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Bright International School

Portugal, Algarve

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees €8,750 - 16,360
Ages 3 - 19 years
Pupil numbers 140
Type Co-educational
Opened 2024
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Taught languages Portuguese, Spanish, French
Typical class size 18
Strengths Performing Arts, STEM, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Social and Hobbies, Leadership and Professional
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

Bright International School is a day school in Portugal offering Cambridge Pathway for ages 3 to 18. It delivers Cambridge Primary and Secondary, Cambridge IGCSE and A Levels, guiding learners from Early Years to Advanced qualifications. The Pathway emphasises enquiry-based learning, progression and assessment, with inclusive education, wellbeing and equal opportunities at its core. Bright operates under the Sharing Education Group and is expanding to Upper Secondary Cambridge Advanced soon. Facilities include flexible spaces blending formal and informal seating, movement areas, quiet zones and pods, with outdoor spaces to support exploration. The Cambridge Pathway forms the daily basis of learning, while new facilities are under development. With over 30 nationalities, Bright is a multicultural community. Communications with parents in English, Portuguese and Spanish. Extracurriculars include Ballet, DJ lessons, Inventors, Karate, Musical Instruments, Playball, Robothink, Homework Club and Ukulele Club. ESL and safeguarding are provided on site for students and families.

Parque Industrial e Comercial de Loulé 14, 8100-272 Loulé, Portugal

The Essentials

Bright International School has 140 pupils, typical class sizes of 18, instruction in English.

Location

Parque Industrial de Loulé, Zona Industrial B, Lote 14, 8100-272 Loulé, Algarve, Portugal. The campus sits in the Algarve region near Loulé and serves an international community.

Stages

Early Years (3–5 years); Primary (5–11 years); Lower Secondary (11–14 years); Upper Secondary (IGCSE) (14–16 years). Cambridge Advanced opens in September 2027.

Type

Day school offering the Cambridge International Pathway.

Pupil Nationality Mix

Over 30 nationalities are represented at Bright International School.

Additional learning support

Inclusive school with a Wellbeing Department consisting of psychologists and pastoral care; supports social, emotional and cognitive needs.

Country affiliation

Portugal

School day structure

Bright operates from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Early Years run 9:00 am to 3:00/4:00 pm; Primary and Lower Secondary run 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement

The school uniform includes a white polo shirt with the Bright logo and a yellow collar and sleeves; a grey hoodie; a dark grey Bright-logo winter jacket; a black hat; a yellow and black sports T-shirt; a yellow and black sports jacket; and black track shorts or black track pants.

Food Options

The school offers nutritious school meals daily, including a morning snack, an afternoon snack and a healthy lunch. Meals are supplied by Thomas Franks and include Meat, Fish, Vegetarian and Salad Bar options, with provisions for vegetarian/vegan and allergy-friendly choices.

Governance and Ownership

The school is part of the Sharing Education Group.
Fees

Annual tuition at Bright International School ranges from EUR 8,750 to EUR 16,360 for 2026/27.

Application & Registration Fees

- Annual registration fee: EUR 1,000 (charged once on acceptance and invoiced annually).

Tuition fees (listed per term and per year group)

- Cambridge Early Years
- Pre-Reception: EUR 2,650 per term / EUR 7,750 per year.
- Reception: EUR 2,650 per term / EUR 7,750 per year.

- Cambridge Primary
- Year 1: EUR 3,400 per term / EUR 9,900 per year.
- Year 2: EUR 3,400 per term / EUR 9,900 per year.
- Year 3: EUR 3,870 per term / EUR 11,150 per year.
- Year 4: EUR 3,870 per term / EUR 11,150 per year.
- Year 5: EUR 4,295 per term / EUR 12,565 per year.
- Year 6: EUR 4,295 per term / EUR 12,565 per year.

- Cambridge Lower Secondary
- Year 7: EUR 5,120 per term / EUR 14,980 per year.
- Year 8: EUR 5,120 per term / EUR 14,980 per year.
- Year 9: EUR 5,120 per term / EUR 14,980 per year.

- Cambridge Upper Secondary (IGCSE)
- Year 10: EUR 5,250 per term / EUR 15,360 per year.
- Year 11: EUR 5,250 per term / EUR 15,360 per year.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Invoicing frequency: fees may be invoiced either termly or annually according to the parent's preference.
- Standard term invoicing and due dates (example schedule shown):
- Term 1 invoiced on 1 June; payment due by 1 July.
- Term 2 invoiced on 2 November; payment due by 2 December.
- Term 3 invoiced on 1 March; payment due by 1 April.
- Annual registration fee invoiced in February with a stated due date in that month.
- Cash payments are not accepted; all fees must be received net of bank charges.
- Late-payment penalty: a 5% monthly compounded fine is charged on overdue amounts; legal recovery costs may be added and access to some services may be restricted for students with past-due debts.

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not listed among the school charges. The school operates as a day school with published school hours and no boarding fee schedule. No boarding fees apply.

Other mandatory and optional costs

- School meals: EUR 570 per term (school meals are mandatory for pupils and are invoiced alongside term fees).
- School bus: EUR 600 per student per term (use of bus service is subject to a one-term commitment).
- iPad (Years 1–6): EUR 645 (one-off charge where applicable).
- Uniform welcome pack: EUR 270 (welcome pack charge).
- Soprano flute (Years 1–6): EUR 10 (specified item charge).
- Examination fees: IGCSE examination fee EUR 160 per exam.
- After-school activities: charged per activity with a minimum one-term commitment; withdrawals mid-term do not entitle to refunds.
- One-to-one Inclusion Team support: charged when required; fee determined case-by-case.

Refund information and notice of withdrawal

- Notice of withdrawal: parents/guardians must notify the school in writing at least one full term before the student's intended departure. Failure to provide proper notice will result in charges for the subsequent term.
- Non-refundable items: the annual registration fee and any payments made to the school are non-refundable under any circumstance. If a student does not attend at the start of the school year, the annual registration fee and Term 1 fees are not refundable.

Fee payment options and bank details

- Payment methods accepted: bank transfer and direct debit (direct debit is offered/recommended); cash is not accepted. Parents are requested to indicate the student's name and number on transfers.
- Bank example provided by the school (payments must be received net of charges):
- Bank name: Millennium BCP; Beneficiary: EUPHEUS – International Educational Project, Lda; IBAN and BIC/SWIFT details are published for transfers.

Discounts and penalties

- Annual-payment discount: 3% discount on annual tuition fees for full-year payments made by the stated annual-discount deadline.
- Sibling discount: 20% discount on tuition for the third and subsequent children. Discounts are void if fees are not paid according to the published payment schedule.
- Late-payment penalty: 5% monthly compounded fine on overdue payments and possible legal recovery charges.
Academics

Bright International School teaches Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels for students aged 3 to 19.

Curriculum

Bright follows the Cambridge Pathway, a comprehensive, flexible curriculum designed by Cambridge International Education to guide learners from Early Years to Advanced qualifications. It comprises five stages for ages 3 to 19, with each stage building on the previous one to prepare students for the next steps. Cambridge qualifications are globally recognised and valued by universities, employers and institutions worldwide. The Pathway offers structured progression, personalised learning, and an emphasis on enquiry-based learning, holistic development, and a strong assessment framework. Bright also commits to inclusive education, wellbeing and equal opportunities for all students in a safe, supportive environment.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Bright integrates wellbeing across the Cambridge Curriculum to promote mental, physical and emotional health. The pastoral programme prioritises resilience, personal growth and life skills, building a strong sense of community and preparing students for a dynamic global future. Mental health is a cornerstone with dedicated resources and open conversations to help students manage stress and develop resilience. Emotional health is supported by guidance to identify and express emotions, build relationships and develop self-awareness, with safe spaces for emotional growth. The wellbeing framework is structured by the PERMAH model (Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment and Health).

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Inclusive Learning Support provides personalised assistance and strategies to meet diverse learning needs and to promote inclusive education.

Mental Wellbeing

Mental wellbeing is a core focus, fostering resilience and a healthy mindset through resources and open conversations. An Educational Psychologist collaborates with teachers, families and other professionals to assess learning, emotional and developmental needs, and to develop tailored support plans that promote academic achievement and personal growth.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is a top priority. The school maintains a safeguarding team with a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads (DDSLs), implementing strict protocols to keep students safe. The pastoral programme supports holistic growth through an enquiry-based approach and positive psychology, guided by the PERMAH framework.
Parent Experience

History

Bright International School has been transformed into a hub of innovative education. Building on the Cambridge International Education curriculum, Bright is expanding to include Upper Secondary (IGCSE) and Advanced (A Levels). This transformation reflects a strong commitment to high-quality education and highlights the Bright community's collaboration among learners, teachers and families. Bright International School is operated by the Sharing Education Group.

Community

Bright International School hosts a diverse community with over 30 nationalities. Community life includes cultural and sports events, open learning activities and shared experiences that foster belonging and collective growth. There are testimonials from students and parents about their Bright experience. Families are invited to join the Bright community and participate in school life.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

Bright International School has a Parent-Teacher Association (PTA). The school publicly acknowledges the PTA for organizing events. Bright's Instagram posts show appreciation for PTA activities. The school communicates with parents in English, Portuguese and Spanish to support a multilingual community engaged with PTA activities. Bright International School is operated by the Sharing Education Group.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

Flexible learning spaces designed to meet individual needs. The spaces blend formal and informal seating with movement opportunities, quiet zones, and comfortable pods for focused work. Indoor learning spaces are complemented by integrated outdoor areas that support exploration, physical activity and connection with nature. The Cambridge Pathway forms the basis of the learning experience. New facilities are under development.

Academic Facilities

Flexible, student-centered learning spaces support Cambridge curriculum delivery; indoor and outdoor environments are designed to enhance independent inquiry and collaboration.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Ballet; DJ lessons; Inventors; Karate; Musical Instruments; Playball; Robothink; Homework Club; PE Club; Ukulele Club.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

The Cambridge Pathway is a comprehensive, flexible educational programme designed by Cambridge International to guide learners through every stage of their academic journey from Early Years to Advanced qualifications. It comprises five key stages for learners aged 3 to 19. Bright integrates the Cambridge Pathway with inclusive teaching to tailor learning for every student. The Cambridge Pathway is globally recognised and offers structured progression, enquiry-based learning and a strong assessment framework, supporting students from Early Years through to Advanced qualifications, including Upper Secondary (IGCSE) and Cambridge Advanced opening in 2027.

Arts & Creative

The After-School Activities Programme offers opportunities in arts, music, science and sports. Activities include Ballet, DJ Lessons, Inventors, Karate, Musical Instruments, Playball and Robothink, delivered on campus with published schedules and not included in tuition. A range of clubs such as Homework Club and Ukulele Club are available, with more activities planned for 2025/26.

Cultural & Language

Bright is a multicultural community with over 30 nationalities. Communication with parents is possible in English, Portuguese and Spanish. School communications with parents via emails, online platforms, parent-teacher meetings and events is conducted in English.

Social & Hobbies

Student Voice empowers students to shape their education by fostering collaboration and leadership. The Prefect Group enables students to lead and participate in projects, with roles including a Head Prefect and a Literacy Lead. Lower Secondary pupils apply for these roles and are interviewed, and the school regularly seeks feedback from the student body on whole-school matters.

Community & Service

The school runs regular social events for parents and the local community, and parental involvement is encouraged and appreciated. Annual events include performing arts occasions such as the Christmas Concert, Carnival and the school play, as well as the Christmas Bazaar. The wonderful parent group supports Open Days and marketing the school throughout the Algarve.

Leadership & Professional

Leadership opportunities are provided through the Prefect system, with Lower Secondary pupils applying and being interviewed for roles and a Head Prefect leading the group. There is a Literacy Lead among the prefect roles. The Student Voice initiative centers on giving students the platform to lead, participate in projects and contribute to school improvements.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Wellbeing is integrated into school life and the Cambridge Curriculum, promoting mental, physical and emotional health. The wellbeing framework highlights mental, physical and emotional health as three pillars of student health. A pastoral programme prioritises resilience, personal growth and life skills, with on-site healthcare, inclusive learning support and safeguarding measures. An ESL Programme supports students in enhancing English proficiency.
Languages

Language Provision

English is the primary language of instruction and serves as the official language. The host country's language is valued and encouraged, and the school supports students' diverse mother tongues. An ESL programme is designed to support students in enhancing their English proficiency. The Cambridge Pathway guides learning through Early Years, Primary, Lower Secondary and Upper Secondary (IGCSE).
Admissions

Admissions

The school uses an online five-step admissions process via OpenApply. 1. Send an Enquiry; the Admissions Team provides information through OpenApply. 2. Book a School Tour (60 minutes, in person or online). 3. Submit Final Application (application form on OpenApply and upload the most recent report cards). 4. Trial Day & Assessment (where possible, students spend a day with their age-group class). 5. Confirmation of Enrolment (enrolments are confirmed once payment for all invoiced fees is received). The school welcomes students from 3 to 14 years old at the time of admission. Classes are capped at 18 students, with teaching assistants in Early Years and Primary Pathway classrooms. The school day runs 8:30 am–5:00 pm, Early Years 9:00 am–3:00/4:00 pm, and Primary/Lower Secondary 9:00 am–4:00 pm. Uniforms are required. The school provides hot lunch prepared by a nutritionist, with three options (Mediterranean, diet, vegetarian) and a salad bar; stationery is provided; from Grade 7 laptops are required; bring a personal water bottle. Parents are involved and the Principal regularly meets with families. Students come from over 25 nationalities and the school is non-religious. Enrolment is handled through bright-is.openapply.com and you'll be redirected to the Enrolment Platform.
School Events
The school has not added events