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Barlavento International Primary School

Portugal, Algarve

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees €7,050
Ages 3 - 11 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 1975
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum
Taught languages Portuguese
Strengths Outdoor Education, Languages, Performing Arts
Clubs Lifestyle and Wellbeing, Arts and Creative, Academic and Intellectual
Stages Early Years, Primary School
Introduction

Barlavento International Primary School provides an English-language international primary program for children aged 3 to 11, based on the Early Years Foundation Stage and the National Curriculum of England, adapted for an international community living in Portugal. The campus sits in the Algarve countryside near Lagos, with extensive outdoor space, forest schools, wildlife areas, fruit and vegetable gardens, and two large shaded play areas. Four bright classrooms, a library, an IT room and a large sports hall with a stage support a range of activities, from daily lessons to performances and sports. The curriculum combines core English, Maths and Reading with Portuguese, Mindfulness, Gardening and Drama, delivered through thematically linked topics such as Our Wonderful World and Mission to Mars. Lunchtime clubs include yoga, art and chess, and the school collaborates with link-schools worldwide to nurture an international community focused on wellbeing, curiosity and responsible citizenship. Here families feel welcome.

Sitio Ferrel, 8600-109 Lagos, Portugal

The Essentials

Barlavento International Primary School has instruction in English.

Location
Sitio Ferrel, Espiche, 8600-109 Luz, Algarve, Portugal. GPS coordinates 37°06'19.5″N 8°43'54.0″W.

Stages
3-11 year olds (Foundation Stage through Primary)

Type
International Primary School

Country affiliation
England (based on the National Curriculum of England)
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The school has a uniform: a grey polo shirt and purple sweatshirt, with grey, blue or black trousers/shorts/skirts/leggings. Students wear sensible shoes; a hat for summer; a grey Barlavento hoodie for winter. All clothing items should be labelled with the child's name.

Food Options
Healthy and nutritious school lunches are available to purchase from the school office. The menu is European with Portuguese influence from a local restaurant, with a balance between fish and meat dishes and a weekly vegetarian day. School meals cost €25 per week and include a starter (soup) and a main course daily. Children may also bring packed lunches from home, and free fruit is provided during morning breaks.

Governance and Ownership
The building and management of the school have been under the directors of Aljezur International School since August 2020, Karen Whitten and Sílvia Catarino. Pedagogic management was transferred in 2013 to the Nobel group. The school was previously managed by a group of governors.
Fees

Annual tuition at Barlavento International Primary School ranges from EUR 7,050 for 2026/27.

Application / Enrolment fees

- Enrolment (one‑off, non‑refundable): EUR 300.
- Deposit (one‑off, refundable subject to the school's notice and leaving conditions): EUR 2,350. The combined amount taken on acceptance is EUR 2,650 (enrolment fee + deposit).

Tuition fees (per pupil)

- Annual tuition: EUR 7,050 per year.
- Termly tuition: EUR 2,350 per term.
- 10‑month instalment option: EUR 705 per month (available only by prior arrangement).

Note: the published tuition is a single fee level that applies across the school's year groups for primary pupils (ages 3–11).

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Accepted payment schedules: annual (in advance), per term (three equal payments, each in advance) or 10 equal monthly instalments (monthly instalments only by prior arrangement).
- Term payment timing: first term payment due before the beginning of the Autumn term; the two further term payments are due before the last day of the previous term.
- Monthly instalment timing: the first monthly instalment must be received before the beginning of the Autumn term; each subsequent instalment must be received before the 15th of the month prior to the month it covers. Monthly instalments require prior agreement.
- Consequences of non‑payment: the school reserves the right to exclude a pupil from school until outstanding amounts are paid in full.
- Sibling discount: a 5% discount is offered for a second sibling attending full time in the same academic year.

Deposit, refund and notice terms

- The deposit is refundable in part when the pupil completes their education or if one full term's written notice is given before withdrawal; any return is repaid without interest and after deduction of outstanding charges (for example unpaid lunches, clubs, unreturned books). The non‑refundable portion (enrolment fee) is retained by the school. A place cannot be reserved until the deposit is received in full together with the completed enrolment form and signed terms.
- Required notice to withdraw: one full term's written notice is required; specific deadlines for giving notice relative to school holidays are set out in the school's terms and conditions. Failure to give the required notice can affect entitlement to any deposit refund.

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not applicable. Barlavento operates as a day primary school for children aged 3–11 and does not publish any boarding fees.

Other costs and typical additional charges

- School meals: hot school lunches are available and cost EUR 25 per week (this covers a starter and main course each day). Packed lunches may be provided from home if preferred.
- Uniform and equipment: standard uniform items (school polo shirts, sweatshirts, PE t‑shirts, hats/caps, coats and sensible footwear) are required; branded items are available for purchase from the school office. Equipment lists for Foundation Stage and Key Stages are provided by the school. Specific uniform prices are not listed in the published fee summary.
- Incidental charges: the school's terms note that outstanding items such as unpaid lunches, clubs or unreturned books will be deducted from refundable sums; the school also charges separately for certain extras where applicable (for example trips, external examination fees or optional activities) though individual prices for those extras are not published in the main fee schedule.

Refunds and adjustments

- The refundable portion of the deposit is returned without interest and after deduction of any outstanding charges. The deposit will not be refunded if a pupil does not take up a reserved place unless one full term's notice has been given in writing.

Fee payment options and invoicing (channels and mechanics)

- The school accepts payments on an annual, termly or agreed monthly instalment basis; invoices and due‑date requirements follow the schedules above. The published fee information sets out these billing schedules and the timing of instalments; specific merchant channels (for example card payments, direct bank transfer details or online payment portal) are not itemised in the public fee summary.

If you need a single concise line for a database entry: Annual tuition EUR 7,050; termly EUR 2,350; enrolment fee EUR 300 (non‑refundable); deposit EUR 2,350 (refundable subject to one‑term notice and deductions); meals EUR 25/week; payment options: annual, per term, or 10 monthly instalments; no boarding offered.
Academics

Barlavento International Primary School teaches EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum for students aged 3 to 11.

Curriculum
The school provides a rich, creative, balanced and stimulating curriculum based on the UK Curriculum, and includes Mindfulness, Portuguese, Gardening and Drama.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Barlavento International Primary School places social and emotional wellbeing at the heart of learning. Emotional literacy is nurtured through a positive classroom culture and strong teacher relationships. The Barlavento Colour Pathway uses mindfulness to help children communicate, regulate emotions, reflect on behaviour and cultivate resilience. The Positive Pathways approach links behaviour, emotions and learning and provides proactive support such as calm corners and emotion check-ins. Staff use the CALM steps to respond rather than react, promoting thoughtful and respectful interactions. The aim is for each child to grow into a kind, respectful, independent and reflective learner who contributes to local and global communities while feeling safe and valued.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Barlavento International Primary School provides an inclusive setting that recognises each child is unique and may have different needs. Each child is valued and can participate and develop to their full potential in an inclusive environment. The Vision emphasises inclusion and aims to foster respectful, tolerant individuals within an international community. A positive approach to behaviour supports independence, thoughtful learning and celebrates achievements. Strong partnerships between home, school and the wider community are encouraged to support each child's progress. The school's ethos and values reinforce respect, resilience, kindness and reflection to support all learners.

Mental Wellbeing
Mindfulness and wellbeing are embedded in daily learning. The Primary curriculum includes Mindfulness and Wellbeing as core elements alongside Reading, Writing and Maths. The Barlavento Colour Pathway uses mindfulness to help children communicate, regulate emotions, reflect on behaviour and build resilience. CALM steps are used to respond to behaviour with calm reflection rather than quick reactions, supporting emotional regulation. The Positive Pathways approach provides proactive strategies such as calm corners and emotion check-ins to support wellbeing. The school prioritises the wellbeing of children through strong teacher relationships and a safe, caring environment.

Safeguarding
Barlavento International Primary School prioritises safety and the protection of children. The Headteacher states that the wellbeing of pupils is the priority. The school provides a safe and secure environment where children can learn and grow. Strong relationships between teachers and pupils support safeguarding and positive behaviour. Effective home–school partnership is encouraged to support children's safety and wellbeing. The Parent Handbook outlines collaboration with parents to support day-to-day education and wellbeing of children.
Parent Experience

History
Barlavento International Primary School was established in 1975 by a small group of parents and teachers who lived in the Lagos area. In January 1982 the school moved to its current premises near Espiche, generously donated by Colonel and Mrs Vickers. It was governed by a group of governors until 2013 when pedagogic management was transferred to the Nobel group. In August 2020 guardianship of the building and management of the school was handed over to the directors of Aljezur International School, Karen Whitten and Sílvia Catarino. Sílvia taught Portuguese at Barlavento International Primary School from 2001 until 2009 and her son attended the school; Karen was a regular visitor between 2005 and 2013 as Aljezur students participated in joint projects with the primary school.

Community
Barlavento is a happy international family school for 3–11 year olds with a caring, supportive environment where wellbeing and strong relationships with teachers are valued. The headteacher describes the school as a 'Barlavento Family' that aims to develop confident, empathetic learners who contribute to local and global communities, and it emphasizes partnership with parents through ongoing dialogue and involvement in day‑to‑day education and wellbeing. The site features current news and events such as the Spring Fair fundraiser that illustrate active community engagement.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school is set in the Algarve countryside with extensive outdoor space. Two large shaded play areas include a climbing frame, slides and rope swings, a recreation orchard and an all-weather sports pitch for outdoor learning opportunities. The grounds include storytelling areas, forest schools, wildlife areas and fruit and vegetable gardens. Four large, brightly coloured, well equipped classrooms accommodate Foundation Stage, Key Stage One and Key Stage Two. All classrooms are fully air conditioned and there is a library area, a large IT room, a huge sports hall with a fully-equipped stage and a separate dining area for children and teachers.

Sports Facilities
Two large shaded play areas with a climbing frame, slides and rope swings support outdoor play. The all-weather sports pitch supports outdoor physical education and team games. The school has a large sports hall with a fully equipped stage for indoor activities and performances. These spaces enable a range of physical education and sport across the curriculum.

Academic Facilities
Four large, brightly coloured, well-equipped classrooms accommodate Foundation Stage, Key Stage One and Key Stage Two. All classrooms are fully air conditioned to keep learning comfortable in hot summers and cooler winters. There is a library area and a large IT room to support reading, research and technology-based learning. An expansive sports hall supports physical education, performances and other activities.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Lunch time clubs include yoga, football, sports games, chess, gardening, art and animal care. These clubs provide opportunities for physical activity, creativity and teamwork. We welcome visitors to share interests and talents with the school community. We engage with link-schools around the world to develop our international global community.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The primary curriculum is based on the National Curriculum of England and adapted for the international community living in Portugal. The learning is delivered through a thematic approach that links History, Geography, Science, Art, Design and Technology, Music and Drama through topics such as 'Our Wonderful World', 'The Amazing Egyptians' and 'Mission to Mars'. Core skills are Reading, Writing and Maths. Portuguese, Physical Education, PSHE, Agriculture, Mindfulness and Wellbeing are also taught.

Arts & Creative
Thematic topics interlink History, Geography, Science, Art, Design and Technology, Music and Drama. Music and Drama are taught as part of the integrated curriculum. Art, Design and Technology are included within the broader curriculum.

Cultural & Language
Portuguese is taught as part of the curriculum. The program is designed for an international community living in Portugal.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Mindfulness and Wellbeing are taught as part of the core curriculum. Physical Education is included as part of the curriculum. The wellbeing of children is the school's priority, with a safe and caring environment emphasized.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language framework for learning; the primary curriculum is based on the National Curriculum of England and adapted for Portugal. Portuguese is taught as part of the curriculum. The curriculum uses a thematic approach linking History, Geography, Science, Art, Design and Technology, Music and Drama. Core skills include Reading, Writing and Maths, with additional lessons in Physical Education, PSHE, Agriculture, Mindfulness and Wellbeing.
Admissions

Admissions
The school charges €7050 per annum for the academic year 2025/26, with fees also payable per term (€2350) or in 10 equal monthly installments (€705). An enrolment fee of €300 is non-refundable; a deposit of €2350 is refundable; total due on enrolment is €2650. Fees can be paid annually in advance, per term in advance, or in 10 monthly installments. A 5% discount is offered for a second sibling attending full-time for the same academic year.
School Events
The school has not added events
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