Education and schools in Portugal

Education and schools in Portugal fall under one of two sectors: state and private. Regardless of the sponsoring body, learning is separated into tiers. Jardim de infância offers education for children between 3 and 5 years old. Children between the ages of 6 and 15 attend ensino básico, while teenagers between the ages of 15 and 17 attend ensino secundário.

School admissions in Portugal are typically based on catchment areas, with many children attending schools in their neighbourhoods or near their parents' workplaces. Thus, many of the richer economic areas are linked to higher-quality educational institutions. Rural areas and less economically developed regions of the country are especially notorious for shifty standards, though the larger urban centres and the expat-friendly Algarve area provide some good options.

Public schools in Portugal

Public or state schools in Portugal are free, but expats will quickly learn that these institutions have been the subject of much debate. In the past, frequent teacher strikes and a much-bemoaned Ministry of Education were enough to scare off any expat looking to enrol their children.

This serious criticism has led Portugal's government to increase investment in improving facilities, teaching quality, and classroom sizes. Although such concerns are now actively being addressed, expat parents should still be wary of the state system.

Some teachers in Portuguese public schools speak English, but not all of them. The curriculum is taught in Portuguese, so expat parents considering sending their children to a public school should look into how they can help their children overcome the language barrier to support the learning process.

Parents who want to pursue this route should note that Portuguese schools require specific paperwork and, as bureaucracy can be slow, it's necessary to prepare well in advance.

Useful links

• Ministry of Education

Private schools in Portugal

There is a large network of private schools that you can choose from in Portugal. Private schools generally have smaller class sizes, a stronger system of extracurricular activities and more modern facilities than their public equivalents. Many of Portugal's private schools are faith-based.

It's important to note that the teachers in these institutions are paid less than those in the public sector. As such, teachers in private schools can often be young and underqualified.

International schools in Portugal

International schools in Portugal offer a variety of curricula. Most uphold high standards of education, so parents needn't be worried about their children falling behind their peers at home while living abroad. There are several international schools throughout Portugal, most of which are in the popular expat regions of Lisbon and the Algarve.

Tuition and fees at international schools can be expensive. You should budget accordingly or negotiate with your employer to include an education allowance in their expat package.

Homeschooling in Portugal

Expat parents who want to teach their children at home will be happy to hear that homeschooling, or ensino doméstico, is legal in Portugal. That said, expats must obtain authorisation from the local school board before starting their homeschooling programme.

Parents will need to submit a written declaration in which they provide information on their children, the family member or person responsible for the children's education, and this person's qualifications. Prospective homeschoolers should contact their local educational offices to find out exactly what the procedures and expectations are before starting homeschooling in Portugal.

Special educational needs in Portugal

Special-needs education (necessidades educativas especiais or NEE) in Portugal is integrated within mainstream schools. Students are referred to specialist schools only in extreme cases or when they are not reaching their individual educational goals. These include schools for the partially sighted, like Centro Helen Keller in Lisbon, or schools for children with developmental disabilities.

Once students with special needs enter compulsory schooling at age 6, an individual educational plan that details the changes and adaptations they will need for their learning is typically set out for them. These students then have extra support available to them within mainstream schools, like specialised professionals, specific equipment or tools, or special conditions for assessment.

Useful links

• Centre for Children with Developmental Disabilities

Tutors in Portugal

Tutors are an incredibly useful tool for expat families in Portugal. There is a wide range of both online and in-person tutoring services available. Language tutors can help with Portuguese or maintaining proficiency in the child's mother tongue if their schooling isn't in their native language. Additionally, tutors can help expat children catch up if they've moved to a school with a new curriculum.

Problem subjects like maths and science can greatly benefit from the individual attention that tutors can provide. There are also tutors specialising in exam preparation, including study skills and essay writing.

There are endless tutoring companies online, but the wide selection can be daunting. Usually the best way to find a reliable tutor is to ask the school or fellow expat parents for recommendations.

Useful links

• Preply
• Apprentus
• TeacherOn