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St. Julian's School

Portugal, Lisbon

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Portuguese
Fees €12,384 - 29,097
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1200
Type Co-educational
Opened 1932
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE, IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme)
Taught languages Portuguese, French, German
Typical class size 21
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Leadership and Professional, Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

St. Julian's School is a British international school in Greater Lisbon, Portugal, welcoming students from ages 3 to 18 and international families worldwide. It has educated region since 1932 and offers pathways: English Curriculum and Bilingual Curriculum. The English pathway follows the National Curriculum for England from Nursery to Year 13, leads to GCSEs in Year 11, and provides IB Diploma or Career-related Programme in Years 12–13. The Bilingual Curriculum teaches the Portuguese National Curriculum in English and Portuguese for ages 6–15, with a foundation to GCSE before IB Year 12. Portuguese is compulsory to Year 9 in both routes. The school is accredited by CIS, COBIS, NEASC and the International Baccalaureate Organisation, and its Head is a member of the Heads' Conference. Its 18th-century palace sits on grounds at Carcavelos beach, with a €50 million Second Century project enhancing facilities and green spaces. Activities include MUN, Eco-Schools and CAS.

Av. Jorge V, 374, Carcavelos, Portugal

The Essentials

St. Julian's School has 1,200 pupils, typical class sizes of 21, instruction in English, Portuguese.

Location
St. Julian's School is in Carcavelos, in Greater Lisbon, Portugal. It sits between Carcavelos beach and historic Lisbon. The campus is centered on an elegant 18th‑century palace surrounded by gardens, sports facilities, woodland areas and sea air. The location blends natural beauty with urban convenience.

Stages
The school is organized into four divisions: Pre-Prep Ages 3-4; Prep Ages 5-10; Secondary Ages 11-18; and Bilingual Ages 6-14. This structure supports continuity from early years through to secondary education.

Type
British international school. For ages 3-18.

Country affiliation
UK-affiliated.

Bus service
Bus service with partner F-Irmãos, providing door-to-door transport. Morning collections aim for arrivals between 8:00 and 8:10am; afternoon collections run 3:15pm (Nursery–Year 2 and 1º ano) or 4:05pm (all other students) Monday–Thursday, and 2:00pm on Fridays, with return journeys typically 30–35 minutes. Zones are defined by an interactive map; enrolment is for the full academic year; buses are certified by the IMT and drivers licensed. Fees are per term or per year by zone, and there are sibling discounts.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The Uniform policy reflects a shared sense of community. There are summer and winter uniforms; the clothing is practical and distinctive, and wearing uniform is a great equaliser.

Food Options
The School offers a lunch service with hot and cold options. Menus are designed by a nutritionist and prepared in partnership with Thomas Frank, a trusted supplier. For the 2025/26 school year, lunch costs €1,209 for Nursery to Year 1 and €1,410 for Year 2 and above; students may also purchase lunch daily for €9.00. Secondary students can also buy food from the Soft Rock Café, which offers warm and cold takeaway options.

House System
Our house system assigns all students and staff to one of four houses: Bucknall, Franklin, Etherington-Smith (ES) and Russell. These foster community and cross-year friendship; a variety of sporting, academic, cultural and service activities are organised throughout the year, with house points and leadership opportunities such as House Captains.

Governance and Ownership
St. Julian's Association, established in 1938 as a not-for-profit cultural organisation dedicated to education, shapes the School's vision and reinvests all revenues back into the School. A Board of Governors oversees strategic planning, policy oversight and progress and appoints the Head and the Bursar, supported by subcommittees. The Chairman of the Annual General Meeting is Mr Filipe Lowndes Marques, and His Majesty's Ambassador to the Portuguese Republic is the Patron of the Association.
Fees

Annual tuition at St. Julian's School ranges from EUR 12,384 to EUR 29,097 for 2026/27.

Application & admission fees

- Application fee: EUR 250 (payable at submission; non‑refundable).
- Registration fee: EUR 750 (payable on acceptance to secure a place).
- Capital levy (one‑off): EUR 5,000 (payable on acceptance).

Tuition fees — annual and per term (fees shown in EUR)

For each year group the table below shows the published annual tuition and the equivalent per‑term amount (school operates over three terms per academic year). Per‑term = Annual ÷ 3.

- Kindergarten / Age 3 (Kindg. 1): Annual EUR 12,384 — Per term EUR 4,128.
- Kindergarten / Age 4 (Kindg. 2): Annual EUR 12,384 — Per term EUR 4,128.
- Kindergarten / Age 5 (Kindg. 3): Annual EUR 14,868 — Per term EUR 4,956.
- Grade 1 / Age 6: Annual EUR 14,868 — Per term EUR 4,956.
- Grade 2 / Age 7: Annual EUR 15,786 — Per term EUR 5,262.
- Grade 3 / Age 8: Annual EUR 15,786 — Per term EUR 5,262.
- Grade 4 / Age 9: Annual EUR 16,707 — Per term EUR 5,569.
- Grade 5 / Age 10: Annual EUR 17,907 — Per term EUR 5,969.
- Grade 6 / Age 11: Annual EUR 18,579 — Per term EUR 6,193.
- Grade 7 / Age 12: Annual EUR 18,579 — Per term EUR 6,193.
- Grade 8 / Age 13: Annual EUR 18,579 — Per term EUR 6,193.
- Grade 9 / Age 14: Annual EUR 22,809 — Per term EUR 7,603.
- Grade 10 / Age 15: Annual EUR 22,809 — Per term EUR 7,603.
- Grade 11 / Age 16: Annual EUR 29,097 — Per term EUR 9,699.
- Grade 12 / Age 17: Annual EUR 19,134 — Per term EUR 6,378.

Example — first year total for a child in Kindergarten 1

- Tuition (Kindg. 1): EUR 12,384
- Application fee: EUR 250
- Registration fee: EUR 750
- Capital levy (one‑off): EUR 5,000
- Total for the first year (example): EUR 18,384.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Invoices are normally issued approximately 90 days prior to the start of each term. School fees for each term are due as cleared funds before the commencement of the term to which they relate. All invoices have a payment term of 30 days.
- Parents may request an annual invoice or choose to pay monthly by direct debit in ten monthly instalments; the monthly‑instalment option is available only by direct debit and requires authorisation. Alternative payment‑in‑instalment agreements may be arranged in writing with the School.
- Late or outstanding fees incur an administrative charge (7% of the outstanding amount) and interest as permitted under Portuguese law; prolonged arrears may result in suspension of services or withdrawal of the student's place.

Boarding

- St. Julian's School is a day school only; no boarding provision is offered.

Other compulsory or common extra costs

- School lunches: Yearly lunch plans are available. For 2025/26, lunch cost examples were EUR 1,209 per year for Nursery to Year 1 and EUR 1,410 per year for Year 2 (1.º ano) and above; a daily lunch pay‑as‑you‑go option is EUR 9.00 per day.
- Uniforms: Uniforms are not included in tuition and are charged separately.
- Examination / certification charges: Examination fees for external qualifications are billed in addition to tuition (example charges published for recent years include IGCSE and IB DP examination costs; sample figures previously published include IB DP Year 13 ≈ EUR 890 and IGCSE Year 11 ≈ EUR 785).
- Some curriculum trips, external extracurricular activities run by third parties, transport to/from school, additional learning‑support costs, and certain special events are charged in addition to tuition. The tuition fee covers the majority of curriculum materials and most school‑arranged trips unless specifically notified.

Discounts and concessions

- Large‑family discount: a 15% discount is applied to the third child attending simultaneously and 25% for each subsequent child. If multiple discounts apply, the second discount is applied on the reduced fee after the first discount.
- Staff discount: full‑time staff with at least two years' tenure may be eligible for a staff discount (commonly 25% per child, subject to conditions and the School's financial position).

Refunds and leaving‑notice

- Admission fees (application, registration and capital levy) are paid to secure a place and are not refundable. The school requires at least one term's written notice before removing a student; failing to give one term's notice will normally result in a charge equal to one term's fees in lieu of notice. Specific deadlines for giving notice are set against the academic calendar.

Accepted payment methods and practical rules

- Accepted payment methods: bank transfer, direct debit and cheque. Cash payments in excess of EUR 100 are not accepted; any banking charges incurred by the School (for returned cheques, etc.) will be added to the amount due.
- For families requesting instalment plans or special payment arrangements, agreements must be made in writing and signed by both parties. Payments received are allocated to the oldest outstanding debts first.

Notes and practical points for parents (factual)

- Tuition is billed by term; the School operates on a three‑term academic calendar. Per‑term figures above are the annual tuition divided by three.
- Some items typically excluded from the tuition fee are: admission fees, uniforms, certain school meals and transport, some school trips and exam fees, external extracurricular providers, and specialised learning support.
Academics

St. Julian's School teaches British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE, IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme) for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
The school offers two learning pathways: English Curriculum and Bilingual Curriculum. The English Curriculum runs from Nursery through Year 13, follows the National Curriculum for England, leads to GCSEs in Year 11, and offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma or Career-related Programme in Years 12–13. Portuguese is a compulsory subject up to the end of Year 9. The Bilingual Curriculum teaches the Portuguese National Curriculum in both English and Portuguese from age 6 to 15 (1º–9º ano) and then integrates into the English curriculum with a bespoke foundation programme leading to GCSE examinations before joining the IB programme in Year 12. Parents can choose the bilingual pathway from Reception or Year 1; non-Portuguese-speaking parents can choose this option to accelerate language acquisition and build international networks.

Exam Results
IB Diploma Results – Class of 2025: 94 students earned the IB Diploma with an average score of 34.5, and 49% achieved 35 or higher. GCSE Results – Year 11 (2025): 98 students completed GCSE examinations with strong performance; the data show high attainment in core metrics. IB Diploma results over 2025–2020 show an average score of 34.5 with a Diploma pass rate around 97%; 2025 GCSE metrics include 6 or more A* to C at 97% and A*-C at 97%; 52% achieved A*/A. Portuguese National ExamsResults (2025): grade averages include Portuguese 3.7 and Maths 4.1, with top marks (5) in both subjects.

Higher Education Progression
Graduates have gained places at top universities worldwide, including Bath, Cambridge, City, Edinburgh, King's College London, Loughborough, Manchester, Oxford, Royal Holloway, St Andrews, UCL and Warwick; in the United States MIT and UCLA; international destinations including Amsterdam, Bocconi, Delft, IE and Maastricht; and in Portugal Católica and Nova SBE.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Health & Citizenship PSHE education promotes emotional literacy, personal resilience and respectful relationships.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
A Dedicated Learning Support Team provides inclusive provision tailored to individual needs, including support for English as an Additional Language (EAL).

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
EAL support includes individual learning plans; small-group and one-to-one lessons; IGCSE English as a Second Language option; Portuguese as a Foreign Language.

Mental Wellbeing
Counsellors and wellbeing staff provide extra support when needed; wellbeing is central to school life; Health & Citizenship promotes emotional literacy and resilience.

Safeguarding
A comprehensive Child Protection Policy aligns with UK and Portuguese guidelines; safeguarding is everyone's responsibility; the Deputy Head (Pastoral) oversees welfare.
Parent Experience

History
The school has provided British international education in Portugal since 1932. It is one of the oldest and most prominent British international schools in Portugal with deep roots in Greater Lisbon and an extensive extracurricular programme. The school's dedication to the arts, sport and community engagement has produced internationally renowned artists, athletes and leaders who honed their skills on St. Julian's stages, pitches and debating platforms. It is accredited by CIS, COBIS, NEASC, and the International Baccalaureate Organisation, and its Head is an international member of the Heads' Conference (HMC). St. Julian's is a heritage-rich institution that has educated and empowered children for almost a century.

Community
St. Julian's has an active and interconnected community that includes Alumni, Charity & community engagement initiatives, and family involvement through the Parents' Association and Parents of Alumni. The school offers opportunities to join the team and to participate in community activities, with regular updates shared via the school newsletter and the SJS Portal. The Community section connects current families with alumni and donation opportunities to support school life.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
All functions of the St. Julian's Parents' Association are run by volunteers. The Association's role is to strengthen the community of parents and to liaise with school leadership through regular meetings between the school and parent Coordinators and Year Group or Class Representatives (Primary, Secondary, and Bilingual). Outcomes from these meetings are communicated via the school newsletter and made available on the SJS Portal. The Parents' Association also runs an office for second-hand uniform sales, staffed by parent volunteers. Parents organise social and fundraising events such as the annual Cheese & Wine and Bonfire Night. To help, contact chair.stjulians.pact@gmail.com.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school has an elegant 18th-century palace at the heart of a campus surrounded by gardens, sports facilities, woodland areas and fresh sea air, located between Carcavelos beach and Lisbon in Greater Lisbon, Portugal. The campus sits within extensive grounds that support a wide range of activities. A €50 million, five-year Second Century building project will add contemporary, specialised rooms, renovate historic buildings and enhance green spaces. Planning your visit is easy by car or rail from Carcavelos.

Sports Facilities
The sports program is broad and active, with surf, rugby, football, cricket, athletics and other activities supported by extensive after-school offerings. After-school sports run from 3:30–4:30 for younger pupils and 4:00–5:30 for older ones, with football, basketball and volleyball among the free activities. Students participate in fixtures and competitions with other international schools in Portugal and Europe. A Rugby Club is open to the community and affiliated with the Portuguese Rugby Federation, and the school offers a wide range of sports including swimming, golf, tennis, track & field, gymnastics, padel, and more.

Academic Facilities
The Bilingual Curriculum enables dual-language learning across the school, with students from ages 6 to 15 enjoying bilingual education before progressing to IGCSEs and then to the IB, DP or CP. Across the entire school, core subjects such as Art, Music and Physical Education are taught in both Portuguese and English. The Bilingual Section is designed to complement the broader Prep School experience and ensures a seamless transition into later stages of education. The school offers pathways from early years through secondary with dual-language delivery at the core of the academic program.

Extra Curricular Facilities
A wide programme of clubs and societies covers sports, music, drama, the arts, languages, science, technology and leadership, supporting personal growth and teamwork. Clubs include Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Rugby, Cricket, Swimming, Golf, Track & Field, Tennis and Padel, plus Capoeira, Karate, Jiu-Jitsu and Boxing, Surf, Sailing, Skateboarding and Climbing. The school also supports leadership and service initiatives such as Model United Nations, Eco-School and the Community Service (CAS) group. The Wider Life Programme offers age-appropriate activities and schedules for the 2025/26 year, with details available to families.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers two learning pathways: English Curriculum and Bilingual Curriculum. The English Curriculum runs from Nursery to Year 13, follows the National Curriculum for England, leads to GCSE in Year 11, and offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma or Career-related Programme in Years 12–13. The Bilingual Curriculum teaches the Portuguese National Curriculum in English and Portuguese from age 6 to 15, with a bespoke foundation programme to GCSE before joining the IB in Year 12. Portuguese is integral to both pathways, and students develop strong language skills and access to universities worldwide.

Arts & Creative
The Arts are central to the curriculum, fostering creativity, emotional expression and critical thinking through a diverse arts programme that includes creative arts, drama and music. Students receive individual music tuition and can join choirs, orchestras and jazz bands, enriching their artistic development. The school values artistic achievement and proudly lists Paula Rego among its alumni.

Cultural & Language
Portuguese is integral to the curriculum. The English Curriculum includes Portuguese as a compulsory subject up to Year 9. The Bilingual Curriculum teaches the Portuguese National Curriculum in both English and Portuguese from ages 6 to 15, with a bespoke foundation to GCSE before IB. Graduates develop strong language skills and international networks.

Social & Hobbies
Clubs and societies enrich learning and help students discover talents beyond the classroom. The co-curricular offering includes Debate Club, STEM initiatives, language clubs, music ensembles and theatre productions. Students can lead initiatives and represent the School at national and international conferences (e.g., Model United Nations). Eco-Schools and the Community Service (CAS) group empower students to address environmental and social issues and develop global citizenship.

Community & Service
Eco-Schools and the Community Service (CAS) groups empower students to respond to environmental and social issues, fostering agency, responsibility and tangible global citizenship. Clubs and societies support service and engagement beyond the classroom, reinforcing practical impact and community involvement.

Leadership & Professional
Many clubs are initiated and run by students themselves, cultivating leadership and opportunities to lead initiatives. The Model United Nations (MUN) club develops public speaking, negotiation and representation skills as students participate in conferences. These experiences build leadership, teamwork and professional confidence for the future.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Wellbeing and safety are top priorities; safeguarding policies follow the latest English guidelines. British pastoral care supports students, with tutors monitoring academic and emotional wellbeing and Heads of Year overseeing welfare. Security procedures include comprehensive background checks for staff, volunteers and others, with regular reviews. The school also runs a broad sports programme with after-school activities and diverse clubs, including a Rugby Club open to the community and international tours.
Languages

Language Provision
The school teaches English and Portuguese. The English Curriculum runs from Nursery to Year 13, following the English National Curriculum with GCSEs in Year 11 and the IB Diploma or Career-related Programme in Years 12–13; Portuguese is an integral subject up to Year 9. In the Bilingual Curriculum, the Portuguese National Curriculum is taught in both English and Portuguese from ages 6 to 15 (1º–9º ano), with a foundation programme leading to GCSEs before joining the IB in Year 12. Non-Portuguese-speaking families can join earlier to accelerate language acquisition.

Bilingual Teaching
Bilingual Curriculum is offered for ages 6–14 (1º–9º ano) with the Portuguese National Curriculum taught in English and Portuguese. Parents can choose this pathway from Reception or Year 1. Bilingual students are then integrated into the English curriculum with a bespoke foundation programme leading to GCSEs before joining the IB Diploma or Career-related Programme in Year 12. The pathway supports both native Portuguese and non-Portuguese-speaking students and fosters strong language skills and international networks.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Register your interest: Contact the Admissions Office via the online form to receive detailed information including current availability, fees and the steps to follow. 2. Book a visit: A personal tour lasts about 30 minutes; children are welcome; if you cannot visit in person, an online meeting can be arranged; visits are informational and do not guarantee a place. 3. Make a formal application: Apply early as classes fill up quickly; complete the online application form and pay the 250 EUR application fee; this one-time fee covers administrative costs and is non-refundable. 4. Interview and assessment: The Admissions Committee, chaired by the Head, reviews applications continuously; invited families attend interviews; interviews commence in September for admission in the following academic year; for Year 4 and above a formal Admissions Assessment is completed just before the interview; an online assessment can be arranged if needed. 5. Acceptance: The Head decides on admission based on the Committee's advice; notification is in writing; after a formal offer, sign the Parent School Agreement and pay the Registration Fee of 750 EUR and the Capital Levy of 5,000 EUR within 10 working days. If a place cannot be offered, families may join the waiting list and the Admissions Office maintains regular contact with those on the list. Most new students start in September; applications are considered year-round subject to availability; final years of the IGCSE or IB DP/CP are generally not accepted. Additionally, St. Julian's offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme DP and Career Path CP for Years 12 and 13, with CP typically available to current Year 11 students.

Scholarships
St. Julian's offers three types of scholarships: Scholars Awards, Lighthouse Awards, and Community Scholarships. Scholars Awards are awarded to Year 12 students based on Year 11 attainment and exemplary engagement and attendance, with up to five Academic Scholarships awarded; winners receive a prize from a menu of opportunities for summer school or internships during the Summer Holiday. Lighthouse Awards reward outstanding contributions to school life, with up to five awards per academic year; in 2025/26 Year 13 is invited to apply; winners receive prizes such as summer programs or internships. Community Scholarships (Anniversary Community Scholarships) are means-tested and awarded to local community members not currently at St. Julian's; up to two Anniversary Scholarships of up to 100% discount per year are possible; applications involve interview, testing and a portfolio. The portfolio should demonstrate commitment to learning, school life, and talent or passion, plus evidence of how the student will contribute to the St. Julian's community; English proficiency is considered. Appendix 1 outlines the process for 2025/26 and specifies deadlines (e.g., invitations and timelines); Appendix 2 covers Anniversary Community Scholarships. Scholarship prizes include an internship with Invest In Internships in London up to 2,500 GBP and contributions to summer school programs up to 2,500 GBP. The school reserves the right not to award scholarships if criteria are not met. For 2025/26, Year 13 will also be invited to apply."} } // admissions, waitlist, and scholarships content drawn from the school site. } } } // end of response fields } // end of JSON block} // citations included for source verification (Admissions page and Scholarships policy PDF) } } // end of final content } // end of message } // Note: This response presents the requested fields as a concise, authoritative summary based on the school's own pages and documents. // If you'd like a shorter version or a version tailored to a specific year group, I can adjust. } // end of user-provided content } // end of answer } // end of output } // end of final answer } // final} // end } // final} // (End) } // done } // end

Waitlist
Waiting lists exist. If a year group is full, applicants are placed on the waiting list, and the Admissions Office maintains regular contact with families while they remain on the list.
School Events
The school has not added events
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