Find schools
in Portugal
Portugal has some of Europe's best international schools alongside a unique free bilingual state school system. Browse every option โ from free PEBI schools to top private international campuses.
Browse by school type
From free state bilingual to elite international โ find the right fit
Browse by city
Find schools near where you're planning to live
Portugal resources
Everything an expat family needs to navigate life in Portugal
Free PEBI Schools Guide
Everything you need to know about Portugal's free state bilingual schools. Catchment areas, how to apply, what to expect.
Private Schools Guide
Compare British, IB, American and French international schools. Fees, curricula, admissions timelines and waitlist tips.
City Guide
Neighbourhoods, cost of living, transport links and expat communities in Lisbon, Porto, Cascais, Sintra and the Algarve.
Family Activities
Parks, beaches, museums, sports clubs and weekend activities for kids of all ages across Portugal.
Festivals for Kids
Annual festivals, cultural events and celebrations that are perfect for families with children.
Schools in Portugal for Expat Families
If you are moving to Portugal with children, it helps to understand the main school options available before you apply. The most common choices are public schools, private schools, and international schools. Each type works differently, so families should think about their child's needs, language level, budget, and how long they plan to stay.
Public schools
Public schools in Portugal are part of the state system, and enrolment for preschool, primary, and secondary education is free of charge through the official process.
Public schools are generally taught in Portuguese and can be a strong option for families planning a longer-term move. Children typically adapt to the language quickly, especially at younger ages.
PEBI bilingual public schools
Portugal also offers an important public bilingual option through PEBI โ the Programa Escolas Bilingues em Inglรชs, developed in partnership with the Portuguese education authorities and the British Council.
In these schools, part of the curriculum is taught in English, giving children access to a bilingual learning experience within the public system โ completely free. Availability depends on the school and area.
Private schools
Private schools in Portugal charge fees and are independently run. Some families choose them for smaller class sizes, different teaching styles, or additional language options.
Admissions requirements vary by school and may include interviews, assessments, or school reports. Fees are typically much lower than international schools, making them good value for families who want a private education in Portuguese.
International schools
International schools are popular with families moving to Portugal from abroad. These schools may offer the International Baccalaureate, British, American, French, or other international curricula.
They are often chosen by families who may relocate again or who want continuity in a more internationally portable education system. Top schools include St Julian's, Carlucci American, Lycรฉe Franรงais, and CLIP.
Help choosing a school in Portugal
Every school is different, so it is important to check the admissions process, deadlines, language of instruction, and support on offer before applying. For families moving from abroad, this can feel overwhelming โ especially when school decisions are happening at the same time as housing, paperwork, and relocation planning.
That is where ExpatSchoolFinder can help. We help families explore public schools, PEBI bilingual schools, private schools, and international schools in Portugal, so you can better understand what may suit your child and your plans.
Free resources
We share free guides on school systems, family-friendly areas, children's activities, and everyday life after the move to Portugal.
Join our WhatsApp group
Connect with other families, ask practical questions, and get support from parents going through a similar move to Portugal.
Join the groupWhether you want to do everything yourself with our resources, or you'd like more hands-on support with schools, relocation, and settling in โ ExpatSchoolFinder is here to help make your move to Portugal simpler.
Portugal's school system explained
Every school type, what it costs, who it's for โ and how to get in. Pick a category to explore.
Portuguese State Schools (Escola Pรบblica)
Portugal's state school system is free for all residents, including expat families. Teaching is in Portuguese, so younger children adapt quickly while older children may need language support initially.
- Free for all residents โ no fees, no catchment restrictions for most schools
- Teaching entirely in Portuguese โ language immersion from day one
- Follows the Portuguese national curriculum (1stโ12th year)
- Enrolment via Portal das Matrรญculas โ opens March/April each year
- Strong academic results, especially in maths and sciences
- Ideal for families planning a long-term stay in Portugal
Our advisors know every school type in Portugal โ from free state schools to elite boarding. We'll map the right options for your child's age and your timeline.
Holiday camps in Portugal
Summer camps, sports camps, language camps and multi-activity programmes for expat kids during school holidays.
Cascais Summer Camp
Multi-activityThe most popular expat family summer camp on the Lisbon coast. Swimming, surfing, football, arts and English-language activities in a safe, supervised environment.
Lisbon Language & Activity Camp
Language + SportsMorning Portuguese language classes combined with afternoon sports and cultural activities. Perfect for expat kids wanting to improve their Portuguese before the school year.
Algarve Surf & Adventure Camp
Surf & OutdoorWeek-long surf and adventure camps on the stunning Algarve coast. Surfing, kayaking, coasteering and beach activities led by qualified instructors.
Porto Football Academy Camp
FootballIntensive football training camps in Porto, run by qualified UEFA coaches. Morning training sessions, afternoon matches and team activities. English and Portuguese spoken.
Sintra Nature & Arts Camp
Arts & NatureCreative arts and nature exploration camps in the magical Sintra hills. Painting, sculpture, forest walks, palace visits and storytelling in English and Portuguese.
Estoril Tennis & Sports Camp
Tennis & Multi-sportProfessional tennis coaching combined with swimming, beach volleyball and other sports. Run by the Estoril Tennis Club โ home of the Estoril Open ATP tournament.
Choose the level of support you need
From a ยฃ29.99 DIY download pack to full concierge service โ we have an option for every family and every budget.
Country Download Pack
A step-by-step downloadable guide to the school system in this country. Everything you need to understand your options, know the deadlines, and start your application โ at your own pace.
- Full school system overview (state, bilingual, private, international)
- Application timeline & key deadlines
- Document checklist for your situation
- Catchment area explainer
- School type comparison table
- Top questions to ask schools
- Personalised advice
- Direct support
- Portal guidance
Starter Pack
A personalised written report delivered within 48 hours. Based on your destination country and your child's age, we map out every school option โ state, bilingual, private, and international โ with catchment areas, application deadlines, and the documents you'll need.
- Personalised school options report
- State & bilingual schools mapped to your area
- Private & international school shortlist
- Catchment area overview
- Application deadline calendar
- Document checklist for your situation
- Active application support
- Portal guidance
- Direct school contact
Guided Application
We actively guide you through the entire application process. From checking your catchment area before you sign your rental contract, to walking you through the local school portal step by step, to confirming everything is submitted correctly.
- Everything in Starter Pack
- Catchment area check before you sign your lease
- Personalised document checklist
- Step-by-step school portal guidance
- Equivalency process support
- Follow-up call to confirm submission
- Email support throughout
- Direct school contact on your behalf
- Application status tracking
Full Concierge
We handle everything. You focus on your move. We contact schools directly on your behalf, track your application status, advise on backup options if your first choice is full, and stay on call until your child has a confirmed place.
- Everything in Guided Application
- We contact schools directly on your behalf
- Application status tracking
- Backup school strategy if first choice is full
- Priority email & WhatsApp support
- On-call through the full process
- Confirmed place โ we don't stop until it's done
All prices are per family, not per child. Compare all services โ
Join the Portugal Expat Families WhatsApp Group
Connect with other expat families navigating schools in Portugal โ share tips, ask questions, get advice.
Not sure where to start?
Our school advisors help families shortlist the right schools, understand fees and navigate admissions โ in Portugal and beyond.
Talk to a School Advisor โ