Nobel Algarve British International School - Almancil Campus vs Vilamoura International School

	N Nobel Algarve British International School - Almancil Campus Algarve, Portugal	V Vilamoura International School Algarve, Portugal
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €6,660 - 18,430	Fees / year €5,950 - 13,950
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), BTEC Qualification, Cambridge IGCSE	Curriculum IB (DP), British Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 18	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Portuguese	Instruction language Portuguese, English
Opened	Opened 1972	Opened 1984
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 Vilamoura International School is located in Vilamoura, Algarve, Portugal, at APT 856, 8125-911 Vilamoura. It sits in the coastal resort town of Vilamoura in the Algarve region. It runs a daily school bus service with routes including Loulé/Almancil, Olhão/Faro, Vilamoura, Albufeira, and Messines.
Stages	Stages Nursery to Year 13	Stages Preschool to Secondary School; two pathways from ages 3 to 18: Portuguese Studies following the Portuguese national curriculum, and English Studies following an adapted British international curriculum. The English pathway covers Primary, Cambridge International Lower Secondary and IGCSE, and culminates in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Grades 11 and 12.
School type	School type British international school	School type Private international school; part of the Inspired Education network.
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 English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided through a structured programme for students with little or no English exposure.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Portugal	Country affiliation Portugal. Portuguese Studies pathway follows the Portuguese national curriculum.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Secular	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details A daily school bus service is offered with routes including Loulé/Almancil, Olhão/Faro, Vilamoura, Albufeira, and Messines. Buses depart at 5:00 pm, with an assistant accompanying kindergarten and primary pupils. The service operates throughout the school year.
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 Application / Registration fees - Registration (enrolment) fee (non-refundable): €400 for new enrolments. - Re-enrolment (annual re-enrolment) fee (non-refundable): €250. Tuition fees — English Studies (per year group, payment frequencies shown as printed) - Nursery & Reception - Annual: €6,950. - Termly (per period, x3): €2,386.17. - Monthly (instalments): €650.77 (Nursery/Reception monthly figure is invoiced in 11 instalments). - Pre‑1 to Grade 3 - Annual: €8,550. - Termly (x3): €2,935.50. - Monthly (x10): €880.65. - Grade 4–5 - Annual: €9,650. - Termly (x3): €3,313.17. - Monthly (x10): €993.95. - Grade 6–8 - Annual: €10,450. - Termly (x3): €3,587.83. - Monthly (x10): €1,076.35. - Grade 9–10 - Annual: €12,500. - Termly (x3): €4,291.67. - Monthly (x10): €1,287.50. - Grade 11–12 (Senior / IB / A‑Level years) - Annual: €13,950. - Termly (x3): €4,789.50. - Monthly (x10): €1,436.85. Tuition fees — Portuguese Studies (per year group, payment frequencies shown as printed) - Jardim de Infância (Nursery) - Annual: €5,950. - Termly (x3): figures shown per period; monthly instalment (Nursery): €557.14 (paid in 11 instalments). - 1º Ciclo do Ensino Básico (1º–4º ano) - Annual: €6,050. - Termly (x3): €2,077.17 (monthly x10 listed). - 2º Ciclo do Ensino Básico (5º–6º ano) - Annual: €6,400. - Termly (x3): €2,197.33 (monthly x10 listed). - 3º Ciclo do Ensino Básico (7º–9º ano) - Annual: €6,600. - Termly (x3): €2,266.00 (monthly x10 listed). - Ensino Secundário (10º–12º ano) - Annual: €6,950. - Termly (x3): €2,386.17 (monthly x10 listed). Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition invoicing and payment options: tuition may be invoiced and paid annually, termly (September, January and April) or monthly across the academic year. Nursery/Reception monthly tuition is invoiced in 11 instalments; all other education levels monthly instalments are invoiced in 10 instalments. Termly and monthly payment options are subject to a 3% administrative fee. Invoices are issued by the 5th business day of the month in which they are due (other charges separately by the 10th business day). Invoices overdue by more than 30 days incur interest of 5% on the amount due. Security / deposit & discounts - Families with more than one child enrolled receive a siblings discount on the youngest child: 2nd child 10%, 3rd child 15%, 4th child and subsequent 20%. - Where applicable the school requires the activation of payment guarantees; specific security or deposit terms (for example pre-authorised card authorisations or deposits) and applicability to fiscal residents are stated in the fees documentation and associated conditions. Boarding - The school operates as a day school; boarding facilities / boarding fees are not applicable. Other costs and regularly billed extras - Mandatory / annual charges and digital services: - Mobile Device Management (MDM): €20 (applicable to Pre‑1 / 1st Year). - Global Study Platform / Inspired AI / Inspired Metaverse: €50 (Grades 4–5) and €100 (Grades 6–12). - Examination fees: - IGCSE exam fees (Grade 10): €160 per subject (invoiced annually in April where applicable). - IB exam fees (Grade 12): €900 (fee for the cohort/subjects as indicated). - Transport (termly billing; invoiced Nov, Jan, Apr): transport is offered by zone with termly and occasional per‑trip charges. Example zone charges (round‑trip / one‑way / occasional per trip) listed include: Vilamoura Zone: €455 / €273 / €7; Vila Sol Zone: €515 / €309 / €8; other zones range from ~€545 to €740 (round‑trip) with occasional per‑trip prices €9–€12 depending on zone. Transport requires an annual subscription and routes may be subject to minimum numbers. - School meals and food service: - Lunch and snack services are optional. Daily occasional user fees vary by year group (occasional daily rates printed range from €5 to €12 depending on year group); regular user subscriptions are invoiced by period / term. The school notes that daily prices include lunch and afternoon snacks for the relevant year groups. - Other charges (examples as invoiced when applicable): student replacement card €7; translation of documents €0.10/word; additional family yearbook one‑off €25; iPad acquisition (Apple iPad Air 11'' Wi‑Fi 128GB with accessories and one year insurance) and iPad rental options (rental termly fees and purchase one‑off fees listed). Charges for extracurricular activities, study support, wellbeing individual support and school trips are listed and invoiced as specified (termly, monthly or when incurred). Refunds and cancellations - Registration / enrolment fees are non‑refundable. Certain enrolment periods (for example specified August enrolment windows) are non‑refundable when noted. Extracurricular activity enrolments require a full‑term commitment; if a student withdraws mid‑term the full term fee for that activity is charged unless the activity is cancelled or does not meet minimum enrolment requirements. Taxes / VAT are included in the fees where applicable. Fee payment methods - Invoices can be paid by the ATM reference shown on each invoice, by direct debit, by education tickets, by bank transfer or by cash. Cash payments carry a monthly cash limit of €2,000 and an associated service fee of €50 per payment. Direct debit payments are debited by the 12th of each month; failed direct debit attempts will be requested via ATM reference or bank transfer. Specific payment instructions and ATM reference details appear on each invoice. Overdue invoices incur interest as noted above. (End of fees overview.)
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 Uniform is worn by CIV students from Kindergarten through Year 9 (Portuguese Studies) and from Nursery through Year 10 (English Studies). The secondary school students (Years 11–13) do not wear a uniform but must present themselves in a respectful, appropriate manner. Uniform items include dark blue trousers/shorts or a skirt; white polo; dark blue sleeveless pullover; blue-and-white striped shirt (short or long sleeves); dark blue waterproof jacket; dark blue socks; dark shoes. The PE kit comprises blue shorts; blue sweatshirt; white T‑shirt; white socks; suitable athletic shoes. Gala attire includes dark blue trousers or skirt; white-and-blue striped shirt; blue pullover; dark socks; dark shoes.
Food options	Food options Lagoa campus has two canteens and a snack-bar, and a dedicated area for packed lunches is available.	Food options The campus has a dining hall on site.
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 school operates a house system with house points and merits to recognise student achievement.
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 The school is part of Inspired Education.
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 Two academic pathways for students aged 3 to 18: Portuguese Studies following the Portuguese national curriculum, and English Studies following an adapted British international curriculum. The English Studies pathway uses the British National Curriculum in Primary, Cambridge International Lower Secondary and IGCSE, culminating in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Grades 11–12. The Portuguese Studies pathway includes national examinations in Grades 9 and 12. The school is a Cambridge International Examination and Alliance Française centre. Multilingualism is promoted through early language learning in Portuguese, English and French, with opportunities to study Spanish, German and Russian as extracurricular activities. English-exposure students receive English as an Additional Language (EAL) support to help integrate into the curriculum. The school is part of Inspired Education Group.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
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 IB Diploma Programme provides access to universities in Portugal and worldwide.
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 The school's holistic approach fosters cognitive, social, and emotional growth alongside multilingual proficiency. Communication skills in different social contexts are emphasized. The school develops cognitive and socio-affective abilities within an international, multilingual environment. The school promotes humanistic and democratic values for a well-rounded education.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided through a structured programme for students with little or no English exposure. All students develop English language proficiency as part of the school's international curriculum. The school invests in early language learning of Portuguese, English, French, and Russian.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing The CIV model focuses on cognitive and socio-affective development within a multilingual environment. The curriculum emphasises sports, the arts, philosophy, and life skills to support well-being and personal growth.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding Access to the premises is controlled with an individual, non-transferable card. Identification upon entry and exit is mandatory. Evacuation and safety procedures, including drills for fire, earthquakes, and bad weather, are in place.
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 Vilamoura International School is set on a 27,000m² campus in a unique natural environment, enabling outdoor learning and play. It has state-of-the-art classrooms tailored to each age group and fully equipped laboratories for Chemistry, Physics, and Biology. There are dedicated Music and Art rooms, a ballet studio, a multipurpose room, two gymnasiums, an astroturf football field, and courts for basketball, tennis, and volleyball. A well-stocked library and a dining hall support daily school life. The campus is expanding with plans to further enhance facilities across academic, sports, and arts areas.
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 Two gymnasiums support physical education and a wide range of activities. An astroturf football field offers outdoor play and matches. Courts for basketball, tennis, and volleyball support PE classes and school teams. The facilities enable a comprehensive sports program.
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 The school offers two academic pathways: the Portuguese Studies Programme follows the Portuguese national curriculum from Preschool to Grade 12, and the English Studies Programme is adapted to the local context. The English pathway follows the British National Curriculum in Primary, the Cambridge Lower Secondary and IGCSE, culminating in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Grades 11 and 12. Portuguese pathway students sit national examinations in Grades 9 and 12. English pathway students begin preparing for IGCSE in Grade 9, with examinations taken in Grade 10, before progressing to the IB Diploma Programme. The English pathway provides access to IBDP qualifications and top universities worldwide, and the school offers fully equipped laboratories for Chemistry, Physics, and Biology, plus dedicated Music and Art rooms and a well-stocked library.
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 The enrichment programme includes sports, arts, international exchanges, and work experience. Specialist-led extracurricular activities complement the curriculum. CIV is part of Inspired Education and offers opportunities such as summer camps, student exchanges, leadership conferences, and collaborative overseas projects.
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 Founded in 1984 as Colégio Internacional de Vilamoura, CIV is a private school in the Algarve offering two curricula from ages 3 to 18: Portuguese Studies following the Portuguese national curriculum and English Studies following an adapted British international curriculum culminating in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Grades 11 and 12. CIV is part of Inspired Education, a global group of premium schools.
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 Vilamoura International School maintains a multilingual community with early language learning in Portuguese, English, and French, and opportunities to study Spanish, German, and Russian as extracurricular activities. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided for students with little English exposure. The school emphasizes sports, the arts, philosophy, and real-world skills through a broad enrichment programme, including international exchanges and work experience. As part of Inspired Education, CIV offers access to summer camps, student exchanges, leadership conferences, and overseas collaborative projects.
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 Two curricula are offered: Portuguese Studies following the national curriculum and English Studies combining the British National Curriculum, Cambridge programmes, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Grades 11 and 12. The English Studies pathway includes IGCSE examinations in Grade 10 before progressing to the IB Diploma Programme. Upper School provides internships and access to national and international research centres linked to prestigious universities. CIV is an IB World School and a Cambridge International Examination centre, with a Cambridge English Language Assessment centre and an examination centre for Alliance Française.
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 Arts are promoted as a core part of CIV's education. The campus includes dedicated Music and Art rooms and a ballet studio to support visual and performing arts. Specialist-led extracurricular activities further enhance learning in the arts, helping students develop creativity and confidence.
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 Early language learning includes Portuguese, English, and French, with opportunities to explore Spanish, German, and Russian as extracurricular activities. CIV is a Cambridge International Examination centre and an Alliance Française examination centre, supporting language qualifications and intercultural learning.
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 Over 20 extracurricular activities and clubs are available, allowing students to pursue sports, creative and performing arts, and enriching academic opportunities. The enrichment programme includes a broad range of activities that extend beyond the core curriculum.
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 Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) is an experiential learning component of the IB Diploma, where students engage in a wide variety of extracurricular activities, including community service and athletic options. The SRC (Student Representative Council) in Sixth Form leads student initiatives and community projects, providing leadership and decision-making opportunities. Active citizenship, solidarity, and social, cultural and environmental volunteering are promoted as core values.
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 The SRC in Sixth Form provides student leadership and a solidarity role in school life. Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) fosters leadership through extracurricular engagement. The Inspired Education network offers leadership conferences and collaborative overseas projects to develop professional skills, while internships in Upper School support real-world experience.
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 The campus spans 27,000 m² with outdoor spaces and state-of-the-art facilities, including dedicated Music and Art rooms, a ballet studio, two gymnasiums, and extensive sports and science facilities. The school emphasises a bilingual, international environment that supports a well-rounded lifestyle through sports, arts, and academic opportunities.
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 Two academic pathways: Portuguese Studies follows the Portuguese national curriculum from Preschool (age 3) to Grade 12 (age 18), while English Studies follows an adapted British international curriculum. The English pathway uses the British National Curriculum in Primary, Cambridge International Lower Secondary and IGCSE, culminating in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in Grades 11 and 12. All students begin language learning early in Portuguese, English, and French, with opportunities to study Spanish, German, and Russian as extracurricular activities. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided for students with little or no English exposure to help them integrate into the English Studies curriculum. CIV is a Cambridge International Examination centre and an Alliance Française examination centre, supporting internationally recognised language certifications.
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 —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
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 1. Submit an Enquiry & Visit the School. Parents complete the enquiry form to start the application process and come for a meeting with the Educational Board at the school. This meeting provides an opportunity to learn more about the school's values, educational programme, curriculum options, and internal procedures. This initial contact helps align expectations. 2. Student Meeting & Assessment. A meeting will be scheduled for students and parents with the Heads of Department. At this stage, previous school reports should be submitted. The meeting assesses fit with the programme and discusses the student's needs and strengths. 3. Admission Decision. Admission decisions are communicated to parents by the Admissions Officer. If the application is successful, you will be provided with further enrollment instructions. The admissions process helps determine whether the student aligns with CIV's programmes and enables planning for next steps. After receiving the admissions offer, submit the following documents to complete enrolment: identification for the student and parents/guardians, up-to-date vaccination records and a medical certificate, the most recent school evaluation report (if applicable), and any residence visas or passports as required.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist If there are no available spaces, families are informed and placed on a waiting list on request.	Waitlist —
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