The Rise of Portuguese Students in International Schools

25 Maio 2026

Clipping

Gentileza, respeito e inclusão. Esta é a base de tudo o que fazemos e tentamos sempre que os alunos cresçam com esta noção de que somos uma comunidade muito diversa. — Isabel Morgado, Head of School, for Jornal de Notícias

In a recent visit to CLIP - The Oporto International School, Jornal de Notícias (JN) observed firsthand the growing trend of Portuguese families choosing international education.

Read the full article here.

The report highlights a significant increase in the number of Portuguese students enrolling in international schools, particularly in the Porto region. What was once an option mainly for expatriate families is now becoming increasingly attractive to local parents seeking high-quality education and future opportunities for their children.

More Portuguese families are choosing international schools because they offer alternative learning environments and teaching approaches. These institutions often follow globally recognised curricula, such as the Cambridge system, providing students with qualifications that open doors to universities both in Portugal and abroad. This flexibility is especially appealing to families who value academic mobility and long-term career prospects. One of the main advantages highlighted is the multicultural atmosphere within these schools. Students interact daily with peers from diverse national backgrounds, fostering open-mindedness, cultural awareness, and adaptability. This environment is seen as strong preparation for life in a globalised world, where intercultural communication is increasingly important.

International schools are also recognised for promoting not only academic excellence but also personal development. They emphasise values such as respect, inclusion, and kindness, while encouraging the development of soft skills like critical thinking, communication, and collaboration. English is typically the main language of instruction, giving students a strong command of a global language.

Overall, the rise in Portuguese enrolment in international schools reflects broader global trends in education. As families increasingly prioritise flexibility, multicultural exposure, and future opportunities, international education is becoming a preferred choice rather than a niche option.

The Rise of Portuguese Students in International Schools

Últimas notícias

06 Junho 2026

"My China Story" Awards

The award ceremony for the “My China Story” Short Video Competition, organised by the Chinese Embassy in Portugal, was held in Lisbon on 6 June 2026, bringing together participants from across the country to celebrate cultural exchange and storytelling. Among the recognised winners were two Confucius Classroom extracurricular Chinese students, Skylar (Form 4) and Keagan (Form 5), who were awarded Third Prize in the Portuguese Division for their outstanding video submission. Notably, they were also among the youngest participants to receive an award in this year’s competition. Skylar and Keagan began learning Chinese three years ago. Through dedication and consistent effort, they have become confident speakers, able to communicate fluently in everyday situations while demonstrating impressive language ability and cross-cultural understanding. Their passion for learning Chinese has remained steadfast over the years. Daily activities such as practising conversations together, carefully writing Chinese characters, watching Chinese cartoons, and reading Chinese storybooks have become part of their routine. Additionally, topics such as Chinese cuisine, history, and traditional culture feature prominently in their interests and discussions. Learning Chinese has not only equipped them with valuable language skills but has also enabled them to build meaningful international connections. Through their studies, they have formed friendships with peers in China, viewing the Chinese language as a bridge that fosters mutual understanding and friendship across cultures. At the ceremony, the students received their awards under the guidance of Ms Zhang Yan, Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Minho, and their teacher, Ms Maggie Wang. Their achievement reflects both their personal commitment to language learning and the school’s broader dedication to promoting international-mindedness, cultural exchange, and academic excellence.

Ler mais

02 Junho 2026

CLIP Teams in the National Women’s Basketball Championship

The final stage of the Portuguese National Under‑18 Women’s Basketball Championship took place in May at the Pavilhão da Física in Torres Vedras. As the country’s main youth competition in this age group, it brought together four of the strongest teams in Portugal: CRC Quinta dos Lombos, Sporting CP, CLIP Teams and CPN. Sporting CP finished at the top to claim the national title, with CRC Quinta dos Lombos securing second place, while CPN concluded the tournament in fourth place. CLIP Teams delivered a particularly positive campaign, competing strongly against top opposition and earning an impressive third-place finish! Individual performances were also recognised through the selection of the All-Star Five, which included CLIP Teams' Maria Marcelino! Congratulations! Overall, the competition highlighted the quality and promise of youth women’s basketball in Portugal, with CLIP Teams standing out for their strong, spirited performances and securing a well-deserved place among the top three teams in the country. We couldn't be more proud!

Ler mais

01 Junho 2026

CLIP with Ajudaris at Hospital Pedro Hispano

In honour of World Children’s Day, CLIP joined Ajudaris in the celebration at Hospital Pedro Hispano as an ambassador of affection, bringing warmth, joy, and emotional connection to young patients and their families. This special participation reflects a broader mission led by Ajudaris, which is taking significant steps toward building yet another meaningful and inspiring story. Ajudaris is expanding its impact nationwide, with the goal of bringing color, joy, and comfort to children who are hospitalized, institutionalized, or attending pediatric consultations across Portugal and the Islands. This ambitious initiative will reach a wide network of care, including 58 pediatric units, 4 Family Health Units, and 23 residential care homes for children and young people. Through this initiative, Ajudaris aims to go beyond immediate emotional support by fostering different forms of literacy — linguistic, verbal, and aesthetic. Ultimately, these efforts contribute to what they call “literacy of the heart,” nurturing empathy, expression, and human connection in children facing vulnerable situations. CLIP's presence symbolizes this mission in action, transforming moments of difficulty into opportunities for joy, imagination, and affection.

Ler mais