Independent school tour — we visit, film and tell you everything a parent needs to know.
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St Julian's is one of the oldest and most prestigious international schools in Portugal — founded in 1932 on a historic 18th-century Pombaline estate in Carcavelos. Over 90 years of history have shaped a genuinely international community: 40+ nationalities, a strong academic culture, and a campus that combines character with excellent facilities.
The school follows the British curriculum through to the IB Diploma, with an average score of 34.5 out of 45 — well above the global average of 30.2. One of St Julian's distinctive features is its two-track offering: an International programme taught entirely in English, and a Bilingual programme for families who want their children to develop Portuguese to native-speaker level alongside English. This is relatively rare among international schools in the Lisbon area.
The school is very popular and consistently operates with a waiting list. Families planning to relocate to Portugal are strongly advised to apply as early as possible — ideally before arriving in the country.
Schools Reviews assessment
✓ What we like
One of Portugal's oldest and most established international schools — founded 1932, with deep institutional experience
Two programmes: International (English) and Bilingual (English + Portuguese to native level) — unusual and valuable
Strong IB results — average 34.5, well above the global average of 30.2
Historic Pombaline estate campus in Carcavelos — beautiful grounds, excellent facilities
Genuinely international community — 40+ nationalities
Broad extracurricular offer including cricket, sailing, capoeira, orchestra, MUN
◎ Worth noting
Very popular — consistently has a waiting list. Apply as early as possible, ideally before relocating to Portugal
Large class sizes — up to 22 students
Re-enrollment fee of €5,000/yr — factor this into your annual cost calculation
Academics
Tracks
International (English) · Bilingual (English + Portuguese)
IB avg score
34.5 / 45 — above global avg of 30.2
Extra languages
Portuguese (incl. native level on Bilingual track), Mandarin, Japanese
Sport & activities within curriculum
After school activities
Sports
Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Rugby, Cricket, Capoeira, Sailing, Skateboarding
Music
Choir, Jazz band, Orchestra, Voice, Percussion, Strings, Brass
Languages
Mandarin, Portuguese, Japanese
Digital / coding
Robotics, Coding, AI
Other activities
Drama, Model United Nations, Chess, Inventors Club, Maths club
Fees · 2026/27
* Always verify fees directly with the school — they change annually.
Frequently asked questions
Is St Julian's a good school?
Yes — St Julian's is widely regarded as one of the best international schools in Portugal. Founded in 1932, it has over 90 years of history and a strong academic reputation. Its IB Diploma average of 34.5 is well above the global average of 30.2, and it consistently ranks among the top international schools in the country.
What is the Bilingual programme at St Julian's?
St Julian's offers two tracks: an International programme taught entirely in English, and a Bilingual programme where Portuguese is developed to native-speaker level alongside English. The Bilingual track is a strong option for families planning to stay in Portugal long-term and wanting their children to be fully integrated into both languages.
Is there a waiting list at St Julian's?
Yes — St Julian's is one of the most popular international schools in Portugal and consistently has a waiting list. Families are strongly advised to apply as early as possible, ideally before relocating to the country.
How much does St Julian's cost per year?
Annual tuition ranges from €12,384 (Nursery/Kindergarten) to €29,097 (Grade 12). Note there is also an annual re-enrollment fee of €5,000 which should be factored into the total yearly cost. Application fee is €250 and enrollment fee €750. Always verify fees directly with the school.
Where is St Julian's School located?
St Julian's is in Carcavelos, on the Cascais line, approximately 20 minutes from central Lisbon by train. The school runs its own bus network. The campus occupies a historic Pombaline estate with extensive grounds.