Educational System in Portugal

Portugal offers a comprehensive and well-structured educational system that caters to both local and international students. The system is divided into several stages, each designed to provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge for their age and development level. This guide aims to provide expats with a detailed overview of the educational system in Portugal, including the main stages of education, enrollment procedures, language requirements, availability of bilingual schools, types of private schools, costs, and alternatives such as homeschooling and online schooling.

What are the main stages of education in Portugal?

The Portuguese educational system is divided into four main stages: Pre-school (Educação Pré-Escolar), Basic Education (Ensino Básico), Secondary Education (Ensino Secundário), and Higher Education (Ensino Superior). Each stage is designed to cater to a specific age group and focuses on different areas of learning and development.

Pre-school (Educação Pré-Escolar)

Pre-school in Portugal is optional and caters to children between the ages of 3 and 5. It focuses on the child's overall development, including social, physical, and cognitive skills. Pre-schools in Portugal are either state-run or private, with some private institutions offering bilingual programs.

Basic Education (Ensino Básico)

Basic Education is compulsory and covers a period of nine years, divided into three cycles. The first cycle (1st-4th grade) is for ages 6-10, the second cycle (5th-6th grade) for ages 10-12, and the third cycle (7th-9th grade) for ages 12-15. The curriculum includes Portuguese, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, History, Geography, English, Physical Education, and Art.

Secondary Education (Ensino Secundário)

Secondary Education, for students aged 15-18, is optional and offers general courses for those intending to proceed to higher education and vocational courses for those planning to enter the workforce. Subjects studied at this level depend on the chosen course.

Higher Education (Ensino Superior)

Higher Education in Portugal is divided into university education and polytechnic education. Universities offer academic degrees in traditional fields like Medicine, Law, and Economics, while polytechnics focus on practical technical and professional fields.

How does a newcomer from a different country enroll their kids in school?

To enroll a child in a Portuguese school, expats need to provide a birth certificate, proof of residence, and vaccination records. For non-EU residents, a residence permit is also required. Enrollment typically takes place in April for the following school year.

Can children still learning Portuguese enroll in a public school?

Yes, children who are still learning Portuguese can enroll in public schools. Many schools offer Portuguese language support to help non-native speakers integrate into the system.

Are there public bilingual schools?

While there are no public bilingual schools in Portugal, some private international schools offer bilingual programs. These schools often follow an international curriculum and are popular among expats.

What types of private schools are common in Portugal?

Private schools in Portugal include international schools, Catholic schools, and bilingual schools. International schools often follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) or a curriculum from another country, such as the British or American curriculum. Catholic schools follow the national curriculum but also include religious education.

Do expats typically send their children to public or private school?

While some expats choose public schools, many prefer private international schools due to the language of instruction and the international curriculum, which can ease the transition for children who have been educated in another system.

How expensive are Private schools in Portugal?

Private school fees in Portugal can vary widely, from a few thousand euros per year to over €20,000 for the most prestigious institutions. It's important to check with individual schools for specific fee structures.

Are you allowed to homeschool while living in Portugal?

Yes, homeschooling is legal in Portugal. Parents who wish to homeschool their children must submit a request to the local education authority and follow the national curriculum.

May kids attend online school instead of a local school while living in Portugal?

Yes, online schooling is an option in Portugal. However, it's important to ensure that the online school is accredited and that it meets the requirements of the Portuguese education system.