International Sharing School Madeira (ISSM) is the only school in Madeira offering a complete education from age 3 through IB Diploma — meaning children can stay in one school environment for their entire school career on the island. Founded in 1980 as the Madeira British School by Susan Farrow, it joined the Sharing Education Group in 2013 and achieved IB World School status in 2017. It is the only IB World School in Madeira, offering the full IB Continuum: PYP (ages 3–12), MYP (ages 11–16) and IB Diploma (ages 16–18). The school teaches in English with Portuguese daily for all students, and offers German, Spanish, French, Mandarin and Russian — with the explicit goal of graduating students fluent in at least 5 of the 7 languages offered. A brand new €15 million campus opened in January 2026, representing a transformative investment in facilities. With ~160 students from 35+ nationalities and ~40 teaching staff, the school has an intimate community feel. All stationery, books, digital platform access and art materials are included in fees. The school communicates with families in all 7 languages it teaches. Part of the Sharing Education Group alongside ISS Taguspark (Lisbon) and part of the Dukes Education network.
ISSM is the only IB World School in Madeira, offering the complete PYP → MYP → Diploma continuum. Children can stay in one school from age 3 through IB Diploma. A brand new €15 million campus opened in January 2026. Founded in 1980 as the Madeira British School — 44+ years of history. 7 languages taught, goal of graduating students fluent in at least 5.
“Our children have been at ISS Madeira from nursery through to IB Diploma. The continuity is invaluable — they've grown up in one community, with teachers who have known them for years. The new campus is stunning.”
British family, Funchal — IB Diploma and MYP
“The multilingual environment is extraordinary. Our son speaks English, Portuguese and is now working on his third language. The school genuinely delivers on the 5-language goal.”
German family, Madeira — Grade 8
What families tell us — the things the school's own website won't say
ISSM is the most expensive option in Madeira at up to €13,140/year for IB Diploma years — but it is still significantly cheaper than comparable IB schools on the mainland (OIS Oeiras charges up to €21,713/year, for context). With only ~160 students across all ages, this is a genuinely small school — some families love the intimacy and the fact that every child is known by every teacher; others may find the peer group limiting, particularly in secondary years. The new €15 million campus (January 2026) should address any previous facility concerns. One important practical note: the school cannot admit new students to Grade 10 or the Diploma Programme once the school year has started — if you are relocating mid-year with a child in those year groups, plan ahead carefully.
Caminho dos Saltos 6, 9050-219 Funchal, Madeira
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