Every year, thousands of families move to Portugal and pay €10,000 to €25,000 in private school fees — not because the free alternative is bad, but because they couldn't find it. This page explains everything you need to know about PEBI.
PEBI stands for Programa Escolas Bilingues em Inglês — the Bilingual Schools Programme in English. It is a formal government programme, run jointly by the Portuguese Ministry of Education and the British Council Portugal, that puts genuine English–Portuguese bilingual teaching into state schools across the country.
The programme draws on a successful bilingual pilot project first implemented in 2011–2015 in a small number of state primary schools. It has been running nationally since 2016. It is official, government-funded, independently monitored, and completely free to attend.
In 2025/2026, the PEBI network includes 42 schools across Portugal, covering every region of mainland Portugal.
PEBI is not just extra English lessons bolted onto a Portuguese school day. That's the critical difference. PEBI uses a teaching method called CLIL — Content and Language Integrated Learning. Children learn core school subjects through English, not just about English. The language becomes the vehicle, not just the destination.
A child in a PEBI school doesn't just have an English class. They have science lessons in English. They have arts in English. They have physical education in English. They learn English the way children learn their first language — by actually using it to do real things.
English is introduced through natural integration in daily and playful activities for at least 5 hours per week. The goal is for children to acquire English naturally and fluidly, the same way they are learning Portuguese.
There are no formal English lessons at this stage. English is woven into songs, games, stories, and daily routines. Children don't study English — they absorb it.
Students engage in English for 7 hours weekly. Subjects partially taught in English include environmental studies, artistic education, and physical education.
This is where the CLIL method really takes hold. A child learning about ecosystems or the water cycle in English isn't just learning English — they're building subject knowledge and language at the same time.
Students engage with English for 9 to 11 hours weekly. This includes history, geography, maths, ICT, visual education, physical education, and music education.
By this stage, a child who has been in PEBI since primary school is genuinely bilingual — not just conversationally, but academically. They can read, write, and reason in both languages.
| Regular state school | PEBI state school | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Free |
| Language of instruction | Portuguese | Portuguese + English |
| English hours per week | 2–3 hours (language class only) | 5–11 hours depending on year |
| How English is taught | As a subject | Through subjects |
| Subjects in English | None | Science, PE, Arts, History, Geography + more |
| British Council involvement | No | Yes — ongoing monitoring and teacher training |
| Available everywhere | Yes | 42 specific schools only |
| PEBI (State Bilingual) | Private International | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual cost | €0 — completely free | €5,000 – €29,000/yr |
| Language of instruction | English + Portuguese (CLIL) | English (or French/German) |
| Curriculum | Portuguese national curriculum | British, IB, American, French… |
| Ages covered | Pre-school to Year 9 (age ~15) | Pre-school to Year 13 (age 18) |
| Class sizes | Typical state school sizes | Often smaller classes |
| Portuguese integration | Very strong | Varies by school |
| International recognition | Portuguese qualification | Internationally portable |
| Availability | Limited places, apply early | Places usually available |
A few things worth being honest about before you decide.
The curriculum is the Portuguese national curriculum, delivered bilingually. Your child will sit Portuguese national exams. The school day, the school calendar, the structure — all Portuguese.
The programme currently covers preschool through to 9th grade (Year 9). Secondary school (Years 10–12) is typically Portuguese-only unless your child attends one of the very few schools extending the programme.
There are 42 of them across all of mainland Portugal. If you want a PEBI school, your choice of neighbourhood matters enormously. We cover this in detail below.
Some have been running the programme for several years and have experienced, trained CLIL teachers. Others joined more recently. We note where possible how long each school has been in the programme.
This is the most important practical issue for families considering PEBI, and the one that causes the most frustration. You cannot simply choose a PEBI school. You have to live in its catchment area.
Portuguese state schools assign places based primarily on where you live. If your address puts you in the catchment area for a PEBI school, you're eligible. If it doesn't, you're not — regardless of how much you want that school.
Getting this wrong is expensive. If you sign a 12-month rental contract in the wrong area, you may find yourself paying private school fees for a year while you wait to move. This is one of the key things we help families navigate through our School Placement Service →
Schools are spread unevenly across Portugal. The North has the most; the Algarve has just one. Here's the full breakdown.
Applying to a PEBI school follows the same process as any Portuguese state school. You apply through the Portal das MatrÃculas — Portugal's national online school enrolment system.
Typically April to May for preschool and Year 1, June to July for other year groups.
You need a Portuguese NIF (tax number) for both parent and child before you can use the portal.
You need proof of address in the school's catchment area. This is checked and verified.
Your child's previous school records will go through an equivalency process — this is normal and your place is held while it's processed.
Which is where many expat families get stuck. We can help navigate this for you.
Our School Placement Service covers the entire process — from identifying the right PEBI school and catchment area, to completing the Portal das MatrÃculas application in Portuguese on your behalf.
The process is straightforward once you know the steps. Here's exactly what to do.
PEBI is open to all children enrolled in Portuguese state schools — including children of foreign nationals and expats. There is no nationality requirement. Your child simply needs to be of school age (roughly 3–15, covering pre-school through Year 9).
Not every state school runs the programme. Use our school finder to locate PEBI schools in your city or region. Schools are spread across Lisbon, Porto, Algarve, and many other areas. Availability changes each academic year as new schools join.
In Portugal, state school enrolment is managed by your local school cluster (Agrupamento de Escolas). You register at the Agrupamento that covers your home address. Bring proof of address, your child's birth certificate, and your NIF (tax number). Registration typically opens in April–May for the following September.
Once enrolled in the school, ask the school secretary or director specifically for a PEBI turma (class). Places are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Express your interest early — ideally at the point of enrolment.
That's it. No extra fees, no tuition payments. Your child attends school as normal, with bilingual English–Portuguese teaching built into the curriculum. Some schools may ask for a small contribution for materials, but the programme itself is entirely free.
PEBI places are limited and popular. The main enrolment window opens in April–May for the following September. If you're moving to Portugal, try to register as soon as you have a confirmed address. Schools cannot hold places indefinitely.
Our School Matching Tool asks you five questions and tells you which type of school fits your situation — including whether a PEBI school is realistic based on where you're planning to live.
Last updated: April 2026. PEBI school list reflects 2025/2026 academic year. School availability and catchment areas are reviewed annually each September.