee details —
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Pupils wear the school uniform at all times and it is checked daily. The uniform includes a navy jumper with the school emblem and a white polo shirt, with grey skirts or trousers; a new uniform with a navy hoodie and blazer is being introduced.	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 Lagoa campus has two canteens and a snack-bar, and a dedicated area for packed lunches is available.	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 The House system is a distinctly British feature used for collaboration and healthy competition among students. Each House has a colour, an emblem, an attribute and a charity, and students participate in inter-house competitions and House Council leadership.	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 The school is part of Globeducate. It is governed by a Board of Directors that sets policies and oversees finances, and it operates as a private company with swift decision-making. An Advisory Board provides governance support, and safeguarding is prioritized by the leadership.	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details British National Curriculum is taught across Nobel Algarve Almancil (IGCSEs, BTEC and IB Diploma) and Nobel Algarve Lagoa (British curriculum with IGCSEs and A-Levels; Portuguese National Curriculum pathway also available). Nobel Algarve is a member of Globeducate's GBIS network.	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 In 2024/25, Nobel Algarve Lagoa posted results under the Portuguese National Curriculum above national and regional averages. The 9º ano overall average was 63.6% (+11 percentage points above the national average), with Mathematics 65.6% (+13.6%), Portuguese 61.3% (+7.3%), and PLNM 70.3% (national 58%). For ModA assessments (4º and 6º anos), Advanced+Proficient percentages included English 90% (4º ano), Portuguese 50% (4º ano), Mathematics 47% (4º ano), PLNM 50% (4º ano), Portuguese 58% (6º ano), Mathematics 45% (6º ano), and History/Geography of Portugal 52% (6º ano). At 12º ano, the overall average was 12.5 marks (+1.1 above the national average of 11.4) with improvements in Portuguese, Mathematics A, Physics and Chemistry, Philosophy and Spanish.	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression From Year 7, students use the Unifrog platform to explore careers and university pathways; an annual on-site university fair brings international universities to campus; tailored talks and one-on-one guidance support choices for IGCSEs and A-levels and UCAS/international applications. Graduates go on to study a range of subjects at top universities worldwide, including fields such as Biological Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, Law, Economics, and Business.	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 Globeducate's four pillars—Enrich, Challenge, Shape and Achieve—shape a broad, balanced curriculum that helps students discover and develop their talents. Enrichment is supported by the Journey outdoor learning programme, Duke of Edinburgh's Award, VivaHUB After School activities, and opportunities for international exchange within Globeducate.	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional 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) —	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 Nobel Algarve operates two campuses, Almancil and Lagoa. Almancil opened in 2020 with purpose-built facilities set in green surroundings, including a Pause Pod and a Feng Shui-inspired central quad. Outdoor spaces feature a sensory garden, dedicated play areas for younger students, and multi-sport courts with an astroturf pitch. Indoors, there is a multi-media centre and library, modern science labs, spacious dining facilities, and interactive whiteboards in every classroom. Lagoa offers new facilities for learning, including science laboratories and music rooms; a bespoke pre-school with indoor and outdoor space; a gymnasium/performance space; and a brand-new canteen, with classroom blocks designed around communal spaces and ongoing landscaping improvements.	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 Almancil has multi-sport courts and an astroturf pitch for outdoor sport. Lagoa includes a new multi-purpose gymnasium/performance space for indoor physical education and events. Outdoor spaces at Almancil support physical education activities, while Lagoa provides indoor spaces suitable for sport and performances as part of the school facilities.	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Almancil has a multi-media centre and library, modern science laboratories, and interactive whiteboards in every classroom. Lagoa offers modern classrooms including science laboratories and music rooms. Lagoa includes a bespoke pre-school with indoor and outdoor space for early years exploration. The Lagoa classrooms are designed with communal social spaces around them, and landscaping is planned to continue enhancing the learning environment. The Almancil campus features purpose-built spaces designed to promote learning.	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 Beyond the classroom, VivaHUB Afterschool offers activities. The Journey provides outdoor learning experiences. Duke of Edinburgh's Award is available at Nobel Algarve. Lagoa also runs Beyond the Classroom activities, including VivaHUB Afterschool, The Journey, Duke of Edinburgh, and School Community opportunities.	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 Nobel Algarve Lagoa has provided international education in the Algarve since 1972. The Lagoa campus offers a British curriculum for Nursery to Year 13, with IGCSEs, BTEC Diplomas or A-Levels, and also a pathway with the Portuguese National Curriculum. Nobel Algarve Almancil also offers a British-based English National Curriculum with IGCSE, BTEC and IB Diploma for Nursery to Year 13. Nobel Algarve is a member of Globeducate, and its Globeducate British International Schools (GBIS) cluster follows four core pillars: Enrich, Challenge, Shape and Achieve.	History —
Community	Community Nobel Algarve Lagoa has a welcoming school community that comes together regularly to celebrate community, school spirit and sustainability. Sustainability education is recognized with Green Flag status since 2017. Local and international events include art competitions, Global Academic Olympics, MEGAS track and field, a carol service in Silves Cathedral, and participation in the Globeducate Leadership Summit and OPOMUN.	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 The Nobel Parents' Committee (NPC) is a pro-active group of eight parents elected through a public vote. The NPC works with the school on important issues and organizes events, including the Christmas Fair, and supports school life through parent-led after-school activities. The NPC has several sub-committees, with details provided in September. In addition to the NPC, each class has a Class Representative, the first contact for day-to-day questions. The NPC is available to assist new parents and can be contacted at npc.lagoa@nobelalgarve.com.	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Students participate in the Global Academic Olympics and OPOMUN (Oporto Model United Nations), supporting inquiry-based learning and debate skills. The school hosts local and international competitions, including art competitions. Nobel Algarve Lagoa head students represent the school at the Globeducate Leadership Summit to engage with peers and develop global citizenship.	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 VivaHUB Afterschool offers an extensive range of after-school activities, including art classes. Arts, music, and other creative subjects are integrated into the learning program, with STEAM approaches used in Lagoa to foster creativity and collaboration. High-quality arts provision is part of the daily curriculum.	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 There are multiple opportunities to explore Portuguese language and culture. Lagoa offers two learning pathways: a British international pathway following the English National Curriculum and a Portuguese pathway following the Portuguese National Curriculum. The student body includes more than 50 nationalities, promoting cross-cultural understanding. Portuguese is the language of instruction on the Portuguese pathway.	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 VivaHUB Afterschool provides a broad range of activities including sports, art classes, chess, and coding. The house system promotes collaboration and healthy competition, with Student Leadership and Student Voice through the House Council. Inter-house competitions and charity work give students social and teamwork experiences.	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 The Duke of Edinburgh's Award includes volunteering as a core component, with Bronze, Silver and Gold levels and opportunities for community involvement. Local and international events include carol services at Silves Cathedral, Globeducate Leadership Summit, and OPOMUN, which broaden civic and global awareness. The Nobel Parents' Committee coordinates events such as the Christmas Fair and supports school life, with Class Representatives and volunteer opportunities for parents.	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 The House system supports Student Leadership and Student Voice through the House Council. Head students represent Nobel at the Globeducate Leadership Summit. Participation in OPOMUN and other Globeducate events develops leadership and global citizenship. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award also fosters leadership through volunteering, expeditions and skills development.	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 Wellbeing is a whole-school priority, with a PSHE program and a nurse and psychologist available for student support. The Journey and a broad outdoor-learning programme promote physical and mental well-being and resilience. VivaHUB Afterschool emphasises well-being and personal development.	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 All students study at least two languages, one as Language and Literature and one additional language. English and Portuguese can be studied as Language and Literature. IGCSE examinations can be taken in English, French, and Portuguese. Diploma Programme learners have access to a range of languages as both Language and Literature and Language Acquisition, supported by teachers in several World Languages, with some DP study available via the Pamoja platform.	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 English is the primary language of instruction. All students study at least two languages, with English and Portuguese available as Language and Literature and an additional language offered. Private language lessons in other languages can be arranged, and an EAL programme supports students who do not yet have English proficiency, with a staged progression to mainstream English.	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 1. Request info: Fill in the form on this page to register your interest; a member of the Admissions Team will contact you. The school operates rolling admissions and accepts applications for both campuses throughout the year, depending on availability. Early contact is recommended to have the best chance of securing a place. 2. Book a Visit: Coming to see the schools in person is the best way to experience campus life. We will organise a meeting (in person or virtual) with the head of the relevant school campus and section. At the meeting, you will be asked to complete a registration form with your child's details, including previous school reports. 3. Apply for a place: After your meeting, you will be advised of your options and placement availability for your child in the appropriate year. If there are no available spaces, we will let you know and place you on a waiting list if you desire. 4. Enrolment: To finalise enrolment, you will be required to pay the initial fees and provide supporting documents for your application, including: copy of your child's identification document; medical information or vaccination records; copies of both parents' identity cards or passports; both parents' fiscal numbers; if foreign citizens, a copy of residence permits; and copies of both parents' proof of address. Payment options include Bank Transfer; TICKET, EDENRED or UP Portugal; Bank Cheque; Cash; Direct debit; International Transfers and Credit Card. TransferMate is available for international payments.	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 If there are no available spaces, families are informed and placed on a waiting list on request.	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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