Preschool, Kindergarten & Early Learning School in Vilamoura, Algarve

Top-Rated Secondary Education in the Algarve & Portugal

Upper School | National Pathway: Ensino Secundário (Grades 10 to 12) | International Pathway: IGCSE & IBDP (Grades 9 to 12)

With over four decades of excellence, our private high school in the Algarve provides a strong foundation for students to excel at university and in their future careers. We offer two pathways, taught by expert English- and Portuguese-speaking educators: the Portuguese National Curriculum (Ensino Secundário) and an International Programme that progresses from Cambridge IGCSE to the IB Diploma, culminating in globally recognised qualifications.

Both pathways emphasise character development, practical skills, and bilingualism, while preparing students for national and international examinations and opening doors to exceptional opportunities in Portugal and abroad.

State-of-the-art facilities on a 27,000 sqm campus in Vilamoura give students limitless possibilities to explore diverse interests and hone their talents. With a CIV high school education in the Algarve, we empower every student to dream big and realise their fullest potential.

Why Choose Our Leading High School in the Algarve, Portugal?

According to Observador, CIV ranks as the best secondary school in the Algarve and 4th in Portugal overall, thanks to consistently outstanding national examination results. This success stems from expert teaching, small-group learning, and personalised support that enable every student to excel across the curriculum.

Students are guided to select the academic pathway that best aligns with their university and career goals. CIV is one of only two high schools in the Algarve authorised to offer the IB Diploma—a globally respected qualification that prepares students for admission to prestigious higher education institutions worldwide.

High school students can become fluent in up to 5 languages and earn official Cambridge and DELF certifications, giving them a competitive edge in both university applications and future careers. From Grade 10 onwards, personalised university and career counselling helps each student plan confidently for the future and take concrete steps towards achieving their academic aspirations.

Exceptional Secondary Student Outcomes & University Success

Our secondary school graduates consistently achieve brilliant academic results across both pathways. Portuguese curriculum students regularly surpass national averages, with outstanding accomplishments including 1st place nationally in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. International curriculum students stand out as well, with most IGCSE grades between 9 and 7 — proof of CIV’s rigorous academics and expert teaching.

Graduates secure places at leading universities worldwide, including King’s College London, University of Edinburgh, LSE, Trinity College Dublin, TU Delft, Institut Français de la Mode, NYU, Georgia Tech, UC Berkeley, and top Portuguese institutions such as Técnico and NOVA SBE. They pursue diverse fields, from medicine, aerospace engineering, and STEM subjects to law, finance, business, and the arts.

Beyond academics, our extensive enrichment programme nurtures talent in sports and the arts, with national champions in golf and karate, and high school teams thriving in competitions. This breadth of achievement reflects CIV’s commitment to helping every student fulfil their ambitions and shine on the global stage.

Upper School Programmes: Dual Pathways

Our top-ranked secondary school in the Algarve offers two rigorous academic routes designed to meet the diverse needs and interests of our students. Rooted in humanistic values, both programmes emphasise academic excellence, personal development, global awareness, critical thinking, and practical experience.

The National Curriculum Pathway covers Grades 10–12, following the Ensino Secundário curriculum with Científico-Humanístico courses. The International Curriculum Pathway spans Grades 9–12, progressing from Cambridge IGCSE (Grades 9–10) to the prestigious IB Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12).

All students benefit from a bilingual environment, comprehensive humanities and sciences education, and connections with national and international research centres, ensuring access to world-class resources and preparation for university and future careers.

Portuguese Secondary School Curriculum

The Portuguese secondary education programme is the culmination of students' academic journey through the national curriculum, fostering advanced analytical thinking and research capabilities. Students progress through increasingly complex learning objectives, moving from foundational concepts to sophisticated abstract reasoning.

Two scientific-humanistic courses are offered at our Vilamoura secondary school:

Sciences and Technologies
Socioeconomic Sciences

Our rigorous secondary programme goes beyond national requirements by:

Emphasising the development of essential cognitive skills for university-level study
Maintaining strong connections to Portuguese academic traditions
Offering mandatory English lessons from Grades 10 to 12, fostering bilingualism
Ensuring students are exceptionally well-prepared for final exams through small-group tutorials and personalised support

Beyond academic results, this well-rounded approach positions CIV among the best high schools in the Algarve.

National Curriculum Pathway		Age Range
Upper School (Ensino Secundário)	Grade 10	15 - 16
	Grade 11	16 - 17
	Grade 12	17 - 18

International Curriculum Pathway		Age Range
Upper School	Grade 9	14 - 15
	Grade 10	15 - 16
	Grade 11	16 - 17
	Grade 12	17 - 18

Portuguese Secondary School Subjects

At our Algarve high school, the Sciences and Technologies course includes core subjects such as Portuguese, English, Philosophy, and Physical Education, with specialist subjects including Mathematics A, Physics and Chemistry A, and Biology and Geology. Students select either Biology or Physics in Grade 12, allowing specialisation aligned with university course goals. This pathway opens doors to degrees in medicine, STEM fields, and beyond.

The Socioeconomic Sciences secondary education course maintains the core subjects while emphasising Mathematics A, Economics A, and History B, with Geography introduced in Grade 12. This pathway equips students for university courses in economics, business, law, social sciences, and more.

International Pathway High School Curriculum

IGCSE Programme & Subjects

At our international secondary school in the Algarve, the Cambridge IGCSE programme, delivered in Grades 9 and 10, establishes a strong foundation in core subjects, complemented by humanities, languages, and creative arts. With an emphasis on inquiry-based learning, laboratory work, and effective communication, students gain both academic depth and practical skills for advanced study.

The core curriculum includes:

English Language and Literature
Mathematics (Extended)
Coordinated Sciences (Double Award)
History
Physical Education
Portuguese

Students personalise their learning by selecting two electives from Drama, Art and Design, Computer Science, and French (Foreign Language), ensuring a comprehensive academic experience.

Learn more about the IGCSE curriculum

IB Diploma Programme & Subjects

In Grades 11 and 12, students in the International Curriculum Pathway embark on the rigorous and comprehensive International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, which is considered the gold-standard high school qualification worldwide. They select six subjects across the IB subject groups, with at least three studied at Higher Level, ensuring both breadth and depth of learning.

IB subject options at CIV include:

Languages & Literature: English, Portuguese
Languages: French B, Spanish ab initio, Portuguese ab initio
Individuals & Societies: History, Business Management
Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics
Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches (MAA), Applications & Interpretation (MAI)

In addition to their chosen courses, students complete the IB Core components: Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, and CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service). These components integrate academic learning with critical thinking, independent research, and community engagement.

The IB’s holistic approach develops well-rounded graduates, equipping them with real-world skills for university and career success in any field. It also prepares them for responsible and ethical leadership roles worldwide.

Learn more about the IBDP curriculum

Languages at Our International Secondary School in Portugal

At our leading international high school in the Algarve, a comprehensive language programme develops the multilingual skills essential for success in a globalised world. Students across both pathways benefit from intensive language instruction, cultural immersion, and internationally recognised certification opportunities.

Portuguese pathway students study English throughout Grades 10 to 12, developing advanced proficiency alongside their native Portuguese skills. French language instruction provides additional linguistic competency, while our bilingual environment offers daily exposure to multiple languages through peer interaction and cultural activities.

International Pathway students receive intensive instruction in English Language and Literature, Portuguese (as a first or foreign language, depending on the student’s background), and additional languages, including French and Spanish.

Available Certifications

As an authorised Cambridge Preparation Centre, we offer on-site delivery of FCE, CAE, and CPE (B2 First–C2 Proficiency) qualifications. DELF diplomas are available for students studying French, and Portuguese proficiency exams (TEJO, CIPLE, DEPLE, DIPLE) are also offered. These internationally recognised certifications enhance university applications and demonstrate linguistic competency to employers worldwide.

High School Assessment

Assessment at our Algarve secondary school combines continuous evaluation with external examinations to comprehensively measure student achievement across both pathways.

Portuguese Pathway Assessment
Students pursuing the national secondary curriculum prepare thoroughly for national examinations in key subjects, which determine university admission. Exams typically take place in June. Assessment combines continuous evaluation, mock examinations, and intensive small-group preparatory sessions. This approach develops essential cognitive competencies, including conceptualisation, problem-solving, investigation, interpretation, and communication skills. Grades follow the national 0–20 scale.

International Pathway Assessment
IGCSE and IB students sit final examinations at the end of their programmes (Grades 10 and 12, respectively). Exams take place in May and June, with results released in July and August.

IGCSE examinations are externally marked without school-based moderation, ensuring an objective evaluation of student achievement.

IB assessment combines external examination scripts with internally marked, externally moderated coursework, providing students with multiple opportunities to demonstrate their learning across different assessment formats. The IB core elements contribute to the final score of up to 45 points.

IB results are recognised by Portuguese universities and converted to the national 0–20 scale through DGES, eliminating the need for additional exams. International universities accept IB qualifications directly, and IB grades convert easily to UCAS tariff points for UK applications.

Expert High School Teachers

At CIV, we understand that an exceptional high school education requires specialist subject knowledge alongside a deep understanding of adolescent development and university preparation. Our teaching staff brings advanced qualifications, international experience, and a strong commitment to student success.

International Curriculum teachers in our Algarve high school offer global perspectives and hold additional credentials as IB workshop leaders or Cambridge examiners, enriching classroom instruction and preparing students to excel in these programmes. Portuguese pathway teachers combine subject expertise with extensive experience in national exams preparation, providing targeted support to help students shine.

Small teaching groups and personalised guidance across both pathways ensure academic preparation aligns with university requirements and individual aspirations. Ongoing professional development keeps our upper school team at the forefront of global best practices, consistently maintaining the high standards CIV is renowned for.

Premium High School Facilities in Vilamoura

Based on a 27,000 sqm green campus just ten minutes from the beach, our purpose-built upper school facilities in Vilamoura provide exceptional learning environments for students in both pathways, supporting academic excellence and personal growth. Specialist classrooms, computer labs, and newly refurbished science laboratories with industry-standard equipment enable hands-on experiments and inquiry-based learning in STEM subjects, building practical skills and equipping students for future careers in these fields.

Beyond the classroom, high school students benefit from fully equipped art studios, music and drama rooms, and comprehensive sports facilities, including two gymnasiums, a synthetic turf football field, and courts for basketball, tennis, and volleyball, promoting physical development, creativity, and well-being.

Campus-wide high-speed Wi-Fi, modern digital learning platforms, and a well-resourced library provide tools for research, independent study, and collaborative projects. This state-of-the-art environment ensures students excel academically, socially, and physically, ready for a fulfilling life beyond school.

Enriching High School Activities

At our secondary school in Vilamoura, students in both pathways engage in a wide range of activities that nurture leadership, real-world skills, and global awareness. Students can develop their talents through weekly clubs, including Model United Nations, varsity basketball, football, and tennis, alongside extracurriculars such as netball, touch rugby, ballet, and chess.

Leadership roles in student councils and clubs empower students to contribute meaningfully to school life and develop skills for future leadership positions. Service projects, personal development programmes, field trips, and international experiences further enrich the Upper School journey, fostering CIV’s humanistic values, future-ready abilities, and proactive mindset.

Enrichment activities

University & Careers Counselling Programme

At our private secondary school in the Algarve, career guidance begins in Grade 10, with personalised counselling helping students make informed decisions about subject options in their chosen pathways, university courses, and future careers. Students benefit from university visits, fairs, and presentations by higher education institutions, where they can explore academic offerings, clarify entrance requirements, and engage directly with representatives to better understand their options.

Structured support is provided for crafting personal statements, motivational letters, and application documents, while dedicated counsellors oversee the entire process to ensure every submission is accurate and timely. This comprehensive guidance equips students in both pathways to plan effectively for higher education and beyond.

Discover how our top-ranked high school in the Algarve can help shape your child’s bright future.

Enquire Now

High School in the Algarve, Vilamoura