Schools in Portugal

Pre-school education ‘educação pré – escolar’, in its formative aspect, is complementary and/or supplementary to the family's educational role, with which close co-operation should be established. Its attendance is voluntary, recognising that in this specific age group - three to five - the most important role in the educational process rests on the family.

Basic education ‘ensino Básica’ is universal, compulsory, free of charge, and lasts nine years. Mandatory education covers young people between the ages of six and fifteen years old. Basic education comprises three sequential cycles:

In the first cycle, lasting four years, teaching is the responsibility of a single teacher, who may be assisted in specific areas. The second cycle, lasting two years, functions on a multiple teacher basis, with one teacher per subject or group of subjects. The curricular plan is based on a standardised curriculum, includes several subjects and a non-disciplinary area of study - cross-curricula area. The third cycle lasts three years. There is also one teacher per subject or group of subjects. With the third cycle, the compulsory schooling of nine years is completed. The curriculum comprises several subjects or groups of subjects as well as the cross-curricula area.

In Portugal, higher education receives private and/or public funding and consists of Universities and Institutions of Polytechnic studies ‘Institutos Politécnicos’. The difference is that the ‘ensino politécnico’ offers more vocationally based degree level courses. The academic year begins in October and normally consists of two terms per year. First-degree studies last between four and six years. Various postgraduate qualifications are available lasting from two to six years in length.

It is also possible to study in English at private International Schools in Portugal. A small number of schools follow a British curriculum. Others may teach in English and follow an international curriculum or offer the European Baccalaureate. For details contact the European Council for International Schools: