Guðmundur Hegner Jónsson
Founding Principal
We want our students to wake up excited by what they will discover in the day ahead. They should know school is a place where their voices are heard, their passions are nurtured, and their dreams are embraced.
Ours is a school filled with laughter and fun, where creativity spills out of classrooms and into the world. Where friendships are forged, challenges are met with resilience, and every success – big or small – is celebrated. Where learning isn’t just about knowledge, it’s about sparking imagination, cultivating kindness, fostering friendships, and instilling a love of growth and understanding that lasts far beyond school years.
As part of the Artemis Education family, we share a commitment to innovation, excellence and the environment. At the same time, our school is entirely unique. Nestled in the historic and creative Alcântara district, we are rooted in the vibrant culture of Lisbon, alive with energy and purpose. Our beautifully restored carbon-neutral campus merges the city’s rich heritage with cutting-edge design to inspire innovation and discovery.
We embrace a world-centred approach to education that draws children out of themselves and into the vibrant world around them. We invite children to engage with their environment, introducing Lisbon as an extension of their classroom and connecting them to sustainability projects that address real-world challenges. All around there are possibilities to grow as individuals in dialogue with the world and each other.
We have organised the information available for this school into 10 sections and 40 questions. Click or tap on the name of each section to read more.
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Number of students
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1200 total when full
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Number of nationalities represented in the school
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28
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Most common nationality
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United Kingdom, United States, Portuguese
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Ratio of local students to international students
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25%
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Native English speaking teachers
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Yes
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Language support for students not fluent in English
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A range of EAL support including specialist EAL classes, in-class EAL support, and expertise from the class or subject teacher.
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Additional language classes offered by the school
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Portuguese, French
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Max. number of students per class
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22
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Average number of students per class
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8
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Does the school employ teaching assistants?
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Yes
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Use of technology in the classroom
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When appropriate, not as a replacement for pen and paper.
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Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures)
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Yes
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Do students practice religion at the school? What religion?
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No
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External examinations or assessments available
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IGCSEs at the moment
IB DP will be added 2027
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Results in these examinations
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TBC
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Do teachers assign homework to their students?
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Rarely to never, but when appropriate, and only after year 7
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Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation
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Likely 90%+
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Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs
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SEN specialist on site
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Learning support offered
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On a needs basis
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The school supports gifted, able and talented students
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Differentiated instruction to support all student needs
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Student access to education psychologist
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Externally as recommended by the school
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Entry evaluation for students
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English language assessment and a CAT4 assessment for older students to determine academic level. We aim to be as inclusive as possible.
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Brief description of entry evaluation required
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English language, CAT4
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Waiting list
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Not currently
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Deadline for registration (new academic year)
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No deadline, registration can be done anytime
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Students can join after academic year begins
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Yes
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School start time
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8:30
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School finish time
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16:00
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Supervised care before/after school
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Yes
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School bus service available
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Public transit is highly accessible from the school. A small number of school buses will operate to and from key areas in Lisbon.
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School provided lunches
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Yes
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Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc)
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Yes
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Uniform required
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Yes, multiple options depending on the age of the student.
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Facilities at the school
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A beautifully restored campus in a former historical pasta factory.
Core Facilities: Science labs, twin libraries, auditorium, dining hall, sports hall
TEACHING & LEARNING SPACES: Large breakout zones on every floor (with dedicated play areas for the little ones).
STEAM Hub: Science labs with separate “wet” and “dry” zones; robotics & tech labs under one roof.
Creative Studios: Art rooms, and a junior “maker” space.
Support & Guidance: Dedicated EAL and SEN centre, plus a University & Careers Guidance hub.
INDOOR SPORTS & PERFORMANCE
Cutting Edge Theatre: 170-seat performance space carved from the factory’s original engine room.
Music Facilities: Teaching rooms, practice rooms, a recording studio and a recital auditorium.
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Sports facilities at the school
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Access to aquatics centre, sports field, sailing, climbing walls, parks and courts
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Qualities and characteristics best defining the school
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The Lisboan International School opens its doors in September 2025.
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Teaching approach of the school
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BOA: belong, own act
Values: kindness, curiosity, integrity, connectedness, resilience
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Early Years | Ages 3-5
Children in the Early Years bring a natural sense of curiosity, energy and motivation into the classroom. We nurture these qualities through play, balancing adult guided activities with child led exploration.
Our Early Years curriculum follows the Cambridge Early Years Programme, rooted in the principles of UK education. This programme provides the best possible start in life, supporting children to meet key developmental milestones and to thrive both in and out of school.
Specialist teachers enrich the Early Years experience with lessons in Portuguese Language and Culture, Art, Math, Music and Physical Education. Children also enjoy access to the Primary library, extending their learning beyond the classroom.
Primary | Ages 5 - 11
Our primary school follows the Cambridge Curriculum, a globally recognised framework that nurtures curiosity, deepens understanding and encourages critical and creative thinking. Students build strong foundations in English, Maths and Science, while also enjoying specialist lessons in Physical Education, Arts, Drama, Portuguese, Computer Science and Music.
Students are engaged and challenged through meaningful learning experiences. They ask and answer questions, explore connections and apply knowledge across different contexts. Learning goes beyond the classroom, enriched by specialist teaching and opportunities that develop academic, social and emotional skills for success in a rapidly changing world.
Senior School | Ages 11-18
At The Lisboan, our secondary school offers a broad and balanced curriculum that sustains curiosity and nurtures a love of learning. Just as in our Primary years, students are encouraged to explore big themes, develop critical thinking and approach school with excitement and confidence.
In the secondary school, students follow Cambridge International General Certificates of Secondary Education (IGCSEs). These globally recognised qualifications provide an excellent grounding in up to seven subjects, building a strong platform for success in the IB Diploma Programme. Alongside academic study, students participate in a wide range of enrichment opportunities to maintain balance, creativity and wellbeing.
Our Campus
The Lisboan is a school unlike any other in Lisbon, proud to be integrated into the heart of the city. Our historic building has been carefully and creatively repurposed into a bespoke, modern, carbon-neutral school that provides everything our students need for a world-class education.
And while our impressive campus provides the hub for daily school life, we also consider Lisbon to be our classroom.
Students here have the chance to embrace all the many opportunities on our doorstep, from rowing and sailing on the river to accessing the astronomy and foodtech facilities at the University campus. We are also fortunate to have access to the Metropolitan Orchestra of Lisbon just 400 meters away.
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