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Vale Verde International School

Portugal, Algarve

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Portuguese
Fees €7,143 - 12,408
Ages 5 - 18 years
Type Co-educational
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE
Taught languages English, Portuguese
Strengths Languages, Sport, Performing Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

Vale Verde International School is an international school in Luz-Lagos, Portugal, serving students aged 5 to 18 in the Western Algarve. The Primary program is bilingual (60% English, 40% Portuguese), with core literacy, numeracy and science taught in English. The Cambridge curriculum guides the Secondary School from Year 7 to Year 13, leading to Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge International AS and A Levels, with Pearson Edexcel IGCSE also offered. The Cambridge Pathway extends from Year 1 to Year 13, and Cambridge Checkpoint assessments monitor progress at the end of Year 6 and Year 9. Vale Verde is an ABRSM examination centre for practical and theory music exams, with on-site music lessons available in the evenings and at weekends. After-school clubs include Chess, Capoeira, Animation, Volleyball, Football, Arts & Crafts, and Portuguese and French. The school hosts a diverse community with 27 nationalities represented and has limited facilities for students with special educational needs.

VVIS International School, Sitio, Montinhos de Luz, Portugal

The Essentials

Vale Verde International School has instruction in English, Portuguese.

Location
Estrada do Burgau, 8600-120 Luz-Lagos, Algarve, Portugal

Stages
Primary (Year 1–6) and Secondary (Year 7–13)

Type
International school with bilingual English–Portuguese programme; Cambridge curriculum; IGCSE and AS/A Levels

Additional learning support
Limited facilities and resources for students with special educational needs; SEN support available at additional charge after assessment

Country affiliation
Portugal

School day structure
School day starts at 9:00 for Primary (Year 1–6) and 9:00 for Secondary (Year 7–13); Primary ends at 15:30; Secondary ends at 15:45; after-school activities 15:45–16:30; bus service available

Bus service
Bus service from Portimão to school daily with stops along the way including Lagos; billed termly with annual commitment
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Short sleeve blue polo shirt with School badge; White or black plain socks; Black shorts or trousers (no sweatpants or leggings on its own); knee-length skirt (girls). Shoes must be all-black, sensible, protective and allow for the growth and healthy development of feet; high heels, flip-flops and backless/back-strapped shoes are not allowed. During inclement weather, a vest under or a black/dark coat may be worn over the uniform.

Food Options
Snacks and lunch are available for purchase each day, including vegetarian options. The menu is sent out on a Wednesday and pre-ordering for the following week is needed by Friday evening to prepare accordingly.

House System
The house system at VVIS consists of four houses: Apollo, Poseidan, Vulcan, Zeus. All students and staff are assigned to one house; students from the same house are encouraged to work together across year groups in various activities throughout the school year. Staff House Leaders, Student Council and Student House Captains from the Sixth Form coordinate and support house events and initiatives.
Fees

Annual tuition at Vale Verde International School ranges from EUR 7,143 to EUR 12,408 for 2026/27.

Academics

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

Curriculum
Cambridge Lower Secondary leading to IGCSE (Pearson/Cambridge); Cambridge Pathway from Year 1 through Year 13 leading to AS and A Levels; Cambridge Checkpoint assessments at the end of Year 6 and Year 9; Primary is bilingual (60/40 English/Portuguese) with core Literacy, Numeracy and Science taught in English.

Student Teacher Ratio
18 students per class (secondary)

Higher Education Progression
Advanced Levels offered (minimum of 3 subjects per subject area); Cambridge AS/A Levels are recognised worldwide as a means to enter university; staff provide guidance on applying to universities, personal statements, UCAS deadlines and subject options.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Vale Verde International School develops students' social, physical and interpersonal skills and a sense of personal responsibility. The school provides a happy, stimulating learning environment where pupils are encouraged to be independent, cooperative, confident and reflective learners. The bilingual curriculum supports cross-cultural learning and communication in English and Portuguese. Core values such as honesty, respect, responsibility, tolerance, effort, and self-discipline guide behaviour and interaction within the school community. The approach encourages students to think critically and engage respectfully with diverse perspectives. The school aims to prepare learners for lifelong learning and to contribute positively to society.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school recognises that students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) or medical conditions may have safeguarding issues that require extra consideration. SEND and SENCo terminology appear within the safeguarding framework, indicating formal recognition of SEND in student support. All staff are trained to adopt a child-focused approach and to be vigilant for signs that a student may need help. The policy describes a structured system to monitor students known to be at risk and to provide appropriate support. The school undertakes collaboration with external professionals and services to ensure timely access to specialist help when needed. The school seeks to give every pupil the opportunity to realise their potential by addressing SEN and medical needs within a supportive environment.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school runs a bilingual curriculum with English and Portuguese. English Literacy, Numeracy and Science are taught in English throughout the primary curriculum. Bilingual teaching is divided 60/40 between English and Portuguese in Years 1 to 6. The Língua Portuguesa for foreign and native learners programme supports learners who are non-native or native Portuguese speakers. It is the only international school in the Algarve offering these language proportions. Portuguese instruction focuses on arts, culture and sports to support non-native speakers and help them prepare for Portuguese tuition.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental health and wellbeing are a core focus of VVIS and are addressed through safeguarding and a tailored PSHE curriculum. All staff are aware that mental health issues may indicate safeguarding concerns and are trained to respond appropriately. The school actively promotes the health, wellbeing and resilience of students and staff, including guidance on responsible social media use through a tailored PSHE programme. Early Help identifies and provides support to students as soon as a problem emerges, including prevention, identification and access to early specialist support. If concerns relate to self-harm, eating disorders or suicidal thoughts, they are brought to the senior management team and acted on promptly.

Safeguarding
Key safeguarding contacts are the Primary Designated Safeguarding Lead Clarissa Conroy, the Secondary Designated Safeguarding Lead Brendan de Beer, and the Principal Ben Riley. Safeguarding covers protecting health, wellbeing and human rights, enabling children to live free from harm, and providing safe care. All staff have a duty to raise concerns and follow reporting procedures, including mandatory reporting when required. The curriculum includes PSHE to promote safety and wellbeing, and online safety education addresses content, contact, conduct and commerce risks. Pastoral care supports students, and the school collaborates with external agencies and families to safeguard pupils. Safeguarding is a shared responsibility across the school.
Parent Experience

Community
The school has students from 27 nationalities. Diversity is key; every pupil is valued as a unique individual and encouraged to work as a team. It promotes honesty, respect, responsibility and integrity as core values. Its aims include celebrating the joy of learning, developing lifelong learning, and fostering inter-cultural awareness.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Located in the peaceful Western Algarve, Vale Verde International School sits on Estrada do Burgau in Luz-Lagos, Portugal. The Primary School offers a bilingual curriculum with half the subjects taught in Portuguese and half in English, with core Literacy, Numeracy and Science taught in English. The Cambridge curriculum guides the Secondary School from Year 7 through Year 13, leading to Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced Levels (AS & AL). The school also hosts music education on site, with ABRSM practical and theory examinations available and additional evening and weekend lessons. Limited facilities for students with special educational needs.

Academic Facilities
Vale Verde follows the Cambridge curriculum from Year 1 through Year 13, leading to Cambridge International Examinations and Edexcel/Pearson AS and A Levels. In Primary, it is bilingual with Portuguese and English, with core literacy, numeracy and science taught in English. Lower Secondary (Years 7-9) follow Cambridge subjects; Years 10-11 offer IGCSE, and Years 12-13 offer AS/A Levels. A wide range of subjects is offered at Advanced Level, including Business Studies/Economics, History/Geography, Computer Science, Mathematics, Biology/Physics/Chemistry/Marine Science, English, Portuguese and Psychology. Vale Verde is an ABRSM examination centre for practical and theory examinations and follows the Cambridge Checkpoint assessment pathway.

Extra Curricular Facilities
After school activities run Monday through Thursday from 15:45 to 16:30. Clubs include Chess, Capoeira, Animation, Volleyball, Football, Arts & Crafts, and Portuguese and French. Additional evening and weekend music lessons are available. Vale Verde International School is an ABRSM examination centre for practical and theory examinations.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The Primary School offers a bilingual curriculum with half of the subjects taught in Portuguese and half in English, following the UK National Curriculum. Core subjects of Literacy, Numeracy and Science are taught in English throughout the year. The Secondary School follows the Cambridge Lower Secondary curriculum, with Year 7 to Year 11 and class sizes limited to eighteen students to enable individual attention. VVIS leads students along the Cambridge Pathway from Year 1 to Year 13, culminating in AS and A Level examinations, with a broad range of subjects and Cambridge Checkpoint assessments to monitor progress.

Arts & Creative
Music, Drama and Art and Design form part of the curriculum, with Music on the timetable up to Year 9 and opportunities for instrumental study in the evenings and weekends. The school is an ABRSM examination centre for practical and theory examinations, supporting students pursuing music qualifications. In Upper Secondary, Art and Design and other creative subjects are offered as part of the IGCSE/AS/A Level options.

Cultural & Language
Vale Verde Primary provides a bilingual curriculum with 60/40 English/Portuguese in Years 1 to 6, with core Literacy, Numeracy and Science taught in English. Portuguese instruction focuses on arts, culture and sports to support non-native speakers and prepare pupils for later Portuguese tuition. The Estudo do Meio programme and the Língua Portuguesa for foreign and native learners programme underpin bilingual teaching, making VVIS the Algarve's only international school offering these proportions.

Social & Hobbies
Leadership skills are developed as part of the curriculum and the values of International Education are promoted. Students cooperate with others and engage in social issues within the national and international community. Diversity is celebrated with 27 nationalities represented, and every pupil is valued as a unique individual within a caring school community. The curriculum encourages cross-curricular learning and teamwork.

Community & Service
Social responsibility is promoted as pupils cooperate with others and engage in social issues within the national and international community. Diversity is a central aspect of the community, with inclusion across backgrounds, races and religions. The school aims to develop a responsible community through care, encouragement and inspiration.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership skills are developed as part of the curriculum and the values of International Education are promoted. The Cambridge Pathway guides study from Year 1 to 13, culminating in AS and A Levels, with subject choices aligned to university aims. The school provides guidance on applying to universities, including personal statements, UCAS deadlines and subject options. Advanced Level subjects are offered based on demand to tailor study to strengths.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
A healthy balance in life, including hygiene, nutrition and physical activity, is a core goal. Physical Education is a compulsory, timetabled subject for all pupils. The school fosters a caring, supportive environment that promotes wellbeing across the curriculum. Music and other after-hours activities further support students' physical and mental well-being.
Languages

Language Provision
Languages taught are English and Portuguese. English is the language of instruction for core subjects, while Portuguese is taught across the curriculum with emphasis on arts, culture and sports; other Portuguese-taught subjects include Cooking and Food, Physical Education, Theatre, Culture and Traditions, EVT, Arts, FPS/ER and Music. In Years 7–9, Portuguese is part of the Cambridge curriculum; in Years 10–11, Portuguese is offered as an optional subject, and Portuguese is included among Advanced Level subjects.

Bilingual Teaching
Pupils in Primary School follow a bilingual curriculum with half of their subjects in English and half in Portuguese, following the UK National Curriculum. Core subjects of Literacy, Numeracy and Science are taught in English throughout the academic year. Bilingual teaching is 60/40 between English and Portuguese in Years 1 to 6.
Reputation

Accreditations
Cambridge Assessment International Examinations – Cambridge Lower Secondary curriculum and IGCSE qualifications (Pearson and Cambridge variants) administered by Cambridge Assessment International Examinations.
Edexcel/Pearson – AS and A Levels are recognised worldwide for university entry.
ABRSM – Vale Verde International School is an examination centre for ABRSM practical and theory examinations.
AEEP – Member of AEEP (Associação de Estabelecimentos de Ensino Particular e Cooperativo).
Cambridge Checkpoint Assessments – Checkpoint assessments are internationally recognised, externally set and marked, and used by Cambridge International schools worldwide.
Admissions

Admissions
Step 1: Opening an Application File. Submit an application form with the non-refundable application fee of €50 to initiate the process. An email confirms receipt of the forms, but receipt does not imply admission. A student's admission is provisional until the final step in the process has been concluded and the relevant fees have been paid. A place is guaranteed only once all steps in the admissions process are completed.
Step 2: Placement Testing. Students complete the Cambridge Insight placement test to determine placement. English placement is required for students for whom English is not their mother tongue. Additional language lessons may be recommended at the parents' expense to cope with the curriculum. Subject-specific placement tests may be required for mathematics, foreign language and science, and a personal interview is required prior to commencement.
Step 3: Completing the Application File. Complete the Application File by submitting the documents listed: copies of recent school records, health records and vaccination certificates, Language Background Form, any prior assessment reports, declaration of special needs (if applicable with SEN charge), a copy of the child's passport, a passport-size photo, the parent's tax card, a signed Financial Regulations, and the initial €500 non-refundable registration fee. Submit these forms to VVIS Admissions by mail or email. Documents must be submitted prior to admission.
Step 4: Acceptance. After the Application File is complete, it is reviewed by the Head of the relevant division for final decision on acceptance and grade placement. VVIS admits on a space-available basis; if no space is available, the applicant may be placed on a waiting list. For previously wait-listed students, the Admissions Office will call as soon as a space becomes available and an acceptance letter will be emailed to welcome the family. A student will be admitted only after all admission policies are complied with, including vaccination records and the tax number.

Waitlist
Admission is on a space-available basis; applications are not considered more than two years in advance of entry. If a class is full, the applicant's name may be placed on a waiting list. The Admissions Office will call as soon as a space becomes available and an acceptance letter will be emailed to welcome the family.
School Events
The school has not added events
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