Oeiras International School

Oeiras International School is located in Oeiras, Portugal, on land leased from the municipality. Oeiras is about 15 minutes by car from Lisbon and the Lisbon airport.

Primary Years Programme (Age 5-11), Middle Years Programme (Age 11-16), Diploma Programme (Age 16-19).

Oeiras International School is a non-profit Association (OIS, ASFL) founded by parents and is an International Baccalaureate World School.

Nationalities represented: 48+.

A learning support programme exists as part of OIS's inclusive IB World School approach. Applicants with severe emotional needs cannot be catered for.

School buses arrive with students between 8:00am and 8:15am. Afternoon buses depart at 4:00pm and 5:30pm.

The School runs its own bus routes from Cascais, Estoril, Sintra, Parede and the Lisbon area.

OIS offers the International Baccalaureate Continuum: Primary Years Programme (PYP) for ages 6 to 10 (PYP1 to PYP5), Middle Years Programme (MYP) for ages 11 to 16 (MYP1 to MYP5), and Diploma Programme (DP) for ages 17 to 18 (DP1, DP2). The school is an IB World School authorised to offer PYP, MYP and DP. PYP is an inquiry-based learning programme for children aged 6 to 10. MYP builds on prior learning and leads to the MYP certificate. The DP is internationally recognised for university admissions.

1:6 teacher to student; average class size 16.

IB Diploma Results show high achievement. In 2021, 45 DP candidates with a 100% pass rate and an average DP grade of 5.6; OIS average points were 35, compared with a world average of 32.98. In 2020, 29 DP candidates with a 93% pass rate and an average grade of 5.12; OIS average points 32 versus world average 31.3.

Graduates go to universities around the world, including notable destinations in the UK, the USA and other countries such as King's College London, University College London, Imperial College London, Stanford University, University of Chicago, McGill University, University of Toronto and the University of Auckland.

Belonging, inclusion, and physical and emotional safety are foundational to learning at OIS. The Behaviour Policy aligns with the IB Learner Profile to guide respectful interactions and everyday practice. The school provides equal education opportunities and a non-discriminatory environment. A safe, caring environment supports students' social and emotional development.

A learning support programme exists as part of OIS's inclusive IB World School approach. Applicants with severe emotional and intellectual needs cannot be catered for.

The language of instruction is English. Portuguese and English are core languages studied. German, French, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese are offered as first languages and as language acquisition options. In the MYP, language acquisition is taught for three lessons per week. All potential students undertake an English placement test to determine language development.

Wellbeing is a central focus, with Wellbeing Awareness Year celebrating wellbeing topics monthly and involving school psychologists in talks on resilience and mental health. One Tribe Week explicitly focused on belonging and mental health, with mixed-age activities and staff support. Tutors, teachers, the nurse, student support and the psychologist are available to help as needed.

The school protects the rights of all children, following Portuguese law and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. A Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy guides how safeguarding concerns are handled, with mechanisms to react and respond if abuse is noticed or reported.

Students aged 5 to 18 may be admitted, with OIS beginning in Year 2 (PYP1) for typically 6-year-olds. The school is over-subscribed in most year groups, so applying early is advised. A placement test assesses cognitive ability and learning style; there is no pass or fail mark, and staff determine whether they can support the student, with the Student Support Department assisting if extra help is needed. Priorities for admission are: first current students, staff and founding/associate members; second siblings of current students; other applicants are considered as space allows; under equal conditions, offers go to the student with the best previous academic record. There is a learning support program, but applications with severe emotional needs cannot be catered for. Documentation and an interview are required. OIS accepts applications throughout the year (Rolling Admissions) if space becomes available. English language requirements vary by grade; a minimum level is advised, fluency is not compulsory for admission to certain year groups, and full proficiency is required for Years 10–13 and will be assessed during admissions. The admissions steps are: register your interest; complete the application form and pay the €250 application fee; schedule placement tests; attend an interview with the programme coordinator; Admissions Committee reviews the application; upon successful completion, upload the required documentation and pay the registration fee to secure the place; if there is no space, the applicant will be placed on the waiting list.

The school offers scholarships for outstanding students. Scholarships may be awarded to students who live or study within the Oeiras area who otherwise may not have the opportunity to benefit from an OIS education. Scholarships are awarded on merit by the Scholarship Selection Council and are weighted by need, with partial or full scholarships possible. They cover all yearly registration and fees and required educational activities, with no other discounts applied. Open to students ranked in the top 10% of their year (Year 7 through Year 12) who live or study in the municipality of Oeiras. Ten full scholarships exist, and automatic yearly renewal is based on continued high academic achievement and significant involvement in wider school activities. The online application must be submitted by 14 March at 17:00 and includes: a letter from the applicant's parents in English or Portuguese, a short video in English outlining why they wish to join OIS, the applicant's Curriculum Vitae, reports from the previous three years including grades, three recommendation letters (one from Head Teacher/Principal and two from current teachers), and a declaration from the Head Teacher/Principal that the applicant is ranked in the top 10%. The Scholarship Selection Council is composed of one representative from Câmara Municipal de Oeiras (CMO) and at least three OIS representatives. Submissions deadline for Academic Year 2026/27 is Closed.

If there is no available place, the applicant will be placed on the waiting list.