Compare International Schools in Braga, Portugal

R. da Igreja Velha - Gualtar, 4710-069 Braga, Portugal. The school is located in the Gualtar parish on the outskirts of Braga city. Braga is in northern Portugal. The campus is in a residential area with access via local roads.

Lower School (3 - 9 years) and Early Upper School (10 – 13 years) curriculum are based on the English National Curriculum modified to suit an international clientele. The Upper School (14-18 years) prepares students for the Cambridge IGCSE examinations and the AICE Diploma (AS and A2 level examinations).

International school (co-educational and non-denominational).

There is support when needed for English as a foreign language as well as from a School Psychologist and Special Needs specialists.

Portugal.

Non-denominational.

The school uniform is ordered upon enrolment/registration and prepaid.

Meal services are available as an optional service with fees. Lunch times are: Pre Prep and Prep 11:15am–12:30pm; Lower School 12:20pm–1:20pm; Upper School 12:45pm–1:45pm. Extended hours after school are available as an optional service at €5 per hour for students not in CLIBclubs. Fees for meals and other optional services are listed by CLIB.

CLIB is a private school located in Braga. It is governed by a Board of Directors, with a Management Team handling enrolment, attendance and disciplinary matters. The educational program is based on a British system with horizontal equivalence to the Portuguese system, culminating in Cambridge IGCSE and the AICE Diploma. The school is connected to a network that includes Colégio Luso-Internacional do Porto and participates in international networks such as ECIS.

The Braga International School uses Portuguese and English as guiding languages, with the British Educational System as the base model, and covers all age levels from pre-school (3-4 years) until entering university. The eight fundamental pedagogic beginnings are Academic Excellence; Learning to Learn; Team Work; Diversity and Trans-Cultural Education; Ethical and Moral Development; Individual Interests and Necessities; Joint Decision Taking; Expressive Arts. The program integrates research projects and thematic work, and operates within a democratic, just and liberating community that involves students, faculty, parents and associates; inclusive education is provided in line with Law 54/2018.

The final exam is the Cambridge AICE Diploma (Advanced International Certificate of Education). All programs of study have parallel equivalencies with the Portuguese Educational System with no necessity to sit national examinations. The AICE diploma is an internationally recognized matriculation qualification and may exempt from Portuguese university entrance tests under applicable law.

The school expands each child's personal and social capacities and develops intellectual, emotional, physical, social and moral needs in a caring and stimulating environment.

There is English as a foreign language support, and a School Psychologist and Special Needs specialists; the school maintains an inclusive environment with a multidisciplinary team to provide timely, individualized responses.

English is the language of teaching and learning and its use, fluency and accuracy are promoted to the fullest extent.

There is a strong extra-curricular programme including social development, sports and performing arts; pupil safety is a priority and CLIB operates a closed campus.

Pupils' safety is a priority and the campus is closed; health, safety and security are prioritized.

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Braga and Vila Real campuses in Portugal. The Braga Fontes campus offers Day Care to G4; the Braga Dume campus serves G5 to G12 as an International School; Vila Real offers Day Care to G12. The school will introduce the International Baccalaureate program in Secondary Education in 2026/27. A bus service provides safe and comfortable transportation for students.

Fontes: Day Care to G4; Dume: G5 to G12; Vila Real: Day Care to G12

Private school

The School Psychology and Counselling Services are available.

Portugal

After-care hours are from 7:30 am to 8:00 pm.

The school provides safe and comfortable transportation for students.

Two teaching paths start in 9th Grade: Cambridge IGCSE (9th–10th Grades) and the IB Diploma (11th–12th Grades). At the end of 8th Grade, students choose between continuing the Official Portuguese Curriculum or entering João Paulo II International School to pursue the International Curriculum, which is entirely taught in English and based on globally recognized structures. The IGCSE program (9th–10th) includes mandatory subjects—English; English Literature (native speakers); Portuguese; Mathematics; Sciences; Physical Education—and a set of optional subjects such as Art & Design; Design & Technology; Drama; Music; Business Studies; Computer Science; Geography; History; Spanish; French; and Global Perspectives, with external Cambridge International or Pearson Edexcel examinations at the end of 10th Grade. The IB Diploma Programme (11th–12th) follows a six-subject-group structure with Core Components (Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service) and is designed to prepare students for university; it is recognised by leading universities worldwide and facilitates access to top institutions in Portugal and abroad. The International Curriculum is taught entirely in English and is delivered in a dedicated area of the Dume Campus, with facilities including laboratories, art rooms, a multi-sport court, and a cafeteria.

The IB Diploma is recognised by leading universities worldwide and provides access to top institutions in Portugal and abroad, including the University of Lisbon, the University of Porto, and the Catholic University of Portugal, as well as universities in the United Kingdom and the United States.

The Academy integrates social and emotional development into every aspect of school life. The School of Being forms the core of personal, interpersonal, and spiritual development, cultivating cognitive, social, emotional, and practical skills and helping students understand their identity, think critically, and act with solidarity and ethics. The School of Being is woven into the curriculum and activities, including Civic Education, group dynamics, and faith experiences. The School of Care provides listening, welcoming, and personalized attention, recognizing that physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being is essential to learning; it includes Psychology, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Nutrition, and School Medicine, coordinated with families and teachers. Volunteering plays a central role, fostering compassion, resilience, and commitment to the common good. The school's programs emphasize a sense of community, service, and ongoing guidance for holistic student development.

The School Psychology and Counselling Services guide socio-educational integration and the well-being of students. Two specialized psychologists work with teachers and families to provide consulting sessions, individual student meetings, and classroom-based interventions. The service supports holistic development, helping students build personal identity and cope with emotional, social, and behavioral challenges; it also focuses on smooth Educational Transitions and promoting equal opportunities within an inclusive environment.

The International Curriculum is entirely taught in English, with all courses conducted in English to ensure full immersion in language and culture. This English-language program is delivered in a dedicated area of the Dume Campus, equipped with facilities to support English-language learning and international education.

Mental wellbeing is supported by the School of Care, which provides Psychology, Therapy (speech, occupational, etc.), Nutrition, and School Medicine, coordinated with families and teachers. The School of Being promotes personal identity, empathy, reflection, and service, embedding cognitive, social, emotional, and spiritual development across the learning experience. A culture of trust, security, and well-being underpins the educational project and personal growth opportunities.

To care is to educate with attention to detail, vulnerability, and hope; trust, security, and well-being are essential for learning. The School of Care offers coordinated wellness services for students and works closely with families and teachers to maintain a safe, supportive environment. Volunteering and the School of Being further reinforce a caring, inclusive community focused on student safety and well-being.

1. Pre-Registration: Online registration can be completed throughout the year. Enrollment requires completion of an online pre-registration; pre-registration alone does not guarantee a place. Pre-registration begins the admissions process.
2. Introductory Meeting: After completing the online pre-registration, you will be contacted to schedule a meeting with a member of the Educational Management Team. During this meeting, you will learn more about the school project, conditions, and facilities. Ideally, both the student and the parent or legal guardian should attend this meeting.
3. Enrollment: Enrollment is finalized after confirmation of availability by the school. Once a place is assigned, the student's parent or legal guardian will receive a phone call, followed by a link with the steps to complete the enrollment process. To formalize enrollment, fill out the online enrollment form, submit the requested documents (student and parents' identification, vaccination record, etc.), and pay the enrollment fee.

Braga, in the North of Portugal.

Secondary and Higher Education.

Hybrid education with online learning and in-person Hubs; curricula offered include British (IGCSEs and A-Levels), American Core Curriculum, and Portuguese+ (Portuguese+ is delivered in English-speaking Hubs).

Portugal

Learners in Portugal follow British (IGCSEs and A-Levels), American, or Portuguese+ curricula. Education is delivered through a hybrid model that combines online study with in-person Hub experiences, with 24/7 access to the learning platform and guidance from Course Managers. The British, US, and Portuguese+ curricula are accredited and internationally respected, with qualifications accepted by universities worldwide. The Portuguese+ option uses all learning materials and assessments in Portuguese, includes preparation for and completion of National Examinations, meets direct-entry requirements to Portuguese universities, and is delivered within English-speaking Hubs to develop both Portuguese and English communication. The overall approach emphasizes life skills such as adaptability, collaboration, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning.

Curricula are accredited and internationally respected, with qualifications accepted by universities worldwide. Learners can access pathways to universities globally, including direct entry to Portuguese universities through the Portuguese+ curriculum. The Unique Pathway Degree Programmes offer a fast, flexible, and career-driven route to a university diploma in areas such as Business Management, Computing Science, Hospitality, Sports, and more, enabling study from anywhere.

The school uses co-learning hubs with a peer-to-peer atmosphere, and learners receive constant support from Learning Coaches to develop skills and participate in the community.

The school delivers the Portuguese+ curriculum with all learning materials and assessments in Portuguese within English-speaking Hubs, and learners develop both Portuguese and English communication skills.

The school provides a supportive peer community and Learning Coaches offering ongoing guidance within the hub model.

1. Attend a One-on-One Meeting: We begin with a one-on-one meeting with a member of the BGA admissions team to learn more about BGA's innovative approach to education. The meeting is designed to answer questions and provide insights into the learning model. Special notes apply to families of Learners with special educational needs: inform our team of requirements during the meeting, submit relevant medical documentation, and a mandatory trial day will be scheduled to assess whether BGA can support the Learner. BGA operates hubs across Portugal, including Braga in the North, as part of a network of locations.

2. Schedule a Trial Day: The applying Learner is invited to book a trial day at one of our locations to experience the BGA environment first-hand. It's an opportunity to witness the learner community and how Learning Coaches guide activities. For special-needs applicants, the trial day is essential for Learning Coaches to evaluate whether the Hub can provide the necessary support; if the team determines it can, the application form will be provided.

3. Submit the Application Form: After completing the previous steps, the Admissions Team will send you the application form. The form is straightforward and captures the essential details to move forward. If the applicant is not a native English speaker or has not attended an English-speaking institution for at least two years, they will be required to complete an English proficiency test; after submitting the form, they will receive a link to book the test, and if they pass, they will be invited to schedule an onboarding meeting.

4. Book an Onboarding Meeting: After the application (and English test, if required), book an onboarding meeting to connect with our team and Learning Coach(es). It is an essential step to understand the learner's needs and aspirations.

5. Receive Contract and Payment Details: You will receive a follow-up email with the contract and payment information to keep the process smooth.

6. Submit the Signed Contract: Sign the contract to confirm official commitment to joining BGA.

7. Provide Proof of Payment: Submit proof of payment for the fees associated with the chosen program to finalize the financial arrangements.

8. Get Ready for Day One: A final email will provide essential instructions for the first day and how to access the platform. You will receive guidance on how to prepare for day one and what to expect in the initial setup. Enrolment is open year-round with no fixed start dates; you can enrol far ahead or start quickly as needed.