SJ

St. Julian's School

Quinta Nova, 2775-588 Carcavelos, PortugalAges 3โ€“18~1,200 studentsFounded 1932
๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง British curriculumEnglishPortuguese (bilingual section)
CISCOBISNEASCIB Authorised
Annual fees from
โ‚ฌ12,384 โ€“ โ‚ฌ29,097
Nationalities
60+
Max class size
23
Campus size
1,200 students

About the school

The oldest and largest British international school in Portugal, founded in 1932. Set on a historic 18th-century estate at Quinta de Santo Antรณnio in Carcavelos โ€” one of the most impressive school campuses in Europe. Ranked top 10โ€“15 private schools in Europe by Spear's and Carfax for two consecutive years.

Students follow the British National Curriculum through to IGCSE, then the IB Diploma. A bilingual Portuguese/English section is also available, culminating in the IB Diploma โ€” the only school in Portugal offering this pathway.

Non-profit โ€” all fees are reinvested into the school. Currently undertaking a โ‚ฌ35 million campus development project. Strong drama department, wide sports programme including surf, rugby, cricket and football.

SEN support covers approximately 10% of the cohort, including dyslexia, autism and ADHD โ€” support is included in fees. EAL immersion policy for non-English speakers to Year 10, with ESL support in mainstream primary and secondary.

Key highlights

  • Founded 1932 โ€” oldest British school in Portugal
  • Historic 18th-century estate campus at Quinta de Santo Antรณnio
  • Ranked top 10โ€“15 private schools in Europe by Spear's and Carfax
  • Non-profit โ€” all fees reinvested into the school
  • Only school in Portugal with bilingual Portuguese/English IB Diploma pathway
  • โ‚ฌ35 million campus development currently underway
  • SEN support for ~10% of cohort โ€” dyslexia, autism, ADHD โ€” included in fees
  • Maximum class size 23; IB classes average just 12 students

Curriculum & qualifications

PrimaryBritish National Curriculum (EYFSโ€“Year 6)
SecondaryUK National Curriculum โ†’ IGCSE (Year 11)
Sixth formIB Diploma Programme
Additional pathwayBilingual Portuguese/English โ†’ IB Diploma
Language of instructionEnglish, Portuguese (bilingual section)
Age range3โ€“18 years

What families say

โ€œWe applied 18 months before moving and just made the waitlist. Worth every bit of planning. Our son settled in within weeks.โ€

British family, moved from London โ€” Year 4

โ€œThe campus is stunning โ€” it genuinely doesn't feel like a school. The results are strong and university guidance is excellent.โ€

Irish family, 3 children across primary and secondary

Things to know before applying

What families tell us โ€” the things the school's own website won't say

Strengths
  • Oldest and most established British school in Portugal โ€” founded 1932
  • Stunning historic campus โ€” 18th-century estate, one of the best in Europe
  • Ranked top 10โ€“15 private schools in Europe (Spear's, Carfax)
  • Non-profit โ€” all fees reinvested into the school
  • Only school in Portugal with bilingual Portuguese/English IB Diploma
  • Strong SEN support included in fees (dyslexia, autism, ADHD)
  • Wide sports programme: surf, rugby, cricket, football
  • โ‚ฌ35 million campus development currently underway
Consider carefully
  • Most oversubscribed school in Portugal โ€” waitlists of 2โ€“3 years for popular year groups
  • Apply before you move, not after โ€” many families miss out by applying too late
  • Day school only โ€” no boarding option
  • Carcavelos location requires living in or commuting to the Cascais corridor
Portugal Nest practical note

AE de Carcavelos โ€” the free PEBI state bilingual school โ€” is in the same town as St. Julian's. Families who can live in the Carcavelos catchment area have access to both the best free bilingual state school AND the best private school in Portugal within minutes of each other.

Annual fees 2025/26
โ‚ฌ12,384 โ€“ โ‚ฌ29,097
First year ~โ‚ฌ18,384 inc. one-off fees
Registration fee โ‚ฌ900 (one-off). Capital levy โ‚ฌ3,100 (one-off). Sibling discount: 15% third child, 25% fourth child and beyond.
Waitlist applies โ€” apply 2+ years ahead
Contact the school as early as possible to register interest.

Contact details

Address
Quinta Nova, 2775-588 Carcavelos, Portugal

Quinta Nova, 2775-588 Carcavelos, Portugal

Key facts

TypePrivate, non-profit
Ages3โ€“18
Students~1,200
Nationalities60+
Max class size23
School busCheck with school
BoardingNo โ€” day school

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