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Schools Reviews assessment
✓ What we like
The only Cambridge-accredited international primary school in Madeira, running since 1997
Affordable, openly published fees — from €460 a month, with annual, termly or monthly payment
Small classes of about 12–16 children
Weekly swimming for all pupils, plus art, PE and sport
Cambridge Primary Checkpoint in Grade 4, set and marked by Cambridge
Lunch cooked fresh in the school kitchen
◎ Worth noting
Primary only — ages 3 to 10 (Nursery to Grade 4); families need another school from age 10
On top of tuition: €350 administration charge every year, €80 re-enrolment and €350 one-off enrolment fee
Lunch is optional and extra — €112 a month
No school bus and no specialised SEN staff (directory data)
The International School of Madeira (ISM) is an English-medium Cambridge primary school in Funchal, founded in 1997 and run by teachers. It is a registered Cambridge International School and describes itself as the only Cambridge-accredited international primary school on the island.
Children join at 3 in the Infant School (Nursery, Pre-School and Reception) and continue through Cambridge Primary to Grade 4 (age 10). The core subjects are English, Mathematics and Science, with Cambridge Global Perspectives; Portuguese is taught as a separate subject from Grade 1. The school is at Quinta Martins, with large gardens and a library.
School profile
Programme
Cambridge Primary
Programme authorisations / affiliations
✓ Cambridge International School
Owner / type
Private school, founded and run by teachers · non-denominational
Academics
Early Years
Cambridge Early Years · Nursery, Pre-School, Reception (ages 3–5)
Primary
Cambridge Primary · Grades 1–4 (ages 6–10)
Core subjects
English, Mathematics, Science, Cambridge Global Perspectives
Portuguese
Separate subject from Grade 1
Assessment
Cambridge Primary Checkpoint in Grade 4
Sport & activities within curriculum
Swimming
Weekly for all pupils
After school activities
Homework club
Grades 1–4, until 16:45 · €50/month
Hip Hop
Early Years and Primary · €25–€40/month
Stay & Play
Until 17:30 or 18:00 · €15–€55/month
Included?
No — all clubs are charged separately
Fees · 2026/27
Grade 4 (ages 9–10)
€6,240
* From the school’s 2026/27 fee page. Tuition can be paid yearly, termly or monthly (×12); early-payment and sibling discounts are available on request. Always verify fees directly with the school — they change annually.
Frequently asked questions
What curriculum does the International School of Madeira follow?
ISM follows the Cambridge Early Years and Cambridge Primary curricula, taught in English, with Portuguese as a separate subject from Grade 1.
How much does the International School of Madeira cost per year?
For 2026/27, tuition is €5,520 – €6,240 a year, plus a €350 annual administration charge and €80 re-enrolment. Lunch is €112 a month.
What ages does the school take?
Children from 3 to 10 — Nursery to Grade 4. The school has no secondary section.
Where is the International School of Madeira located?
At Quinta Martins, Rua da Levada de Santa Luzia 40, 9050-219 Funchal.
Sources: school website (2026)