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Aljezur International School

Portugal, Algarve

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees €3,000 - 9,900
Ages 11 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 80
Type Co-educational
Opened 2010
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Taught languages English, Portuguese, French, German, Spanish
Strengths Academic Enrichment, Performing Arts, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

Aljezur International School offers a British curriculum tailored to life in the Western Algarve. Ages 11 to 18 study together in small groups, with Years 7–9 emphasizing experiential learning and tutor bonds, and a two-year Cambridge track leading to IGCSE examinations before progressing to AS and A Levels. The school operates as a Cambridge International Examination Centre, and is the Algarve's only open Cambridge exam centre, welcoming internal and external candidates. The campus occupies a converted farmhouse on seven hectares of protected land, with an organic vegetable garden, resident animals, and a three-hectare river valley that supports sustainability projects. Lessons incorporate UNESCO, Oxfam, Amnesty International and National Geographic resources to enrich inquiry. A stage-not-age philosophy enables earlier IGCSE entry where appropriate, and tutorial support for AS and A Level qualifications. Outdoor theatre, a school band, community service, and leadership opportunities accompany strong academics. This fosters global-minded, responsible learners for life.

Sítio de Ezenha, 8670-116 Aljezur, Portugal

The Essentials

Aljezur International School has 80 pupils, instruction in English.

Location
Sítio de Ezenha, 8670-116 Aljezur, Algarve, Portugal (GPS 37.274872, -8.804189); situated 5km south of Aljezur on the N120.

Stages
Secondary school education for ages 11–18.

Type
International secondary school

Pupil Nationality Mix
26 nationalities represented.

Additional learning support
Tutorial support in small groups or one-to-one for AS and A Level qualifications.

School day structure
Our school week runs Monday to Friday. Classes begin at 9.30am and end at 4pm with ten half-hour lessons and three breaks each day.

Bus service
Coach service from Alvor, Lagos and Bensafrim.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The school does not have a compulsory uniform.

Food Options
The school maintains an organic vegetable garden and resident animals on site; students participate in food production from field to fork.

Governance and Ownership
Descobrir Sonhos Lda is the corporate entity behind Aljezur International School.
Fees

Annual tuition at Aljezur International School ranges from EUR 3,000 to EUR 9,900 for 2026/27.

Application / Enrolment fee

- A non‑refundable enrolment fee of EUR 300 is charged on acceptance of a place for all students.

Deposit (enrolment deposit) and total initial payment

- Years 7–9: Deposit EUR 2,400 (refundable subject to terms) plus the EUR 300 enrolment fee, giving a total initial payment of EUR 2,700.
- Years 10–11: Deposit EUR 2,700 (refundable subject to terms) plus the EUR 300 enrolment fee, giving a total initial payment of EUR 3,000.
- AS/A Level students: Enrolment fee EUR 300 (non‑refundable) plus a refundable deposit of EUR 2,000, giving a total initial payment of EUR 2,300.

Tuition fees — Years 7–9 (per student)

- Annual fee: EUR 7,200 per year.
- Per term: EUR 2,400 per term.
- 10 monthly instalments option: EUR 720 per month (monthly instalments are payable one month in advance; first instalment must be received before the beginning of the autumn term).

Tuition fees — Years 10–11 (per student)

- Annual fee: EUR 8,100 per year.
- Per term: EUR 2,700 per term.
- 10 monthly instalments option: EUR 810 per month (monthly instalments are payable one month in advance; first instalment must be received before the beginning of the autumn term).

Tuition fees — AS / A Level (per subject)

- If there are two or more students in the group: EUR 3,000 per subject per year. Payment schedule: EUR 1,000 at the start of term 1 and EUR 1,000 at the end of terms 1 & 2.
- If there is only one student in the group: EUR 3,900 per subject per year. Payment schedule: EUR 1,300 at the start of term 1 and EUR 1,300 at the end of terms 1 & 2.

Optional coach / transport costs

- Coach service (Alvor, Lagos and Bensafrim): EUR 1,400 per student per year, payable in advance; this payment is non‑refundable.
- For AS/A Level students who are not full‑time, transport may alternatively be charged at EUR 5 per one‑way journey or EUR 10 per return journey, payable monthly.

Other fees and typical additional costs

- Recommended books: average cost approximately EUR 100 in total; books bought through the school may be reimbursed at the end of use depending on condition.
- A 5% sibling discount is applied for a second sibling attending full time in the same academic year.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Payment methods accepted for settling fees are: annually in advance; per term in three equal payments (each term payment due before the beginning of the relevant term); or by 10 equal monthly instalments (monthly by prior arrangement and agreement). Monthly instalments are payable one month in advance and subsequent instalments must be received before the 15th of each month.
- If fees are not paid according to the agreed terms, the school reserves the right to exclude the student until outstanding amounts are received in full.

Notice, termination and refund of deposit

- A full term's written notice is required to withdraw a student.
- A proportion of the deposit is refundable when a child leaves, provided the child has completed at least one term and one full term's written notice has been given; the refundable amount is repaid without interest and after deduction of any outstanding sums (for example, books not returned or unpaid canteen/club costs). The deposit cannot be used in lieu of outstanding fees and is returned only after all fees have been paid. Portions of the initial payment retained as the enrolment fee (EUR 300) are non‑refundable.

Boarding

- No boarding fees apply because the school does not operate a boarding provision.

Fee payment options (methods commonly used for fee settlement)

- The published fee information specifies the accepted schedules (annual, per term, 10 monthly instalments) and the timing for payments but does not specify detailed payment instruments (for example: bank transfer, credit card, direct debit) in the published fee text.

Refunds and non‑refundables (summary)

- The enrolment fee of EUR 300 is non‑refundable.
- The deposit portion is refundable under the stated conditions (completion of at least one term and provision of one full term's written notice); the deposit is returned less any outstanding charges and without interest. Transportation fees for the coach service are non‑refundable.
Academics

Aljezur International School teaches British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels for students aged 11 to 18.

Curriculum
The school follows the UK national curriculum adapted to the life and culture our students experience here in Portugal. Among 80 students, 26 nationalities are represented, bringing diversity to the classrooms. Resources and themes from UNESCO, Oxfam, Amnesty International and National Geographic are used when relevant to the learning programme. Students are encouraged to learn through research and discussion and to take pride in their work and contributions. In the first three years, Years 7-9, the focus is on experiential learning and bonding with tutors; around age 14, students begin a two-year course in their chosen subjects leading to the Cambridge IGCSE examinations, with a “stage not age” philosophy allowing earlier entry to IGCSE and progression to AS levels; there is tutorial support for AS and A Level qualifications.

Student Teacher Ratio
Students are taught in small groups, allowing tutors to establish close contact with students and tailor lessons to individual strengths. This flexibility supports a personalised learning programme.

Exam Results
Our students study for Cambridge IGCSE examinations, and we are a Cambridge International Examination Centre, meaning students sit exams in the school building. The general timescale is that at the age of 14, students start a 2-year course in their chosen exam subjects; we frequently have students who enter IGCSE exams earlier and are able to move up to AS level the following year while studying for the rest of their IGCSEs. We also provide tutorial support in small groups, or even one-to-one, for students studying for AS and A Level qualifications. Here are our exam results for recent years: 2015: A* 5%, A 38%, B 26%, C 21%, Less than C 10%; 2016: A* 10%, A 12%, B 19%, C 48%, Less than C 11%; 2017: A* 15%, A 22%, B 24%, C 32%, Less than C 7%; 2018: A* 14%, A 19%, B 25%, C 33%, Less than C 9%; 2019: A* 11%, A 13%, B 17%, C 43%, Less than C 16%; 2020: A* 11%, A 25%, B 32%, C 28%, Less than C 4%; 2021: A* 15%, A 20%, B 35%, C 21%, Less than C 9%; 2022: A* 12%, A 27%, B 34%, C 17%, Less than C 10%; 2023: A* 10%, A 21%, B 27%, C 24%, Less than C 18%; 2024: A* 10%, A 22%, B 29%, C 27%, Less than C 12%

Gifted and Talented
Tutorial support in small groups or one-to-one for AS and A Level qualifications.
Parent Experience

History
Aljezur International School was established in 2010 following an invitation from Câmara Municipal de Aljezur to set up an international school. It operated from a temporary building in the centre of Aljezur, and in September 2013 moved to its permanent premises, a converted farmhouse 5 km south of Aljezur. It is a University of Cambridge International Examination Centre and the Algarve's only open Cambridge exam centre, hosting external students of all ages and backgrounds. There is a cross-curricular emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility, with all the children working together to look after the organic vegetable garden and resident animals, offering the opportunity to be part of the food production process from field to fork. Descobrir Sonhos Lda owns the school.

Community
The school maintains sustained involvement in the local Portuguese and expatriate communities. It participates in community-oriented activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Presentation, and visits to the State of Being Horse Sanctuary and Bird Ringing programs.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Aljezur International School is housed in a converted farmhouse on seven acres of protected land near Aljezur in the Western Algarve. Teaching is delivered in small groups with close attention to individual educational needs. The campus includes an organic vegetable garden and resident animals, and three hectares of ecologically protected land with a wide river. An annex block houses an ICT suite and a science laboratory. The school follows Cambridge International qualifications and is a Cambridge IGCSE centre, and it is the Algarve's only open Cambridge exam centre, hosting Cambridge exams for internal and external students. A coach service operates from Alvor, Lagos and Bensafrim.

Academic Facilities
Aljezur International School follows the UK national curriculum adapted to life and culture in Portugal. An annex block houses an ICT suite and a science laboratory. The school is a University of Cambridge International Examination Centre and the Algarve's only open Cambridge exam centre, hosting Cambridge IGCSE examinations for internal and external students. In the first three years (Years 7–9) the focus is on experiential learning and on developing the ability to learn, after which students begin a two-year course in chosen subjects leading to Cambridge IGCSE examinations. Tutorial support for AS and A Level qualifications is provided in small groups or one-to-one. The curriculum includes resources and themes from UNESCO, Oxfam, Amnesty International and National Geographic to enrich learning.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Trips and projects form an important part of the learning program; tutors and students go on at least two trips every term. Small class groups allow spontaneous visits as part of themed project work. Duke of Edinburgh's Award Presentation, a visit to the State of Being Horse Sanctuary, and Bird Ringing are highlighted in Latest News and Events. The school maintains an organic vegetable garden with beds and resident animals to support sustainability activities outside the classroom.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school has consistently high IGCSE exam results. Private tuition for AS and A level subjects is available. The school provides work experience placements. Teaching is in small groups with great attention to individual educational needs.

Arts & Creative
The school formed a band that performs at various local events. There is an annual outdoor theatre production written and produced by the teaching team and students with involvement from the local community. Students visit local art galleries and artists' studios during trips. Performances at local events, such as the Aljezur Christmas Fair, showcase student work.

Cultural & Language
Students participate in Enpar, a cultural event where Algarve schools meet to exchange ideas and display work. The event included a sweet potato soup demonstration prepared with ingredients grown on a teacher's farm. Trips include visits to the Berardo Collection of modern art in Lisbon and to local galleries and artists' studios.

Social & Hobbies
The school band performs at local events. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is presented at the school. Bird ringing is among the activities. A flash mob dance was held in Lagos.

Community & Service
Fundraising for Alwan Kindergarten in Hass, Syria is conducted by students. The Give Nature a Home project builds bird houses, insect hotels and other homes for local wildlife. Litter collecting at Amoreira beach is part of community service activities.

Leadership & Professional
The formation of the school band provides leadership opportunities and teamwork. Work experience placements are offered to students. Private tuition for AS and A level subjects supports professional and academic development.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Every year the school produces an outdoor theatre production that brings the school and local community together. State of Being Horse Sanctuary and visits to local wildlife sanctuaries support wellbeing and connection with nature. The organic vegetable garden on site provides hands-on learning and healthy living.
Languages

Language Provision
The language of instruction is English. Portuguese language lessons are held daily, and Portuguese culture and arts are studied. Tutors are proficient in Portuguese. Some IGCSE subjects offered include German and Spanish, as well as Chemistry, Global Perspectives and Travel & Tourism. If a student is not fluent in English, additional English lessons can be offered.

Bilingual Teaching
Lessons are taught in English; most tutors are proficient in Portuguese; all students participate in daily Portuguese language lessons and study Portuguese culture and arts.
Reputation

Accreditations
Cambridge International Examinations Centre; open Cambridge exam centre in the Algarve.
Admissions

Admissions
Lessons are taught in English, and the school welcomes students of all nationalities. Most tutors are proficient in Portuguese, and daily Portuguese language lessons are provided. For students not fluent in English, integration is encouraged and additional English lessons can be arranged if needed. The school accepts students from the Portuguese system as well as from other nationalities; after completing their IGCSEs with the school, some students return to the Portuguese system for Years 11 and 12 if they wish. All students study Maths, English, English Literature, Portuguese language, Portuguese Culture & Arts, Physics, Biology, Geography, History, Computer Studies, Business Studies, Music, Drama and Art up to the end of Year 9, after which they select subjects for IGCSE; private tuition for AS and A level subjects is available. Admissions are via the on-site registration form; required documents include passport/ID, health card, previous school reports (if any), vaccination record, passport-sized photograph, and fiscal number. By applying, you agree to the Terms and Conditions; a place is reserved by paying an enrolment deposit and an enrolment fee. For academic year 2025/26, annual fees are €7,200 for Years 7–9 and €8,100 for Years 10–11, with payment options including annual in advance, per term in advance, or 10 equal monthly installments; an optional coach service costs €1,400 per year; books (approximately €100) can be bought through the school and may be reimbursed on completion of the book. An enrolment fee is €300 and a deposit is €2,400 (Years 7–9) or €2,700 (Years 10–11). A 5% discount is offered for a second sibling attending full-time in the same academic year. Separate Terms and Conditions apply for AS/A Level studies.
School Events
The school has not added events
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