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🏫 Prime School has 3 campuses — you're viewing Lisbon (Alvalade)
Prime School International operates three campuses across the greater Lisbon area. All campuses follow the Cambridge curriculum and share the same school community. Transport between campuses is provided free of charge.
Prime School International is one of the most established international schools in the greater Lisbon area, founded in 2003 and now serving students across three campuses in Lisbon, Estoril and Sintra. The Lisbon campus, located in the Alvalade neighbourhood, is the school's senior hub — welcoming students from ages 13 to 18 and housing the boarding programme.
The school follows the Cambridge International curriculum throughout, from Preschool up to A Levels — making it one of the first schools in Portugal to hold Cambridge accreditation alongside recognition from the Portuguese Ministry of Education. The school is also the first in Portugal to achieve ISO 9001 certification for both academic programmes and boarding facilities.
The results speak clearly: 55% of IGCSE students achieve A*, with 75% achieving A*–A. At A Levels, 30% of students achieve A* and 60% achieve A*–A. The school community spans 67+ nationalities across approximately 400 students across all three campuses, with small classes that allow for personalised attention.
One practical feature worth highlighting: families considering the school can book a trial day — an opportunity for the child to spend a full day in class before committing to enrollment. This is a genuinely helpful option, especially for children relocating from abroad.
Schools Reviews assessment
✓ What we like
Strong academic results — 55% of IGCSE students achieve A*, 75% achieve A*–A; at A Levels, 30% achieve A* and 60% achieve A*–A
Trial day available — child spends a full day in class before the family commits to enrolment, a thoughtful touch for relocating families
Boarding from age 13 — all-inclusive (meals, laundry, school fees, books, uniforms, transport, pocket money, insurance), located 10 min from Estoril campus
ISO 9001 certified — the first international school in Portugal with this quality certification, covering both academics and boarding
67+ nationalities — genuinely international community with a relatively small student body (personalised attention)
Erasmus+ programme and scholarships available
Sibling discounts — 15% off 2nd child, 25% off 3rd, 40% off 4th
Lovely outdoor space with a garden, rabbits and guinea pigs — a charming touch for younger children
Small class sizes — up to 15 students per class, ensuring personalised attention for every child
◎ Worth noting
To be added
School profile
Programme
Cambridge · Bilingual (EN+PT)
Ages (this campus)
3–14 (Preschool–Year 9)
Students (all campuses)
~400
Boarding
No (Lisbon campus)
Transport (inter-campus)
✓ Free
Academics
Kindergarten (ages 3–5)
Cambridge Preschool — bilingual English + Portuguese
Years 1–6 (ages 5–11)
Cambridge Primary — bilingual English + Portuguese
Years 7–9 (ages 11–14)
Cambridge Lower Secondary
IGCSE results
55% achieve A*, 75% achieve A*–A, 90% achieve A*–B
A Level results
30% achieve A*, 60% achieve A*–A
Teaching language
English + Portuguese (bilingual)
Languages offered
Portuguese, Spanish, French, Chinese, German
Also available
BTEC technical courses (via Prime Technical Institute)
Ministry recognition
Yes — Portuguese Ministry of Education
After school activities
Sports
Sailing, Soccer, Basketball, Fencing, PE
Technology
Robotics, Flight Simulator, ICT
Arts & culture
Music, Arts and Drama, Chess
Languages
Modern languages clubs
Boarding extras
Sailing weekends, board games, educational visits, student-led activities
Fees · 2025/26
Sintra campus (ages 3–14) · Cambridge · Bilingual (English + Portuguese)
Kindergarten — Preschool (age 3–5)
€9,253
Year 1 — Primary (age 5–6)
€10,324
Year 2 — Primary (age 6–7)
€11,707
Year 3 — Primary (age 7–8)
€12,140
Year 4 — Primary (age 8–9)
€12,202
Year 5 — Primary (age 9–10)
€12,418
Year 6 — Primary (age 10–11)
€12,681
Year 7 — Lower Secondary (age 11–12)
€13,083
Year 8 — Lower Secondary (age 12–13)
€14,273
Year 9 — Lower Secondary (age 13–14)
€14,334
* Tuition includes: textbooks (returnable), uniform package, study visits. Meals, transport, boarding and one-time capital levy are additional. Sibling discounts: 15% (2nd child), 25% (3rd), 40% (4th). 3% discount for full payment by 31 August. Always verify fees directly with the school.
Frequently asked questions
How strong are the academic results at Prime School?
The results are strong. For IGCSE, 55% of students achieve A*, 75% achieve A*–A, and 90% achieve A*–B. At A Levels, 30% achieve A* and 60% achieve A*–A. These figures are published by the school and reflect a consistent track record across years.
What is the trial day and how does it work?
Prime School offers prospective students a free trial day — the child attends a full day of lessons alongside current students before the family decides on enrolment. This is a practical way to help both the child and the parents get a real feel for the school culture and teaching style, particularly useful for families who are new to Portugal or relocating from another country.
How does boarding work at Prime School?
Prime Boarding is available from age 13 and is located in Lisbon, approximately 10 minutes from the Estoril campus and 20 minutes from Sintra. The boarding fee (€22,000/yr) is all-inclusive: it covers accommodation, all meals, laundry, transport to school activities, school fees, books, uniforms, registration, pocket money and personal accident insurance. The facility has 24/7 pastoral care and up to 120 places. Weekend activities include sailing trips by arrangement with parents.
How many campuses does Prime School have, and how do they connect?
Prime School operates three campuses in the greater Lisbon area: Lisbon/Alvalade (ages 13–18), Estoril (ages 11–18), and Sintra (ages 3–14). All campuses follow the same Cambridge curriculum. Inter-campus shuttle transport is provided free of charge — students can move between campuses for specific programmes or activities without extra cost.
Does Prime School offer the IB Diploma?
No — Prime School follows the Cambridge pathway exclusively, from Preschool through to A Levels. For families specifically seeking the IB Diploma, other schools in the Lisbon area do offer it. Prime School also offers BTEC technical courses through its Prime Technical Institute for students interested in vocational qualifications alongside or instead of A Levels.
What is the first-year cost at Prime School?
First-year costs are higher than subsequent years due to the one-time capital levy (€3,800) and registration fee (€850). For a day student in Year 3, for example, the first-year total including tuition (€12,140), capital levy (€3,800), registration (€850), meals (€1,800), and insurance (€250) comes to approximately €18,840 — before transport. From year two onwards, the capital levy and registration do not apply. The school offers a 3% discount if the full annual fee is paid in advance by 31 August.