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CJD International School

Portugal, Porto

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees €9,295 - 10,670
Ages 5 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 2200
Type Co-educational
Opened 1934
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Taught languages Portuguese, Spanish, French
Typical class size 18
Strengths STEM, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

CJD International School in Porto, established in 2023/2024 after joining the Dukes Education network, delivers Cambridge education within Colégio Júlio Dinis. The Cambridge curriculum is the core: Cambridge Primary and Lower Secondary, IGCSE, AS and A Levels, with Cambridge ICE as a group award. English is the official language of instruction; home languages are valued and may be used as learning resources, and EAL support is available. Cambridge Upper Secondary centers on IGCSE, with credit-based progression; to reach Cambridge Advanced, students must accumulate at least seven credits and pass at least five in IGCSE. The facilities include laboratories for chemistry, physics, biology and geology, and a STEM room for interdisciplinary work. The campus comprises buildings with indoor and outdoor sports facilities and a Music Centre and Performing Arts. DELF and DELE exam centers enable language certification. The school participates in eTwinning and Erasmus+ projects, Eco-Schools, and digital leadership initiatives, broadening collaboration across international networks, and fostering a global outlook.

R. do Porto Feliz s/n, 4350-016 Porto, Portugal

The Essentials

CJD International School has 2,200 pupils, typical class sizes of 18, instruction in English.

Location

Porto, Portugal. Rua do Porto Feliz s/n, 4350-016 Porto. The campus is served by a transport service with predefined routes and pickup points.

Stages

Cambridge Primary, Cambridge Lower Secondary, Cambridge Upper Secondary, Cambridge Advanced.

Type

International school.

Pupil Nationality Mix

Students come from over 50 countries.

Additional learning support

The school provides a Psychology and Guidance Service and a Multidisciplinary Support Team for Inclusive Education (EMAEI) to support inclusive education, with universal, selective and additional measures; Special Education support can be provided in small groups or individually, and a Health Space supports student health.

Country affiliation

Portugal.

Bus service

The school offers a transport service with predefined routes and pick-up points.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement

Uniform is compulsory from pre-school to primary. Every day from September to July, students wear at least one item of upper clothing; younger children (1–5) must have a hat, raincoat, and a coat for art activities, and a CJD sleeping bag is required for ages 1–3. In the 2nd, 3rd and secondary cycles, lab coats are required for Visual Education and for laboratory science classes (Natural Sciences, Biology and Geology; Physics and Chemistry), purchasable at the school or via the eCommunity platform.

Food Options

In the canteens, meals are prepared under the supervision of a nutritionist. Menus follow Ministry guidelines, prioritising variety and seasonality, and offer vegetarian and dietary options with accommodations for allergies or restrictions. Menus can be accessed through the eCommunity platform.

Governance and Ownership

CJD International School is part of Dukes Education. Governors work with the Head and Senior Leadership Team to guide long-term strategy, monitor educational quality and safety, and ensure wellbeing and school improvement; operational responsibilities remain with the Head and Senior Leadership Team.
Fees

Annual tuition at CJD International School ranges from EUR 9,295 to EUR 10,670 for 2026/27.

Application & one-time entry fees
- Application fee (one‑time, paid on application): €250.
- Enrolment fee (one‑time, to confirm a place): €400.
- Renewal fee (annual, for returning students): €350.
- An initial three‑month tuition deposit is required to secure places for September; the application fee, enrolment fee and this initial three‑month deposit are non‑refundable.

Tuition fees by year group (annual and per‑month; billed in 11 instalments)
- Primary (Years 1–6): €9,295 per year — billed as €845 per month over 11 instalments.
- Lower Secondary (Years 7–9): €9,460 per year — billed as €860 per month over 11 instalments.
- Upper Secondary (Years 10–11): €10,505 per year — billed as €955 per month over 11 instalments.
- Advanced / Sixth Form (Years 12–13): €10,670 per year — billed as €970 per month over 11 instalments.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Annual tuition is divided into 11 monthly instalments, payable from September through July inclusive. Payments must be received by the 8th of each month.
- Late‑payment charges: €5 if paid between the 9th and 11th of the month; €10 if paid between the 12th and 20th; €20 if paid from the 21st onwards. Students may be denied access if previous outstanding fees remain unpaid.
- Optional services (for example extended hours, study support, and curricular enrichment activities) are billed monthly and changes or withdrawals of optional services must be requested in writing by the 8th of the month prior to the change.

Boarding fees
- CJD operates as a day school; boarding accommodation is not offered as part of the international school programme.

Other costs and optional fees
- Meal plan (lunch and afternoon snack): €120 per month (optional).
- Extracurricular activities, school trips, summer and holiday camps, end‑of‑year events, externally administered exam fees (e.g., Cambridge exams), intensive English programmes, individualised learning support, transportation, and special materials (art supplies, coursebooks and workbooks) are charged in addition to tuition where applicable.
- School uniform: Primary uniform is mandatory and available via the school's eCommunity online store.
- Siblings discount: 10% reduction on siblings' tuition fees; the discount applies to tuition only and is applied to the youngest child(s).

Refunds and fee reductions
- The application fee, the enrolment fee and the initial three‑month deposit that secure places for September are non‑refundable. No refunds will be issued after the start of school activities or service provision. Tuition fees will not be reduced for non‑attendance or non‑use of optional services.

Fee payment administration and payment options
- Billing, enrolment validation and account management are administered by the school's administrative office and via the school's eCommunity platform; invoices and monthly billing follow the schedule above and are issued to families through those channels.
- Specific payment methods (for example bank transfer, card or other online payment options) are provided on the invoices and account statements issued to families and through the school's eCommunity administration. Parents should follow the payment instructions shown on their invoice or account statement.
Academics

CJD International School teaches Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels for students aged 5 to 18.

Curriculum

Cambridge International Programme is the core curriculum at CJD International School, implemented through Cambridge Primary, Cambridge Lower Secondary, Cambridge Upper Secondary (IGCSE), and Cambridge Advanced (AS & A Levels). Cambridge Upper Secondary centers on the Cambridge IGCSE, with subjects earning 1 credit (2 for Coordinated Sciences); to progress to Cambridge Advanced, students must accumulate at least 7 credits and pass at least 5 of them in IGCSE. Cambridge ICE (International Certificate of Education) is a group award with five groups: Group I Languages (English, Spanish); Group II Humanities and Social Sciences (Economics, Geography, Cambridge Global Perspectives); Group III Sciences (Co-ordinated Sciences – Double Award); Group IV Mathematics; Group V Professional and Creative (Art and Design, Cambridge Global Perspectives, ICT). English is the official language of instruction and all classes are taught in English; home languages are valued and may be used as learning resources in appropriate contexts; English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is available; Global Perspectives is compulsory in CJD.

Higher Education Progression

The Office to Support Access to Higher Education provides career development support to help students plan their future path, including personalized consultations, group sessions, participation in career fairs, and guidance for higher education choices.

Gifted and Talented

Special Education services include Gifted and Talented students as part of the school's SEND provisions.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school fosters a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive environment where respect, acceptance, and happiness are central to every student's experience. The school serves students from over 50 countries, creating a multicultural community that supports global citizenship and collaborative learning. The Cambridge Program guides learners through IGCSE, AS, and A-Level examinations, with the AICE diploma as an option. Core values include resilience, empathy, teamwork, hard work, critical thinking, and global citizenship. The school emphasises strong partnerships with families to support students' passions and pathways to future success, with ongoing improvement in space, projects, and services.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The Specialised Services Team is multidisciplinary, including specialists in special education, psychology, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and health. Each student's unique abilities, difficulties, interests and expectations are taken into account to form an integrated profile that supports growth in a holistic, healthy and meaningful way. The Multidisciplinary Support Team for Inclusive Education (EMAEI) implements a multi-level framework (universal, selective, additional measures) and adapts practices to the Cambridge International Program. The team uses differentiated pedagogy and accommodations to provide appropriate support, including small-group or individual sessions to reinforce study, reading, writing, and socio-emotional skills. The Health Space provides health care, promotes healthy lifestyles, and supports student and staff wellbeing, including care for acute and chronic health needs and referrals as needed.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

English is the official language of instruction at CJD International School; all classes are taught in English and staff and students are expected to speak English during lessons. Home languages are valued and may be used as a learning resource, with library and other support to maintain linguistic diversity. For students with language-learning needs, targeted English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided to strengthen academic English, with an Intensive English Course (IEC) in lower years and in upper levels for students likely to reach the required level within six months. Progress in IEC is monitored through regular assessments, with language targets aligned to IGCSE (B1/B2) and A-Level (C1) requirements. Additional language support may include scaffolded instruction, individualized interventions, and teacher mentorship, and the wider school community supports home-language literacy where available.

Mental Wellbeing

The health and wellbeing of students is supported by the Health Space, which promotes safe, healthy environments and provides care for acute and chronic health needs, accidents, and trauma, as well as referrals to health professionals when required. The Psychology and Guidance Service offers psychological support, career guidance, and development of skills, adapting methods to each student's needs and the school's context. A Multidisciplinary Support Team for Inclusive Education (EMAEI) works within a Cambridge-aligned framework to provide differentiated pedagogies and accommodations aimed at holistic development and socio-emotional growth. The school's approach to wellbeing is complemented by proactive staff engagement and a focus on fostering resilience, empathy, and inclusive participation across the learning community.

Safeguarding

The safeguarding policy is designed to promote the welfare and safety of all children, with regular staff training, annual reviews, and accessible safeguarding information for the school community. Students have rights to feel safe, to be heard, and to report concerns, with trusted adults available to support them. The policy recognises safeguarding challenges for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and ensures they receive appropriate support. Staff are responsible for observing changes in behaviour, identifying concerns early, and providing help, with a designated safeguarding lead (DSL) overseeing safeguarding at the school. External authorities may be involved when necessary, and safeguarding records are kept securely and transferred to the child's next setting as required.
Parent Experience

History

Colégio Júlio Dinis (CJD) is a private school in Porto, Portugal, founded in 1934 (Licence No. 146). It has grown to offer a transversal teaching model from nursery to secondary school with both national and international wings. In 2023 the move to Rua do Porto Feliz coincided with integration into the Dukes Education group, and CJD is currently part of the Dukes Education network. The CJD International School was established in Porto during the 2023/2024 academic year, drawing on more than 90 years of experience from the Portuguese school and offering the Cambridge Program (IGCSE, AS and A-Level exams) and the AICE diploma.

Community

Colégio Júlio Dinis International School serves students from over 50 countries, creating a multicultural environment. The school emphasises strong partnerships with families to support students as they pursue their passions and build pathways to a successful future. Its extracurricular program provides a range of activities to develop social, sporting, leadership and creative skills, including Team Sports, Martial Arts, Performing Arts, Technologies and a Music Centre. The school hosts and participates in events such as Carnival, ProBleu exhibitions across Porto Metro stations, and Education Day, reflecting an active and engaged school community.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

Facilities include several separate buildings dedicated to different levels of education and services. The campus is connected by streets, pathways and green spaces, forming an educational city. Laboratories and a STEM room support hands-on, interdisciplinary learning with up-to-date technology. Playgrounds and sport spaces provide spaces for social interaction and physical activity.

Sports Facilities

Indoor and outdoor multi-sport facilities support both physical education classes and after-school activities. The spaces enable a range of team and individual sports in both climate-controlled and open-air environments. They are designed to accommodate training across multiple disciplines and skill levels. These facilities contribute to students' wellbeing and active learning.

Academic Facilities

The school provides laboratories for chemistry, physics, biology and geology, equipped to meet the pedagogical demands of the curricula. Laboratories integrate theory and practice to reinforce the scientific method on a daily basis. These spaces promote structured language use in science and develop organizational, collaborative, creative, dexterity and autonomous working habits. A STEM room supports interdisciplinary learning with up-to-date computer technology.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Beyond the classroom, the school offers Team Sports and Individual Sports, Martial Arts, Performing Arts, Technologies and a Music Centre. These programs complement academic study by enabling practical application, creativity and collaboration. Facilities and spaces are organized to support both competitive and recreational participation. Students can engage in clubs and activities across arts, technology and physical education.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

Basic Education offers a flexible extracurricular model with a broad range of clubs and projects. The Artistic Component includes Theatre, Creative Dance, Choir, Music Academy, and Art and Discovery Workshop, while the Technological Component covers Robotics, The Inventors, and Technology in Action, and the Sports Component features Rugby, Volleyball, Football, Basketball, Swimming, Chess, and Martial Arts. Themed Rooms host clubs related to Portuguese, Mathematics, Experimental Sciences, Social and Human Sciences, and Visual Arts, operating from 14:20 to 17:00. Projects include eTwinning, Erasmus+, and Eco-Schools.

Arts & Creative

Arts and creative opportunities are central to CJD. The Performing Arts explore paths in dance, music, theater and visual arts, with offerings such as Ballet, Creative Dance, Dance, Yoga, Art and Discovery, and Acrobatic Gymnastics. The Music Centre delivers high-quality musical education with instruments including Violin, Piano, Guitar, Drums, Singing, Percussion, Ukulele, Youth Choir, String Ensemble, and Workshops. These programs nurture creativity across stage and studio.

Cultural & Language

Francophonie Day is on the school calendar. DELF language exams are offered on site through a partnership with France Éducation International, with DELF levels from A1 to B2 and on-site exam preparation. The school is part of the official DELE exam centre network, allowing Spanish language examinations on campus with school-based preparation courses. An Intensive Preparation Course for DELE Exams runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays 18:15–19:15 from March 19 to May 21, 2026, totaling 15 hours.

Social & Hobbies

Themed Rooms host clubs related to Portuguese, Mathematics, Experimental Sciences, Social and Human Sciences, and Visual Arts, operating from 14:20 to 17:00. This arrangement supports cross-curricular collaboration and student-led interests. The school also participates in cross-school projects such as eTwinning and Erasmus+ that broaden social and cultural experiences.

Community & Service

Eco-Schools is a cornerstone environmental education initiative at CJD, engaging students in sustainable practices across the school community. eTwinning and Erasmus+ projects promote collaboration and active citizenship with other European schools. The ProBleu project supports ocean literacy and marine sustainability through cross-border collaboration. Digital Leaders programs empower students to lead technology-driven community projects.

Leadership & Professional

Digital Leaders program fosters leadership and digital literacy, empowering students to become technology advocates within the school. eTwinning and related projects foster leadership, teamwork, and cross-cultural collaboration across international networks. ProBleu and other initiatives provide opportunities to lead and participate in cross-cultural projects.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Team Sports promote physical health and social belonging, with Rugby, Volleyball, Football, Basketball, and Floorball on offer. Individual Sports develop concentration, motor coordination, and self-confidence through Skating, Swimming, and Chess. Martial Arts promote coordination, balance, flexibility and values such as respect and self-discipline through Judo, Karate and Jiu-Jitsu.
Languages

Language Provision

English is the official language of instruction at CJD International School; all communications with parents are in English; home languages can be used to support learning; Portuguese is taught from Primary 1; other languages such as Spanish or French may be studied; library resources in home languages are provided when available; all teachers are language teachers; progress and placement are guided by language support policies.

Bilingual Teaching

English is the official language of instruction; all classes are taught in English; home languages are valued and used as learning resources; Portuguese is taught from Primary 1; students may study other languages such as Spanish or French.

Immersion Programs

English is the language of instruction across the curriculum; English immersion is supported through English-only classroom use; Intensive English Course (IEC) provides targeted English language support for students with limited proficiency, with IEC available in Primary and Lower Secondary, and in Upper Secondary only to students likely to reach the required level within six months.
Reputation

Awards

eTwinning School Label – Recognized for cross-border collaborative projects under Erasmus+. Eco-Schools Green Flag – Recognition for environmental education initiatives.

Accreditations

Cambridge – Cambridge-certified institution offering an English-language curriculum aligned with Cambridge International standards.
DELF – Partner school of France Éducation International; DELF exams are available on CJD premises at levels A1, A2, B1, B2, with exam-preparation classes.
DELE – Official DELE exam centre; Spanish-language certification available for candidates with courses and exam-prep for A1 and A2/B1; expansion planned.
Eco-Schools – flies the Eco-Schools Green Flag, a recognition for environmental education and sustainable development.
e-Twinning – holds the eTwinning School Label, a recognition for cross-border collaborative projects (including the eTwinning Junior Academy).
Digital Leaders – Digital Leaders programme empowers students to lead in digital literacy and technology advocacy.
ProBleu – participates in the ProBleu project, promoting ocean literacy and marine sustainability.
Admissions

Admissions

1. Book a visit to begin the admissions process. The admissions process is open to children from Primary 1 to Year 13. CJD International School operates on a rolling basis, offering enrolment throughout the school year until the end of the first term, contingent on availability and meeting admission requirements. If a grade level reaches capacity, a waiting list is maintained and applicants are notified when places become available.

2. Special Educational Needs. The school welcomes students with diagnosed or suspected special educational needs, provided staff and facilities can adequately accommodate them. Parents are encouraged to discuss their child's requirements during the admission process and provide a copy of an educational psychologist's report or a medical report if available. As part of this process, the applicant may be interviewed by the school psychologist, and the school reserves the right to request a psycho-educational evaluation before making a decision if deemed necessary. The school commits to discussing accommodations with parents and medical advisers if the child becomes a student.

3. Fluency in English. The school assesses students' English proficiency based on their expected time at the school. If it is believed students can develop sufficient academic English to transition into the Cambridge IGCSE curriculum during their time with us, they are admitted even if not initially proficient. Generally, Primary 3 is the last year we admit students with limited English proficiency. Parents can choose to arrange English as an additional language tuition at their own expense.

4. Grade placement. Placement is based on the student's previous academic journey (with required equivalences) and age as of September 1 of entry. A student may be placed in a lower grade if appropriate. Placement in a higher grade than the student's age group is considered only in exceptional circumstances, particularly if transcripts show the student has already completed the year. If placed above age, the placement is tentative and a change may be recommended after careful observation.

5. Rolling admissions and waitlist. The admissions process is rolling, with new students admitted throughout the year subject to availability and meeting admission requirements. If a grade level is full, a waiting list is maintained and applicants are notified when places become available. Families are encouraged to start the admissions process early to minimise the risk of missing a place.

6. Enrolment, contracts and fees. Enrollment takes place on the school's premises, following signing of a contract in person with the parent or guardian. The fees include an Enrolment Fee of 400€ and an Application Fee of 250€. An initial three-month deposit secures places for September, and these payments are non-refundable. The contract governs the terms of enrollment and the school calendar applies.

Scholarships

Siblings discount: 10% discount on tuition fees. The discount applies only to tuition fees; other fees are not discounted. The discount is always applied to the youngest student(s).

Waitlist

If a grade level reaches full capacity, the school maintains a waiting list and applicants will be notified when places become available. The admissions process is open to children from Primary 1 to Year 13 and runs on a rolling basis, with enrolment throughout the year subject to availability and requirements. Families are encouraged to initiate the admissions process at their earliest convenience to avoid missing a place.
School Events
The school has not added events