Yes, our teachers are native English speakers, many of whom bring valuable international teaching and living experience from different countries and educational settings. We also have Portuguese-speaking teachers who lead our Portuguese language classes, as well as French teachers for our French language programme, ensuring students receive language instruction from appropriately experienced teachers.

Yes. For students who are not yet fluent in English, The Lisboan offers a range of English as an Additional Language (EAL) support, including specialist EAL classes, in-class support, and targeted guidance from class and subject teachers. Support is tailored to each student’s individual language needs, helping students develop their English proficiency while participating confidently in the wider curriculum.

The Lisboan currently offers Portuguese and French as additional languages. As our school community continues to grow and evolve, we look forward to expanding our language provision and introducing additional languages in the future.

Our maximum class size is 22 students. We aim to maintain class sizes that allow teachers to know their students well, provide individual attention, and create an engaging and supportive learning environment.

Our current average class size is approximately 12 students. As a growing school, our classes are currently relatively small, allowing for a highly personalised approach to learning and strong relationships between students and teachers.

Yes. The Lisboan employs teaching assistants to provide additional support within the classroom, particularly where students or year groups may benefit from greater individual attention. Teaching assistants work alongside our teachers to help create an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

The Lisboan is a no-phone school, as we believe in encouraging students to be fully present and engaged in their learning. At the same time, we recognise the importance of preparing students to use technology safely, responsibly, and effectively. Students are given purposeful, allocated opportunities to use technology through our Promethean interactive screens, iPad carts, and laptops, when appropriate to support their learning. Our approach is about finding the right balance: technology is an important educational tool, but it is not a replacement for pen and paper, books, hands-on learning, or meaningful interaction in the classroom.

Yes. The Lisboan has the technology and digital platforms in place to support virtual learning when required. This allows teachers to maintain communication, share learning materials, and deliver lessons remotely through online platforms and video conferencing should circumstances require students to learn from home.

The Lisboan does not have a religious affiliation, and students do not practise a particular religion as part of the school curriculum. Our community includes families from a wide variety of cultural and religious backgrounds, and we aim to create an environment in which everyone feels welcome and respected.

Students in Years 10 and 11 follow the IGCSE programme, completing externally assessed qualifications and receiving certificates for their subjects. In Years 12 and 13, students progress to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), providing a rigorous, internationally recognised pathway in preparation for university and further education.

As The Lisboan is a new and growing school, our first cohorts have not yet completed the full IGCSE and IB Diploma examination cycles. We therefore do not yet have examination results to report. As our first cohorts progress through these programmes, we look forward to establishing and sharing our academic results.

In Primary, we do not assign formal homework, as we believe that learning at this stage should be supported by reading, play, curiosity, family time, and opportunities to explore beyond the classroom. From Year 7 onwards, homework is gradually introduced when appropriate, taking into consideration the student’s age, subject, and learning needs.

There is no formal homework expectation in Primary. From Year 7 onwards, homework is introduced gradually and purposefully, with the amount varying depending on the student’s year group, subjects, and current areas of study. Our aim is for homework to reinforce and extend classroom learning while remaining manageable and allowing students to maintain a healthy balance between their academic responsibilities, extracurricular activities, family time, and rest.

Our Upper Secondary pathway, culminating in the IB Diploma Programme, is designed to prepare students for entry into universities and higher education institutions in Portugal and internationally. As our first graduating cohorts complete their studies, we will be able to provide university destination and progression data.

Yes. The Lisboan has dedicated Learning Support provision to support students with additional learning needs. We recognise that every child learns differently, and our approach focuses on understanding each student as an individual and providing appropriate support to help them access the curriculum and thrive at school.

Support is tailored to the individual needs of each student and may include targeted individual or small-group support, differentiated classroom strategies, and collaboration between Learning Support staff, classroom or subject teachers, and families. Where appropriate, we also work with families and external specialists to better understand a student’s needs and determine the most suitable strategies and accommodations. During the admissions process, we encourage families to share any relevant educational or specialist reports so that our team can carefully assess whether The Lisboan can provide the appropriate level of support for the student.

Our approach is centred around differentiation and appropriate academic challenge. Teachers adapt learning opportunities to students’ individual strengths and abilities, providing opportunities for greater depth, extension, independent enquiry, and more challenging work where appropriate. We aim to ensure that highly able students remain engaged, challenged, and encouraged to develop their individual strengths and interests, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach to learning.

Where an educational psychologist or other specialist assessment is recommended, we work closely with families to help facilitate appropriate external support and assessment. Any recommendations provided by specialists can then be considered by our teaching and Learning Support teams when determining how best to support the student at school.

Yes. As part of our admissions process, our Academic Team reviews the student’s school reports from the previous two academic years to gain a good understanding of their academic journey and individual learning needs. Where appropriate, we may also request a writing sample and arrange an informal conversation with the student. We also value the opportunity to meet with the family, allowing both the school and parents to get to know one another, ask questions, and share any relevant information that will help us understand and support the student. Our approach is intended to be personal and holistic rather than simply an entrance examination, helping us ensure that The Lisboan is the right educational environment for each student.

Our admissions process includes a review of the student’s school reports from the previous two academic years by our Academic Team. Depending on the student’s age, year group, and individual circumstances, we may also invite the student to complete a writing sample and a Trial Day at The Lisboan. The purpose of this process is not simply to assess academic ability, but to gain a fuller understanding of the student’s strengths, learning needs, English-language proficiency, and overall readiness for the proposed year group.

Not currently, we are pleased to welcome applications throughout the year!

We do not have a single fixed registration deadline. Admissions are open on a rolling basis, subject to availability, and families are welcome to apply throughout the year. We do, however, encourage families to begin the admissions process as early as possible to give sufficient time for the application, academic review, and any required assessments or visits.

Yes. The Lisboan welcomes mid-year applications and enrolments, subject to availability and a successful admissions process. We understand that international families may relocate at different points throughout the year, so our Admissions and Academic Teams work closely with new families to help students transition smoothly into both the school and their new learning environment.

The school day at The Lisboan begins at 8:30 AM. We encourage students to arrive a little earlier so they have time to settle in and are ready for a positive start to their day.

The regular school day finishes at 4:00 PM. Students may also have the opportunity to remain on campus after the school day to participate in co-curricular activities and after-school programmes.

We offer a range of co-curricular activities after school through our Experience Programme, giving students opportunities to explore their interests, develop new skills, and spend time with their peers. Co-curriculars run everyday from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

The Lisboan does not currently operate its own school bus service. However, we understand that transportation can be an important consideration for families, and our Admissions Team is happy to share details of external transportation companies that have been recommended and used by families within our school community.

Yes. The Lisboan has a dedicated chef team on site throughout the school week, preparing fresh snacks and lunches for our students each day. Our lunch menu is varied and balanced, with students offered soup, a vegetarian option, a fresh salad bar, and fresh fruit every day. Across the week, the main menu also includes a meat option three times per week and a fish option twice per week.

Yes. We understand that students may have different dietary requirements, allergies, or restrictions, and our chef team works to accommodate individual dietary needs wherever possible. Families are encouraged to share any dietary requirements with us so that our team can ensure suitable options are available.

Yes. Students at The Lisboan are required to wear the school uniform. Our uniform helps foster a sense of belonging, community, and shared school identity, while providing students and families with a practical approach to dressing for the school day.

Our co-curricular programme offers a wonderfully diverse range of experiences. Students can take part in athletic activities such as football at Atlético Club and surfing, explore their creativity through ceramics and photography, or develop practical and problem-solving skills through activities such as chess, carpentry, and coding.

Physical Education is a timetabled part of the curriculum throughout The Lisboan. Our approach goes beyond traditional PE lessons, with activities taking place both on campus and throughout Lisbon, allowing students to make use of the wonderful sporting opportunities within their local community. Depending on the year group and programme, students may take part in activities such as rock climbing near the Ponte 25 de Abril, surfing at local beaches, Running Club along the River Tejo, and tennis at Agronomia, amongst many others.

Our sporting provision continues to expand alongside our growing student body, with the aim of offering students increasing opportunities for both recreational and competitive sport.

The Lisboan is housed within a beautifully restored historic former pasta factory, thoughtfully transformed into a modern learning environment while retaining the character and heritage of the original building. Our facilities include:

Science & STEAM: Purpose-built science laboratories with separate wet and dry zones, alongside dedicated robotics and technology labs.
Libraries: Two library spaces supporting reading, research, independent study, and collaborative learning.
Creative Spaces: Dedicated art studios and a junior Maker Space, where students can explore creativity through hands-on projects.
Theatre & Performance: A striking 170-seat theatre, created within the factory’s original engine room, providing a dedicated space for performances, presentations, and school events.
Music Facilities: Dedicated teaching and practice rooms, a recording studio, and a recital auditorium supporting both individual and ensemble music.
Learning & Collaboration: Spacious breakout areas on every floor, including dedicated play and learning areas for our younger students.
Student Support: Dedicated EAL and SEN support spaces, as well as a University & Careers Guidance Hub for our older students.
Community Spaces: A welcoming dining hall and auditorium, providing spaces for students and the wider school community to come together.

The campus has been designed to give students access to a wide variety of spaces for academic learning, creativity, collaboration, performance, and personal development, extending learning well beyond the traditional classroom.

The Lisboan offers a dedicated indoor sports hall and spaces for physical activity on campus, while also taking advantage of Lisbon as an extension of our sporting environment.
Our approach to physical education goes beyond the school campus, giving students access to specialist facilities and outdoor settings across the local community. This allows us to offer students a varied and engaging sports programme, combining the convenience of our on-campus facilities with the excellent sporting and outdoor opportunities Lisbon has to offer.

The Lisboan is a vibrant, welcoming international school with soul, where every student is known, supported, and encouraged to discover their individual strengths. We combine academic rigour with a warm, child-centred approach that nurtures curiosity, confidence, independence, and a genuine love of learning. International in outlook but proudly rooted in Lisbon, our “City is Our Classroom” approach extends learning beyond the school walls, connecting students with the culture, community, and opportunities around them. Guided by our BOA philosophy: Belong, Own, Act, we aim to develop globally minded, locally connected young people who are confident in themselves and ready for the world.

At The Lisboan, we believe students learn best when they feel known, supported, and inspired, hence strong relationships and personalised learning sit at the heart of our approach. Learning is designed to encourage curiosity, critical thinking, creativity, independence, and collaboration. Students learn in a variety of ways, including inquiry and research, group projects, discussions, presentations, problem-solving, and independent work, giving them different opportunities to explore ideas and demonstrate their understanding. Our approach combines this philosophy with a strong academic pathway, progressing through the Cambridge International framework and IGCSEs before the IB Diploma Programme in Years 12 and 13, preparing students with both the knowledge and skills to thrive beyond school.