British Schools in Lisbon: A Guide for Expat Families

For internationally mobile families who want to keep continuity with the English National Curriculum, Lisbon is one of the better-served cities in southern Europe. Several schools follow a British pathway leading to IGCSEs and A-Levels, ranging from a school founded in the 1930s to campuses that opened in the last few years. This guide explains the main options, what they offer and how to approach them — useful whether you are moving from Britain or simply prefer the British system after a previous posting.

Why choose a British-curriculum school?

The British curriculum is valued for its structure and its globally recognised exit qualifications. IGCSEs at around 16 and A-Levels at around 18 are accepted by universities worldwide and map cleanly onto UK university entry through UCAS. For families who expect to move again, the system's familiarity and portability are a real advantage.

That said, "British school" covers a spectrum in Lisbon. Some schools are fully British through to A-Level; others combine a British primary and middle school with an IB Diploma sixth form; and a few are newer and still extending their senior provision. Check carefully which qualifications are available for the year your child will reach.

The main British-curriculum schools

School	Area	Notes
St. Julian's School	Carcavelos	Oldest British school in Portugal (1932); British curriculum, IB and Portuguese section, ages 3–18
The British School of Lisbon	Central / Restelo	English National Curriculum with Cambridge IGCSE and A-Levels
Astoria International School	Alvalade	British curriculum, accepting students up to 18
The Lisboan International School	Central Lisbon	Cambridge curriculum (opened 2025), IGCSE pathway, IB Diploma planned later
Greene's College Estoril	Estoril	Tutorial college specialising in IGCSE and A-Level preparation

St. Julian's in Carcavelos is the best-known name, with the longest track record and a full continuum to age 18. The British School of Lisbon runs the English National Curriculum across central and Restelo campuses, with its Restelo secondary site expanding through 2024–25. Astoria International School, in the Alvalade district, follows a British curriculum for students up to 18. The Lisboan, which opened in central Lisbon in September 2025, follows the Cambridge curriculum with the IB Diploma planned in future years. Greene's College Estoril, linked to the long-running Oxford tutorial college, focuses on small-group IGCSE and A-Level preparation rather than a full school programme.

Because several of these schools are young or growing, confirm the current year-group range, campus and qualifications directly — published details change between academic years.

Qualifications: IGCSE and A-Level

A typical British pathway in Lisbon runs as follows:

• Primary and lower secondary — the English National Curriculum, with English as the language of instruction and Portuguese taught alongside.
• IGCSE — usually taken across Years 10–11 (around ages 14–16), through Cambridge or Pearson Edexcel.
• A-Levels — studied at sixth form (around ages 16–18), typically three or four subjects.

For a fuller treatment of how these exams work locally, see our GCSEs and A-Levels in Lisbon guide. If you would prefer the IB route, our IB schools in Lisbon guide compares the alternatives.

Fees and admissions

British-curriculum schools sit across the fee spectrum. As a broad 2025/26 guide, several established British schools publish annual tuition in roughly the €13,000–€22,000 range for senior years, rising with year group, while tutorial colleges and newer entrants vary. Our international school fees in Lisbon guide breaks down the full cost picture, and the how to apply guide covers assessments and documents.

Most British schools cluster west of the city — Carcavelos, Estoril and Restelo — making the coastal corridor popular with British and other English-speaking families. Our best areas near schools guide weighs up where to live.

How Global Investments Can Help

Moving a family internationally involves more than choosing a school. Global Investments has advised internationally mobile families for over thirty years on the financial side of relocation — from currency planning for termly fees to residency and longer-term wealth structuring. We can work alongside your chosen school and your immigration and tax advisers so the practicalities of a Lisbon move are handled properly. Get in touch for a confidential conversation.

This guide is general information as of 2026, not educational, tax or immigration advice; school details, fees and qualifications change — verify current facts with each school and a qualified professional before acting.