yes

yes

Spanish, French, Mandarin

26

23

N/A

Students use it for research, developing projects and presentations, and also for accessing learning materials. Microsoft TEAMS learning platform is using for communication, teaching and colaboration.

Yes

We are a Catholic school, and we offer Religious Education classes. While rooted in Catholic values, our curriculum explores a wide range of world religions, promoting understanding, respect, and cultural awareness.

We are an inclusive school that respects all beliefs. Students of all religious backgrounds, as well as non-religious students, are fully supported. Religious Education is taught in a respectful and open way.

IGCSE, A Levels

At SAIS homework is set in a structure age-appropriate way, with expectations varying across educational phases.

In primary school, homework is assigned weekly on Monday and collected on Friday. In addition pupils are expected to engage in daily reading. homework tasks are designed to reinforce classroom learning and build routine, with homework taking approximately 10-15 min. In middle school pupils receive more regular and structured homework to consolidate learning and encourage independence. Homework typically requires between 20-45 minutes per day. For IGCSE´s and A-Levels homework becomes more rigorous and subject specific including coursework, revision as well as independent study with an expected commitment of 1-2 hours per day.

Nearly 100% of our students go on to attend higher education institutions, with placements in universities both in Portugal and internationally.

SAIS does not employ dedicated SEN specialists on-site; however, the school adopts an inclusive philosophy, recognizing that all teachers are responsible for supporting pupils with special educational needs.

Support at SAIS includes:
- Small class sizes which enables individual attention;
- Differentiated teaching strategies to meet a range of learning needs;
- continuous monitoring and adoption of teaching approaches;
- close communication with families to ensure consistent support.

Gifted and high-achieving students are supported through differentiated and extended learning opportunities; tasks that encourage higher-order thinking and deeper exploration; opportunities for independent study and research as well as a flexible approach that allows pupils to progress at an appropriate pace. our aim is to challenge and inspire pupils while supporting their individuals strengths.

While we do not have an on-site educational psychologist, the school works in partnership with external educational psychologists.
Pupils can be reflected for assessment and specialist support. also we support families in accessing additional professional services when required.

Yes, new students have an interview with the Headteacher or a coordinator. Depending on the case, subject appraisal tests may be requested, and the student’s most recent academic reports are required.

Appraisal test in English, Mathematics, Science and Portuguese, and an interview.

Yes.

We accept applications year-round, subject to availability.

Yes, students may join an academic year that has already started. Each case is evaluated individually to assess the student’s suitability for the class and the school’s capacity to provide the necessary support.

The students should be at SAIS Between 08:00 and 08:15h.

Primary 15:05
Middle School 15:50
Upper School 16:00

Yes, staff members provide supervised care for students before the start of the school day, during breaks, and after classes finish.

No, we do not offer a school bus service. However, we can recommend external companies that provide transportation for students.

Yes, lunches are available at our school. Students may choose to bring their own lunch, or opt for the school meal plan, which includes a morning snack, a full lunch (soup, main course, salad bar, fruit, and dessert), and an afternoon snack.

Only vegetarian.

Yes, students are required to wear a uniform. We have both summer and winter uniforms, which can be conveniently purchased at the school office.

Our school offers a range of extracurricular activities. Sports clubs are included in the tuition fees and include volleyball, football, basketball, badminton, and padel. We also offer “Inventors” classes, which focus on STEM learning.

During Physical Education classes, students have the opportunity to try a variety of sports while developing their physical fitness and motor skills.

Yes, we have sports teams and competitions. We participate in tournaments with international and Portuguese schools, including events in Spain, with a structured programme of training and competitions from primary to varsity level.

Our school provides a variety of facilities to support learning and creativity, including dedicated art rooms, Design and Technology spaces, a library, and a fully equipped science laboratory.

Gym, with basketball, football and Volleyball Field

At SAIS – Santo António International School Our culture is founded on the belief that education should nurture the whole person — mind, heart, and spirit. From the early years in Primary to the challenges of A Levels, pupils are encouraged to think deeply, act kindly, and lead with empathy. In every classroom, learning becomes more than study — it is a living dialogue between cultures, ideas, and values. This dialogue helps our students grow into confident, thoughtful global citizens, ready to shape a brighter world. Our school’s culture also celebrates achievement in its many forms. Whether it is academic excellence, artistic creativity, athletic dedication, or acts of kindness and leadership, each success is recognised as part of a collective journey. Together, these achievements form the fabric of the SAIS Pathway — a pathway that honours effort, resilience, and integrity as much as results.

Teaching staff is at the heart of our institution, fostering an environment where intellectual curiosity and a passion for learning thrive. This year, our dedicated team of educators has not only upheld their commitment to excellence but also inspired students to reach new academic heights. Through collaborative teaching methods, innovative lesson planning, and a student-centred approach, each member has played a vital role in nurturing both the intellectual and personal growth of our learners.

The Language Department builds communication skills and cultural empathy through immersive experiences. The Science Department develops critical thinking and real-world understanding through hands-on experiments. The Art & Design Department nurtures creativity and self-expression across diverse media. The Physical Education Department promotes overall well-being through sports, mindfulness, and wellness activities.