For parents considering an international move, one of the first and most crucial questions is, “How are the schools?” Happily for those mulling a move to Lisbon, the city boasts both solid public schools and an enviable selection of private schools with instruction in English, French and other major languages.

In Portugal, education is mandatory for all children ages six to 18, meaning that resident minors are entitled to enrol, free of charge, in one of the country’s public schools. (If this is a route you’re interested in pursuing, the Direcção Regional de Educação, or Regional Education Authority, can help point you in the right direction. Generally speaking, the cut-off date for enrolment in a Portuguese public school for the following academic year is 15 July, though the coronavirus pandemic has resulted in an extra measure of flexibility and also children coming from a school abroad may enrol at any time).

Schooling is conceived of slightly differently in Portugal than in other countries, with primary school, or Ensino Básico, divided into three “phases”: primeiro ciclo (Grades 1 to 4), segundo ciclo (Grades 5 and 6), and terceiro ciclo (Grades 7 through 9). This is followed by Ensino Secundário, or secondary education, which includes Grades 10 through 12.

While the public school system was historically impacted by the Salazar dictatorship – when illiteracy rates were high – Portugal has made significant progress in recent decades. According to the OECD, the country’s scores in reading, mathematics and science are now around the OECD average, with sustained improvements across cycles. The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) also highlights Portugal as one of the few countries showing consistent improvement in these areas.

That said, instruction in Portuguese may not be suitable for children newly arriving from abroad. As a result, many international families opt for private schools. The range of options in and around Lisbon is extensive, particularly following increased demand from international residents looking for apartments for sale in Lisbon. These schools typically offer instruction in English or other major languages, smaller class sizes and a broader range of extracurricular activities.

Bear in mind that many private schools in Portugal have a rigorous admissions process, often including entrance assessments and interviews. While recent years have introduced some flexibility, early planning and application remain important for those living in Portugal on a long-term basis.

The best schools in Lisbon

St. Julian’s

Billed as Portugal’s leading British international school, St. Julian’s School has been a benchmark for English-language education in the country for nearly a century.

The school runs from nursery through Year 13 and offers multiple curricula, alongside a Portuguese as a second language programme. With around 1,000 students, it has a strong track record of placing graduates into leading universities such as Cambridge, Oxford, LSE and the University of Chicago. The campus is located in Carcavelos, between Lisbon and Cascais, making it a convenient location for families viewing property for sale in Cascais.

St. Dominic’s

St. Dominic’s offers a slightly more understated alternative, known for its supportive and engaged teaching staff. The school follows the British curriculum, with instruction in English, and culminates in the International Baccalaureate (IB).

Nearby, the International Preparatory School (IPS) in Alcabideche offers the British curriculum up to Year 6 and is often considered a feeder school to St. Julian’s.

Carlucci American International School of Lisbon

Located in Sintra, the Carlucci American International School of Lisbon is the only U.S. State Department-recognised school in the area. It serves a diverse student body of over 700 students representing more than 50 nationalities.

Also in Sintra, TASIS Portugal International School opened in 2020 and offers education from kindergarten through Year 9. Its curriculum combines Core Knowledge, Singapore Math and Next Generation Science Standards, alongside a strong focus on extracurricular development.

Redbridge School

For those based in central Lisbon, Redbridge School in Campo de Ourique is a strong option for early years and primary education. The school offers bilingual pathways (French–Portuguese or English–Portuguese), with a strong emphasis on early multilingual fluency. It is particularly popular among families living in Campo de Ourique, Estrela, Lapa and Santos.

British School of Lisbon

The British School of Lisbon, located in Cais de Sodré, opened in 2019 and currently serves students from nursery through Year 6. Instruction follows the English national curriculum, with a focus on academic rigour and central accessibility.