Schooling in Portugal: A guide for expat families

This guide explains everything you need to know about Portuguese education. Public schools, private schools, international schools, homeschooling and how to make the right choice for your family.

Finding the perfect school

Education is compulsory from age 6 to age 18 (or completion of secondary school). Children must be enrolled in school by the calendar year they turn 6.

The School Year

  • Starts: Mid-September

  • Ends: Mid-June (varies by level)

  • Three terms with breaks at Christmas and Easter

  • Long summer holiday (approximately 3 months)

Portuguese education follows a clear structure:

Level

Portuguese Name

Ages

Years

Pre-school

Primary

Middle

Middle

Secondary

Higher Education

Educação Pré-escolar

1º Ciclo

2º Ciclo

3º Ciclo

Ensino Secundário

Ensino Superior

3-5

6-9

10-11

12-14

15-17

18+

Optional

Years 1-4

Years 5-6

Years 7-9

Years 10-12

University

Public Schools (Escolas Públicas)

Overview

Portuguese public schools are free for all residents, including expat children.

The system is secular and follows the national curriculum set by the Ministry of Education.

Quality

Public school quality varies by location. Generally:

  • Urban areas have better facilities

  • Newer schools have modern resources

  • Class sizes average 20-26 students

  • Quality of teaching is generally good

Many Portuguese families, including middle-class families, use public schools happily.

Language

All instruction is in Portuguese. There are no English-language public schools.

This is the biggest consideration for expat families. Your children will need to learn Portuguese quickly.

How Children Adapt

Children are remarkably adaptable. Most expat children:

  • Feel lost initially (completely normal)

  • Make friends within weeks

  • Become conversational within 3-6 months

  • Become fluent within 1-2 years

Younger children adapt faster. Teenagers face more challenges but still succeed.

Support for Non-Portuguese Speakers

Many schools offer:

  • PLNM (Portuguese as Non-Native Language) classes

  • Additional support for foreign students

  • Integration programmes

Support quality varies by school. Ask specifically what help is available.

Advantages of Public Schools

✓ Free education ✓ Full immersion in Portuguese language ✓ Integration with local community ✓ Understanding of Portuguese culture ✓ Diverse student population ✓ Pathway to Portuguese universities ✓ Children become truly bilingual

Disadvantages of Public Schools

✗ Language barrier initially challenging ✗ Parents may struggle to communicate with school ✗ Curriculum differs from home country ✗ Less flexibility in approach ✗ Quality varies by school ✗ Larger class sizes than private options

Cost

Free.

Parents pay only for:

  • School supplies

  • Some extracurricular activities

  • School trips (usually modest costs)

Budget approximately €200-500 per year for supplies and activities.

Private and international schools

Most private schools teach in Portuguese but many offer:

Bilingual programmes (Portuguese/English)

Enhanced English instruction

Support for non-Portuguese speakers

Some private schools have significant international student populations.

Private Portuguese schools follow the national curriculum but offer:

  • Smaller class sizes

  • Better facilities

  • More individual attention

  • Often bilingual programmes

  • Extended hours and activities

Language

Most private schools teach in Portuguese but many offer:

  • Bilingual programmes (Portuguese/English)

  • Enhanced English instruction

  • Support for non-Portuguese speakers

Some private schools have significant international student populations.

Advantages of Private Schools

✓ Smaller class sizes (typically 15-20) ✓ Better facilities and resources ✓ More individual attention ✓ Often bilingual programmes ✓ Better support for foreign students ✓ Extended hours available ✓ More extracurricular activities

Disadvantages of Private Schools

✗ Fees (€300-800+ monthly) ✗ Still primarily Portuguese curriculum ✗ May create social bubble ✗ Not available in all areas ✗ Quality varies significantly

Costs

Monthly fees vary widely:

Type

Basic private

Premium private

Bilingual private

Additional costs:

  • Registration fee: €200-1,000

  • Uniform: €100-300

  • Books and materials: €200-400

  • Lunch: €80-150 monthly

  • Transport: €50-150 monthly

  • Activities: varies

Total annual cost: €5,000-15,000 per child

 

Monthly Fee

€300-500

€500-800

€600-1,000

Annual Total

€3,000-5,000

€5,000-8,000

€6,000-10,000

Enrolling in a public school

How to enrol in public school
Step 1: Gather Documents
You need:
Child's passport
Child's birth certificate (apostilled and translated)
Proof of residence in Portugal
Previous school records (translated)
Vaccination records
Parent/guardian identification
NIF (Portuguese tax number)

International Schools

Overview

International schools follow foreign curricula (British, American, International Baccalaureate) and teach primarily in English.

They are designed for:

  • Expat families

  • Diplomatic families

  • Portuguese families wanting international education

  • Families planning to move again

Advantages of International Schools

✓ English-language instruction ✓ Familiar curriculum ✓ Easy transition from home country ✓ Internationally recognised qualifications ✓ Pathway to UK/US/international universities ✓ Multicultural environment ✓ Parents can engage easily

Disadvantages of International Schools

✗ Very expensive ✗ Limited locations ✗ Less Portuguese integration ✗ Children may not learn Portuguese well ✗ Social bubble effect ✗ May not suit long-term Portugal residents ✗ Waiting lists at popular schools

Curricula Available

British Curriculum:

  • Follows English National Curriculum

  • GCSEs and A-Levels

  • Familiar for UK families

American Curriculum:

  • US-style education

  • High School Diploma

  • SAT/ACT preparation

  • Familiar for US families

International Baccalaureate (IB):

  • International programme

  • PYP (Primary), MYP (Middle), DP (Diploma)

  • Recognised worldwide

  • Critical thinking focus

French, German and Other:

  • Available in Lisbon and Porto

  • Follow home country curriculum

  • For specific nationality communities

Location Reality

International schools are concentrated in:

  • Lisbon area (most options)

  • Porto area (several options)

  • Algarve (limited options)

  • Other areas (very limited or none)

 

Costs

International schools are expensive:

Level

Annual Fees

Pre-school

€8,000-15,000

Primary

€12,000-20,000

Secondary

€15,000-25,000

IB Diploma

€18,000-28,000

Additional costs:

  • Registration/enrolment: €1,000-5,000

  • Capital levy (some schools): €2,000-10,000

  • Uniform: €200-500

  • Books/materials: €300-800

  • Lunch: €1,000-2,000 annually

  • Transport: €1,500-4,000 annually

  • Trips and activities: €500-2,000

Total annual cost: €15,000-35,000+ per child

For multiple children or multiple years, costs become substantial.

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