For partners PaRK International Schools, PaRK International Schools in Portugal
Programs and prices, tuition fees in PaRK International Schools, PaRK International Schools in Portugal
Nursery and Kindergarten
- Student age — 1–5 years,
- Campus — Alfragide, Praca de Espanha, Restelo.
Preschool programs at PaRK International Schools are held on three campuses in Lisbon. From an early age, children learn in a bilingual environment: in Portuguese and English; languages are acquired naturally through immersion in communication, games, and activities, without translation.
Learning is built around the child's interests. Every day, children try new things, learn to ask questions, show initiative, and interact with those around them — this approach helps develop curiosity, independence, empathy, and a love of learning.
At the core is a play-based and project-based approach with elements of positive discipline. Children are introduced to foundational areas: mathematics, natural sciences, reading, and writing. The environment is organized to support development across different ages. Teachers take into account each child's individual pace, help build self-confidence, and assign tasks appropriate to the child's developmental level. Classrooms feature themed zones for different types of activities: role play, creative arts, reading, mathematics, and exploration.
A bilingual program is available for children from one to two years of age, and from the age of three, families can choose the format: continue learning in two languages or switch to an English-language group (available at the Alfragide campus).
In the English-language groups, children are fully immersed in an English environment, while familiarity with the Portuguese language and culture continues through everyday communication.
Physical education and music are taught in English from an early age.
Technology also becomes part of the learning process. Interactive tools such as Sphero, Osmo, Dash and Dot, and mTiny are used: they help develop logic, creativity, and problem-solving skills. At the same time, great importance is placed on activities without technology — through play, exploration, and live interaction.
Primary School
- Student age — 6–11 years,
- Campus — Alfragide, Praca de Espanha, Restelo.
The primary school at PaRK International Schools operates across three campuses. Here, learning is structured so that each student can develop at their own pace and unlock their potential while achieving strong academic results.
The programme combines elements of the Portuguese national system and the Cambridge Assessment International Education programme. Up to Year 4, parents can choose bilingual or English-language instruction (at the Alfragide campus), but from Year 5 children transition to the international Cambridge programme, which is conducted entirely in English and prepares them for senior classes.
It is important for students not just to acquire knowledge, but to learn with curiosity and independence, which is why teaching involves many projects, individual work, and tasks aimed at developing communication and digital skills. All subjects are considered in connection with one another; social skills lessons are held regularly, helping to develop emotional intelligence, teamwork, and critical thinking. Students frequently present their projects to the class, at school assemblies, and to parents, building confidence and public speaking skills.
- In the bilingual stream (Years 1–4, Alfragide), the Portuguese Ministry of Education programme is used alongside the English Cambridge programme. Portuguese is taught as a dedicated subject, while some subjects — mathematics and social studies — are taught in both languages; the remaining disciplines (sport, art, music, drama, digital technology) are taught in English.
- In the English-language stream, most subjects are taught in that language; Portuguese is studied as a separate subject, and there is exposure to the culture and language through everyday communication.
From Year 5, all students transition to the international Cambridge Assessment International Education programme (Key Stage 2), where instruction is conducted entirely in English.
The programme is supplemented by elements of the Portuguese system — particularly in mathematics, Portuguese language, and history. This approach helps maintain a balance between international education and local context.
The general curriculum includes a wide range of subjects:
- English language,
- Portuguese,
- mathematics,
- science,
- social studies (Years 1–4),
- history and geography of Portugal (Year 5),
- visual arts,
- music,
- drama,
- physical education,
- digital technology (including iPad use),
- design and technology (Year 5),
- Autonomous Learning Time — time for independent learning.
Additionally, there are assemblies, social skills lessons, and the MyTime programme (Year 5). Other elements of learning:
- Daily short mindfulness and focus practices (help students learn to concentrate and manage attention).
- Once a week, Year 5 students choose additional activities based on their interests — sport, art, music, theatre, or technology.
- There are subject support groups (reading, mathematics, writing) that help students better absorb the material.
Primary school classrooms are modern, bright spaces with areas for group work, independent learning, projects, and technology. Students have access to sports areas and spaces for arts, including creative and performing arts.
Lower Senior School
- Students' age — 12–14 years,
- Campus — Alfragide.
At PaRK International Schools, the middle school on the Alfragide campus covers grades 6–8 and follows the Cambridge Assessment International Education international programme, building a solid foundation for future IGCSE, A-level and International Baccalaureate Diploma examinations.
In the first years of middle school, students gradually transition to deeper and more independent learning, developing analytical skills, subject understanding and the ability to work with information. Teaching is built on the PaRK IS approach: a great deal of project work, independent assignments and cross-disciplinary connections. Teenagers actively use technology as a learning tool and begin to take responsibility for their own progress. Strong emphasis is placed on developing critical thinking, research skills and the ability to ask challenging questions.
Students study a broad range of subjects:
- English language and literature,
- Portuguese and literature,
- mathematics,
- science,
- biology, chemistry and physics (from grade 8),
- geography and history,
- art and design,
- design technology,
- music,
- drama,
- physical education,
- digital technology,
- Spanish or French (from grade 7).
From grade six, the Cambridge Key Stage 3 programme begins, gradually preparing students for the IGCSE examinations. The curriculum combines academic subjects with the development of soft skills — teamwork, initiative, resilience in the face of challenging tasks and creative thinking.
Project-based learning helps connect different subjects and teaches students to tackle more complex problems. Students are encouraged to try new approaches and step beyond the familiar, building confidence and independence.
Under the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) programme, students use their own devices to work with digital resources: this helps better integrate technology into learning and develop skills that will prove useful in a technology-oriented environment in the future.
Teenagers take part in a variety of activities beyond lessons:
- social skills development programmes,
- the Fellowship project,
- inter-class competitions,
- school assemblies.
In addition, clubs and extracurricular activities are available, including music lessons at PaRK Music Academy and participation in the PaRK Team sports team, which competes against other international schools.
Cambridge IGCSE
- Student age — 14–16 years,
- Campus — Alfragide.
The Cambridge IGCSE course at PaRK International Schools is renowned for its high academic standards worldwide. It is a structured yet flexible program that combines international standards with attention to each student's individual progress.
Teenagers develop curiosity, cross-cultural understanding, and the ability to apply knowledge in practice. The program builds a solid academic foundation and the skills needed in the 21st century. IGCSE prepares students for the next stage — A-level or Diploma programs in upper school and university entry.
Student results are consistently high. Some receive international awards from Cambridge Assessment International Education — Best in the World, Best in Europe, and Best in Portugal, as well as Pearson Outstanding Learner awards in subjects such as mathematics, foreign languages, chemistry, and biology.
PaRK IS Alfragide offers Cambridge Assessment International Education and Pearson Edexcel programs — among the most widely recognized international courses for this age group. Teaching is built on a combination of technology and traditional teaching methods.
Classrooms are fully equipped for dynamic, practice-oriented lessons. Under the BYOD program, students use their own devices and digital tools — online textbooks, apps, and platforms that complement traditional learning.
Compulsory subjects (grades 9–10):
- English language (as a first or second language),
- English literature (if English is the first language),
- Portuguese (as a first language or foreign language),
- mathematics (core/extended level),
- sciences (double or triple award: biology, chemistry, physics),
- physical education (internal course, no exam).
Depending on the chosen science level, students select 2 or 3 elective subjects:
- art and design,
- business studies,
- computer science,
- design and technology,
- drama,
- French,
- Spanish,
- geography,
- global perspectives,
- history,
- music,
- physical education.
The IGCSE course lasts 2 years and concludes with external examinations administered by Cambridge Assessment International Education or Pearson Edexcel.
Diploma Programme
- Student age — 16–19 years,
- Campus — Alfragide.
At PaRK International Schools the Diploma Programme is based on the International Diploma system and is designed for students in grades 11–12. It is a two-year course that helps prepare for university admission and further study. The DP is considered one of the strongest high school programmes in the world and is recognized by universities in many countries; it develops international thinking, an understanding of different cultures, and the ability to work in a global environment.
Students on this course learn through inquiry, analysis and critical thinking; great emphasis is placed on independence and the ability to approach tasks from different perspectives.
The programme allows students to build an individual combination of subjects: 3 are studied at the higher level (HL), the rest at the standard level (SL). This provides a balance between breadth of knowledge and depth of study in chosen areas. In addition, there are several compulsory components:
- Theory of Knowledge,
- Extended Essay,
- CAS course (Creativity, Activity, Service).
In addition to this, students study 2 languages, mathematics, natural and social sciences.
Students build their curriculum from subjects across six groups. The first — language and literature: English or Portuguese.
The second — study of additional languages:
- English,
- Portuguese,
- Spanish,
- French.
The third — mathematics:
- Analysis and Approaches,
- Applications and Interpretation.
The fourth — sciences:
- biology,
- chemistry,
- physics,
- computer science.
The fifth — society and the individual:
- business and management,
- economics,
- history,
- geography,
- psychology,
- environmental systems and societies.
The sixth — arts:
- theatre,
- visual arts.
At the end, students sit external examinations; some assignments are assessed internally and verified by the DP system. The most recent average score of the school's graduates was 33 points, which is above the world average. Upon completing the programme, students receive a diploma — an internationally recognized document that opens access to universities around the world.
At the Alfragide campus, students have access to specialist rooms for sciences, technology, languages, sport and creative arts, as well as areas for individual and group work. Sport and the arts are also an important part of the programme: students can pursue fine arts, design, theatre, and physical education, and take part in extracurricular activities: sports clubs, classes at PaRK Music Academy, and theatre projects.
A-level
- Students' age — 16–19 years,
- Campus — Alfragide.
The Cambridge International A-level program at PaRK International Schools is a two-year course for students aged 16–19 that provides in-depth academic preparation and helps students confidently gain entry to universities around the world. Recognized by many universities as one of the strongest school programs, it allows students to focus on chosen subjects and develop knowledge at an advanced level, preparing them for specific university pathways.
Students typically choose 4 subjects in Year 11 and continue studying them in Year 12, in order to focus on their interests and future academic trajectory.
The program develops not only subject knowledge but also independent learning, analytical, and critical thinking skills. The selection of subjects is always discussed with teachers and advisors to ensure it aligns with university entry plans. Available subjects:
- biology,
- chemistry,
- physics,
- mathematics,
- business,
- geography,
- global perspectives,
- English literature,
- history,
- art and design,
- computer science,
- design and technology,
- Portuguese,
- Spanish.
A-level is not limited to academics alone — the overall development of students also matters. They take part in:
- volunteering and social projects, including the PaRK IS scholarship program,
- interest clubs and groups: business, chess, theatre, journalism, music, choir, design, photography,
- international initiatives: Duke of Edinburgh's Award and Model United Nations
Senior students use the modern learning spaces of the Alfragide campus: equipped classrooms, science and technology laboratories, quiet areas for independent study, sports facilities, and creative spaces. There are also professionally equipped spaces for theatre and music, where productions and projects take place.
To enroll in the senior school course, students must have completed Year 10 at PaRK International Schools or at another school, regardless of their previous curriculum.
Inspired Sports Programme
- Student age — 12–19 years old.
The Inspired Sports Programme at PaRK International Schools is designed for students in grades 6–12 who are seriously involved in sport and want to develop at a professional level. This is a programme for dedicated athletes where sport and studies go hand in hand, not separately. The curriculum is structured so that students can continue training during the school day while keeping up with the academic programme, with an emphasis on an individual approach.
The study schedule is flexible: training takes place during school hours, and additional academic support is provided when needed. Consultations on physical preparation, nutrition, and sports psychology are also available.
Student-athletes follow the same academic programme as other children at PaRK International Schools in their age group, taking tests and exams according to the general schedule. However, if an athlete is participating in competitions, adjustments to internal assessment deadlines are possible — such decisions are agreed upon between the academic and sports departments in order to maintain a balance between studies and sport.
Description of PaRK International Schools, PaRK International Schools in Portugal
- Location: Lisbon, Portugal,
- Year founded: 2003,
- Language of instruction: English and Portuguese,
- Type of education: mixed.
PaRK International Schools is a network of international schools in Portugal, where girls and boys aged 1 to 18 study. Classes are held on three campuses located in convenient and prestigious areas of the city, with modern infrastructure and good conditions for learning and development.
All schools are part of Inspired Education Group. PaRK International Schools are accredited by the Portuguese Ministry of Education and international organizations: Cambridge Assessment International Education, Pearson Edexcel, and International Baccalaureate Organization. They are registered in the UCAS system: this gives teachers access to tools that help students gain admission to the world's best universities, including up-to-date information and application guidance.
Educational process
It is important to note that the full education cycle — from age 1 to 18 — is only available at the Alfragide campus. The Praça de Espanha and Restelo campuses offer preschool and primary education: after the fourth grade, students transfer to Alfragide and continue their studies there.
PaRK IS Alfragide School
The campus offers comprehensive international education from early childhood through grade 12. The curriculum is built around academic achievement, a bilingual environment, and holistic development.
Up to the fourth grade, children follow a bilingual program, and from age three they can choose English as the primary language of instruction. This is followed by the Cambridge Assessment International Education program with IGCSE exams, and in the senior years, students choose between A-level and the Diploma program.
From grade 6 to 12, an advanced sports program is available: it helps students balance studies and training, includes professional coaching, nutritional guidance, and promotes a healthy lifestyle.
PaRK IS Praça de Espanha School
This campus offers bilingual education in English and Portuguese. Each class has two teachers, allowing more individual attention for all students.
At preschool age, learning is based on the Reggio Emilia approach — through exploration, creativity, and interaction. In primary school, the Portuguese program and the international Cambridge program are combined, providing a solid academic foundation.
Additionally, students engage in sports, arts, and technology, which helps prepare them for the next stage of education at the Alfragide campus.
PaRK IS Restelo School
The campus works with children from age one to ten, with an emphasis on an individual approach and a bilingual environment. Each class has two teachers.
The educational process combines teacher support with the development of independence: children learn to take responsibility for their own results. Great emphasis is placed on project-based learning, which helps develop communication skills, critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork skills in both languages.
Things to know about
- 2003 — after a year of work on the concept of a new educational project, the first school opened in Taguspark. A year later, a second campus appeared in Lisbon — Assembly da República, already with groups for the youngest children (1–2 years old).
- 2006 — the first independent campus opened in the Belém district: it is accessible to a wide audience and offered programs for children aged 1–5 with active use of the English language.
- 2016 — PaRK International Schools received international school status.
- 2018 — joined the global Inspired Education Group.
School uniform is mandatory for students from the first year through tenth grade. Senior students (Diploma and A-level, grades 11–12) follow a smart casual style in everyday life, but wear the official uniform for events or at the teachers' request. Students can combine uniform elements in different ways to maintain their individuality while feeling part of the school community. A separate sports uniform is used in physical education classes. The full set is required at official events — for example, at presentations, excursions, and annual photo sessions.
Accommodation, meals, prices
At all stages — from kindergarten to grade 12 — it is important that nutrition be complete and balanced. Meals are organized in partnership with Go Natural: every day students receive fresh, tasty, and nutritious dishes. The menu is regularly updated to reflect seasonal produce and a variety of flavors, taking into account both the dietary and cultural preferences of students. All dishes are developed by a chef and approved by a nutritionist to ensure that meals remain not only healthy but also varied. Every day, vegetarian dishes and a salad bar are available to students.
If a child has allergies or dietary requirements, it is essential to inform the staff, and the menu will be adjusted accordingly.
Activities PaRK International Schools, PaRK International Schools in Portugal
At PaRK International Schools, great attention is paid not only to academics, but also to the well-rounded development of students. All campuses offer a wide range of extracurricular activities — from sports and technology to music, dance, theater, and academic disciplines.
The academic program is complemented by various activities, including PaRK Music Academy. The Alfragide campus is one of the largest in the Lisbon area, offering particularly many opportunities for development across different fields. Children participate in competitions as part of PaRK Team, achieving strong results in tournaments among international schools. Students from grades 6 to 12 have access to an advanced sports program that allows them to combine training and studies.
Other extracurricular activities include music, visual arts, dance, and martial arts. There are also areas for developing thinking and creativity: creative writing, chess, and technology. Some activities take place off-campus with trusted partners: for example, training at Sporting Clube de Portugal (SCP Academy), swimming, and surfing.
The PaRK International Schools community is divided into several Houses — this system helps students of different ages interact better with one another and creates a healthy competitive atmosphere. Within these communities, various events take place that develop not only knowledge but also personal qualities: teamwork, responsibility, initiative, perseverance, and respect for others. Students are assigned to Houses from their first year of study or immediately upon enrollment and remain in them until graduation.
Advantages
- The PaRK International Schools curricula are designed with children's ages in mind — they are modern, rich, and flexible. Academic subjects, technology, culture, sports, and social skills development are combined in the learning process.
- Instruction is bilingual from the very first grade. From fifth grade, students transition to the Cambridge Assessment International Education program (Cambridge International Pathway), including IGCSE, A-level, and the globally recognized International Baccalaureate program.
Facilities and equipment at PaRK International Schools, PaRK International Schools in Portugal
PaRK International Schools unites a multicultural community of students across three spacious campuses in prestigious neighborhoods of Lisbon. More than 2,000 students study here. The campuses are designed specifically for comfortable learning.
- PaRK IS Alfragide School
A modern and spacious campus offers everything needed for studying, sports, and creative activities. Classes take place in new buildings that are very comfortable and bright.
- PaRK IS Praça de Espanha School
The campus opened in 2017 and is located in the center of Lisbon, in a historic mansion recognized with the Valmor award. At the same time, the building is equipped with modern facilities: for example, there is an eco-friendly playground with a treehouse, a climbing wall, and an area for water play and other natural materials.
A special place is occupied by the Atelier — a space for creativity and experimentation: here students explore light, sound, and form, try out new ideas, and work with clay.
The campus has a multi-purpose sports hall where physical education, dance, theater, and other activities take place.
- PaRK IS Restelo School
The campus is located near the river, in one of the most well-known residential neighborhoods of Lisbon. It offers modern conditions for study, technology, sports, and arts for both younger students and teenagers.
The infrastructure is regularly updated: for example, new eco-friendly playgrounds have recently been added, and there is a sports hall, an outdoor court, and a rooftop football field with a view of the river, as well as dedicated spaces for music, theater, and other performing arts.
Enrolment process
Admission to PaRK International Schools takes place in several stages:
- First, a short form is filled out: you can submit an application, schedule a tour, or request additional information about PaRK International Schools.
- Next, the main application form is completed. For primary school students and above, existing school reports (transcripts) must be uploaded.
- A meeting with the chosen campus is arranged — in person or online, at a convenient time.
- To proceed with the process, a non-refundable fee is paid.
- Students from first grade onwards have an interview with a psychologist; at the IGCSE, DP, and A-level stages, an academic interview may additionally be conducted.
- From fifth grade onwards, an online GL CAT4 test is conducted to help assess the student's abilities; if necessary, language testing (English or Portuguese) is added.
- After reviewing the application, the school sends a decision and an offer letter — it may be conditional or final, with further steps outlined.
- The final stage is the completion of enrollment in June, with the submission of all required documents.
Perspectives
At PaRK International Schools, students receive strong academic preparation and individual support, enabling them to achieve high results on IGCSE exams and the Diploma programme, often above the global average. Some students achieve the best results in individual subjects not only in Europe but in the world. In 2025, the average score on the Diploma programme was 35 points — one of the highest in Portugal. Many students scored 38+, which opened doors to leading universities. The maximum score — 45 — is considered a rare achievement at the global level.
These results, combined with a well-structured university admissions preparation system, help graduates successfully gain entry to strong universities in Portugal and abroad: including Russell Group institutions such as University College London, Imperial College London, and Durham University, as well as leading European universities such as Bocconi University, Nova School of Business and Economics, Tilburg University, and KU Leuven.
Institution on the map
Residence permits, citizenship and other services
- Guardianship services during the studies
- Student supervision
Review about PaRK International Schools, PaRK International Schools in Portugal
Recommendations on when to apply
| Language courses, schools and children's language camps | Primary and secondary education - private schools | Preparation programmes for entering universities - higher education | Higher education (after completing accredited programs A-level, IB, High School) - Bachelor, Master, MBA |
| - we recommend to apply 6-9 months before the start of the course (some camps and schools offer discounts for early booking or for lengthy study programs) - there are some very popular and high demand children's camps, where the applications need to be submitted 1 year in advance (in particular Switzerland , Great Britain , USA , Canada , Austria) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the training program, - some schools have a specific time frame (September-November - please specify an individual school) - some schools require tests in several stages (UKISET, internal tests of the school: English, mathematics, logics, subjects, interview, some require a personal visit) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the program, - for Foundation and Pathway programs, IELTS and TOEFL certificates are usually required, respectively | - recommended submission one year before the start of the program, - the deadline normally closes in January, for TOP HEIs and, as a rule, in March in other universities - for a bachelor, a Foundation or Pathway preparatory program a completed A-level, IB, High School + IELTS / TOEFL are required - for Masters you need a graduated higher education, in some cases you need a pre-Masters program - MBA requires completed higher education, work experience preferably at least 2-3 years, etc. |
