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Nobel Algarve British International School - Almancil Campus

Portugal, Algarve

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Portuguese
Fees €6,660 - 18,430
Ages 3 - 18 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 1972
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP), BTEC Qualification, Cambridge IGCSE
Taught languages Portuguese, French, Spanish, English
Typical class size 18
Strengths Sport, STEM, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

Nobel Algarve British International School’s Almancil campus, inaugurated in 2020, offers a contemporary learning environment in the heart of the Algarve's "Golden Triangle." Students follow a contextualized English National Curriculum, progressing from the Early Years Foundation Stage through to IGCSEs, A-levels, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma. The purpose-built campus features specialized science laboratories, a multimedia center, and a central green quad designed around Feng Shui principles to promote a calm atmosphere. A distinctive feature is the "Pause Pod," a dedicated space for reflection and mindfulness, alongside a strong Forest School program that utilizes the region's natural landscape for outdoor education. With a multinational community representing over 50 nationalities, the school integrates local culture through Portuguese language lessons while maintaining a British educational framework. Notable for its eco-friendly design, the campus includes sensory gardens and high-tech classrooms equipped with interactive whiteboards to support individual student growth in a focused, day-school setting.

Caminho das Pereiras, 8135-022 Almancil, Portugal

The Essentials

Nobel Algarve British International School - Almancil Campus has typical class sizes of 18, instruction in English, Portuguese.

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.

Stages
Nursery to Year 13

Type
British international school

Pupil Nationality Mix
50+ nationalities represented

Additional learning support
Adaptations available for SEN students

Country affiliation
Portugal

Religious affiliation
Secular
Diving Deeper

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.

Food Options
Lagoa campus has two canteens and a snack-bar, and a dedicated area for packed lunches is available.

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.

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.
Fees

Annual tuition at Nobel Algarve British International School - Almancil Campus ranges from EUR 6,660 to EUR 18,430 for 2026/27.

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.)
Academics

Nobel Algarve British International School - Almancil Campus teaches IB (DP), BTEC Qualification, Cambridge IGCSE for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
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.

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.

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.

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.
Parent Experience

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.

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.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
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.
Facilities

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.

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.

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.

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 Activities

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
Languages

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.

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.
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.

Waitlist
If there are no available spaces, families are informed and placed on a waiting list on request.
School Events
The school has not added events
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