IPS Cascais British International School is located north of Cascais, close to Lisbon. The school has been educating children for 40+ years and has an international community of 400+ children from 40 nationalities. Offering the National Curriculum for England from Early Years to Secondary, pupils are working towards achieving their IGCSEs and the school is intending to offer A-Levels.
This international, vibrant community helps to create a learning environment that fosters a global understanding, appreciating cultures, as well as each other. The school is proud of the high academic standards achieved by the pupils and encourages them to achieve their best in all aspects of the curriculum.
IPS Cascais places a strong emphasis on academic excellence, supported by a rigorous and pupil-centred approach to teaching and learning. Pupils are excited and engaged in the lessons they experience every day, which are challenging and inspirational. This enthusiasm is clear to anyone who visits, whether by stepping into a classroom or simply speaking with the pupils. The buzz of active and interested young learners is evident as you walk through the school.
Being part of Globeducate, a leading K-12 education group with over 65 premium bilingual and international schools across 11 countries, educating 40,000 students, brings many benefits such as global events, partnerships and collaborative projects, preparing each student to become a global citizen who can shape the world.
| Number of students |
440 |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
Over 40 nationalities |
| Most common nationality |
British |
| Ratio of local students to international students |
1:9 |
| Native English speaking teachers |
Over 90% of teachers are British (from the United Kingdom and Ireland). |
| Language support for students not fluent in English |
Yes, with specialist teachers. |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
Portuguese for all pupils; Dutch for the Dutch speakers; Secondary students are offered French and Spanish as an additional language. |
| Max. number of students per class |
24 |
| Average number of students per class |
22 |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes, all classes from FS1 to Year 2 have a dedicated Learning Support Assistant. |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
Interactive boards are in all classrooms. iPads and Chromebooks are used to complement the learning in classrooms, alongside text and exercise books. The curriculum includes ICT lessons. We are 'No Phone' Policy school. |
| Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
We are non-secular school. |
| External examinations or assessments available |
Following the National Curriculum for England, we offer IGCSEs and A levels. |
| Results in these examinations |
English
|
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes |
| Approximate hours of homework given |
Depends on the age of the child. |
| Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
IPS is expanding our Secondary School, our first cohort of graduates will leave in July 2028. |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
Yes |
| Learning support offered |
Following the assessment process, we may offer students individual or small group support. |
| The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
Yes |
| Student access to education psychologist |
If required. |
| Entry evaluation for students |
Yes. |
| Brief description of entry evaluation required |
We require a school report, reference and for the student to complete a Maths and English assessment, followed by an interview. |
| Waiting list |
Yes. |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
Easter of the preceding academic year. |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes, if places are available |
| School start time |
9am |
| School finish time |
4pm |
| Supervised care before/after school |
For an additional charge. |
| School bus service available |
Door-to-door transport service is available. |
| School provided lunches |
Yes |
| Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
A daily vegetarian option is available, alongside dietary requirements considered. |
| Uniform required |
From Year 1 upwards. |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
A large variety of extracurricular activities are offered on a daily basis for all children. Options include team sports, knitting, arts & crafts, dance; the list goes on. Clubs change annually to keep things fresh. |
| Sports activities included |
IPS employs a specialist PE teacher who teachers the curriculum. Additionally we have school teams that play football, basketball, athletics and cross country. The teams play competitively in the local area. |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Yes (football, basketball, cross county and athletics) |
| Facilities at the school |
Facilities include a fully-stocked library, computer lab, STEAM room, and a dedicated outdoor learning area. |
| Sports facilities at the school |
Sport facilities include a gymnasium, as well as multipurpose areas for football, basketball and tennis. |
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
Small, friendly, professional, very international and a supportive PTA. Happy children are very important to us. When children are happy and relaxed, they are ready to succeed academically and personally. This is why we cultivate and protect the unique atmosphere at IPS Cascais; our approach means that pupils love learning with us and are enabled to achieve their potential. |
| Teaching approach of the school |
We believe in teaching the basics well and everything else is built upon these foundations. Small classes, additional teachers and Learning Support Assistants working together helps build a friendly environment where the individual needs of each child can be catered for. The National Curriculum for England allows teachers to be creative with their topic work and balances the more traditional subjects of mathematics and literacy. A healthy balance of IT within the programme addresses the changing demands of the curriculum. |
IPS Cascais British International School follows the National Curriculum for England from Foundation Stage through to Year 11. From Years 12 and 13, pupils progress to A Levels, offering a complete and authentic British educational experience.
The British Curriculum is one of the world’s most recognised and respected educational frameworks. It provides a structured rigorous academic pathway with strong foundations in English, Mathematics and Science.
While rooted in the British system, our approach reflects the international nature of our school community. Pupils benefit from a globally minded perspective within the curriculum, developing intercultural awareness, open-mindedness and the confidence to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
We’re delighted that you’re considering IPS Cascais British International School for your child’s education. Please call or email our Admissions team, with any questions. We’re looking forward to answering all of your questions and welcoming your family to our school.
