civ
 

40+ Years Leading International Education in the Algarve

Founded in 1984, Vilamoura International School (Colégio Internacional de Vilamoura, CIV) is one of the Algarve’s most highly regarded private schools, consistently ranked among Portugal’s top education providers. Offering an outstanding education from Preschool to Secondary School, CIV prepares students for academic and personal success anywhere in the world.

Students at our international school in Vilamoura can choose between two pathways from ages 3 to 18: Portuguese Studies, following the National Curriculum, or English Studies, which follows an adapted British international curriculum. The English pathway culminates in the globally recognised International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), the gold-standard high school qualification, opening doors to top universities worldwide.

With excellent teachers, personalised support, and an unrivalled enrichment programme—including sports, arts, international exchanges, and work experience—our students develop a strong academic foundation and essential future-ready skills to stand out globally.

A World of Opportunities Awaits Your Child with Our Dual Curricula

As a pioneer of international education in the Algarve, Vilamoura International School is committed to academic excellence and innovation, nurturing creativity and maximising learning potential. Our holistic approach fosters cognitive, social, and emotional growth alongside multilingual proficiency. We also emphasise sports, the arts, philosophy, and real-world skills while instilling strong humanistic and democratic values for a well-rounded education.

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Portuguese or English Studies

CIV offers two academic pathways: the Portuguese Studies Programme, which follows the Portuguese national curriculum from Preschool (age 3) to Grade 12 (age 18), and the English Studies Programme, adapted to the local context. The English pathway follows the British National Curriculum in Primary, the Cambridge International Lower Secondary and IGCSE, culminating in the globally recognised International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Grades 11 and 12. 

Students in the Portuguese pathway sit national examinations in Grades 9 and 12. In Grade 9, English pathway students begin preparing for IGCSE exams, taken in Grade 10, before progressing to the IB Diploma Programme, with final examinations in Grade 12. IBDP qualifications provide access to top universities in Portugal and worldwide.

multilingualism

Multilingualism

Regardless of their chosen pathway, all students develop strong communication skills and cultural awareness through early language learning in Portuguese, English, and French, continuing throughout their education. They also have opportunities to explore Spanish, German, and Russian as extracurricular activities. A multilingual student is more creative, tolerant, and possesses stronger learning abilities.

Students with little or no English exposure in the English Studies pathway receive English as an Additional Language (EAL) support through a structured programme, helping them gradually integrate into the curriculum.

As a Cambridge International Examination and Alliance Française centre, CIV further enhances students’ language proficiency, providing widely respected certifications and skills to excel in a globalised world.

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An Inspired School

Our international school in the Algarve is part of Inspired Education, a leading global group of premium schools, providing academic excellence to over 90,000 students in 115+ schools across 24 countries. As an Inspired school, we offer students unique opportunities to explore their talents and immerse themselves in different cultures through summer camps, student exchanges, leadership conferences, and collaborative overseas projects, enriching their educational journey and enhancing future prospects.

We are proud to be part of a global network of top private schools, where students benefit from world-class teaching, cutting-edge facilities, and global best practices. Specialist-led extracurricular activities further enhance their learning experience, fostering confidence, creativity, and leadership skills.

Learn More About Inspired

School Fees

View our school fees for the 2025-26 academic year below. For more information, please contact the school reception.

Portuguese Studies

English Studies

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