Updated: March 4, 2025

 

Madeira Portugal Real Estate AgentMadeira is a beautiful Portuguese archipelago consisting of four islands. These stunning islands enjoy limitless sunny days, green and rugged vegetation, picturesque landscapes, and rich natural resources. Moreover, the region is famous for its Madeira wine, incredible gastronomy, temperate climate, and highly regarded international schools.

All these factors make Madeira an ideal place for expats to move to, particularly those seeking a better quality of life in a gorgeous location.

For families looking to move to Madeira, in this article, we will guide you through the international schools on the islands, their curricula, the language of instruction, annual fees, and more.

You will also find excellent International schools in Portugal, mostly clustered in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve.

We’ll begin by providing you with key information on the two international schools in Madeira, the International School of Madeira and the International Sharing School – Madeira, before sharing some insights on how to choose the right school for you and what living in Madeira with children is like.

International School of Madeira

Best-international-schoolThe International School of Madeira provides a bilingual environment and follows a British and Portuguese curriculum. Established in 2005, the school ensures that it devotes the same amount of time to teaching all subjects in both English and Portuguese.

The school prioritizes building a community-oriented environment for all students — the annual fees for this school range from €5000 to €5,600, which can be made in installments. This school is suitable for children of age 3 and 10 years old.

You can find out more about the International School of Madeira on their website.

International Sharing School of Madeira

schoolThe International Sharing School of Madeira follows an International Baccalaureate framework and a multilingual approach. The school nurtures an innovative, modern, and the school offers a cutting-edge ecosystem to empower and enable students to reach their fullest potential.

With highly qualified teachers working towards building a supportive, caring, and learning environment, this school is one of the best international schools on the island. Children aged 3 to 18 can attend the school, and International Sharing School Madeira fees range from €4,950 to €10,945.

You can find out more about the International Sharing School on their website. Note that there is also an International Sharing school in Lisbon.

Choosing the Right International School in Madeira

School-2Choosing the right school for you on Madeira Island is one of the most difficult choices that you have to make, and what is right for one family may not be right for you.

Below, we share some tips on how you can go about choosing the right school.

  • Consider the educational program, extracurricular activities, and class sizes. Will your child be given the time and attention they need? Will the school help fuel your children’s interests outside the classroom?
  • Research the school’s curriculum, teaching methods, and values. For example, if you may want to relocate to the UK in the coming years, then seeking an international school that follows the British curriculum can be the better option to help the transition to a new school in the UK easier further down the line.
  • Visit the school and meet with teachers and administrators to get a sense of the school’s community and ethos.
  • If you know someone who has enrolled their children in a school in Madeira, ask for their experience.

Living in Madeira with Children

Madeira is a haven for families, offering a diverse array of activities and attractions tailored for children. Its mild climate and breathtaking landscapes create the perfect environment for raising a family, where you’ll be able to discover beautiful natural landscapes throughout the year.

With an established expat community, two very good international schools, and, as Madeira is in many ways the ultimate playground for children with the number of activities on offer – from hiking to horse-riding – living in Madeira with your family could be the perfect choice.

Looking to move to Madeira?

If you are looking to move to this stunning Portuguese archipelago, you’ll want to consider property options. The real estate market here is dynamic, and you’ll find several stunning properties – many with sea views – that could be the perfect place for you to relocate to. You can find out more in our guide to Madeira real estate or find out how to find a good real estate agent in Madeira to help you find your dream home.

Looking to snap up your dream property in Portugal? Check out our ultimate guide

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Frequently Asked Questions about International Schools in Madeira

There are two international schools in Madeira – The International School of Madeira and the International Sharing School of Madeira.

The annual fees students have for international schools in Madeira Portugal range between €4,950 to €10,945.

Although European Portuguese is primarily spoken on the island, English is also used widely across Madeira.

International schools provide a global education to students and allow them to flourish academically and hone their extracurricular and sports activities simultaneously. International schools are great for foreigners living outside their home country but looking to provide a holistic education for their children.

Whether you are looking for a particular curriculum, such as the British Curriculum (GCSE and A-Levels), an American curriculum (AP and SAT), or a particular learning style, such as the Montessori method of teaching, you will find several options, with there being 51 excellent international schools in Portugal.

Compared to its European counterparts, Portugal is relatively affordable. The cost of living, healthcare, and education tend to be cheaper than in other European countries.

If you are a UK national, you may have done a quick search for “British School Madeira.” Your best would be the International School of Madeira is bilingual and follows a British and Portuguese curriculum. Also, it could be worth considering the International Sharing School, which offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework.

As an IB world school, you set your child up in the best way for the challenges that they will face out in the world. If you are interested in enrolling your child in a school that offers the IB program, you can find a list of schools on the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) website.

Yes, for international education schools that offer bilingual education, consider the International School of Madeira. This international private school offers excellent basic education for children aged between ages 3 and 10 years old.

Should you do a simple search for “international private school Madeira”, two options will no doubt come up, the International School of Madeira and the International Sharing School of Madeira. Both are excellent options, but make sure you visit the school and determine which one is the right fit for you.

There are two international schools in Madeira that are both excellent choices for expat families: The International School of Madeira and the International Sharing School of Madeira.

The International School of Madeira provides a bilingual environment and follows a British and Portuguese curriculum, offering excellent basic education for children between the ages of 3 and 10 years old. The other international school in Madeira, the International Sharing School follows the International Baccalaureate framework. Both schools are some of the best international schools in Portugal.

Pupils at international schools in Madeira will be taught in English, with the International School of Madeira offering a bilingual environment where teaching is done in English and Portuguese.

The admissions process for international schools in Madeira typically involves submitting an application form, academic records from the previous school, and possibly attending an interview or entrance exam. Some schools may also require letters of recommendation.

You should check the specific enrollment procedures for the school that you are interested in. It’s recommended to apply well in advance, as spots can be competitive, especially in popular schools.

International schools in Madeira often differ from local Portuguese schools in terms of curriculum, language of instruction, and cultural diversity. While local schools primarily teach in Portuguese, international schools offer curricula like the British or IB programs in English. International schools also tend to have smaller class sizes and a more global perspective, which can be appealing to expat families.

International schools in Madeira offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, music, drama, and clubs for various interests, such as debate and environmental conservation. These activities are designed to complement the academic curriculum and help students develop new skills, build confidence, and foster social connections.

At the International School of Madeira, there are no more than 15 students per class. This allows for more personalized attention from teachers and a more supportive learning environment, which can be beneficial for students’ academic and personal development.

International schools in Madeira prepare students for university through rigorous academic programs such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) and British A-Levels, which are recognized by universities worldwide.

Schools also provide college counseling services, helping students with university applications, entrance exams, and career guidance. This comprehensive support ensures students are well-prepared for higher education.

International schools in Madeira have a strong reputation among expat communities for providing high-quality education in a supportive, multicultural environment.

Attending an international school in Madeira offers numerous benefits, including exposure to diverse cultures, high academic standards, and a wide range of extracurricular activities. These schools provide a global perspective, helping students develop the skills and mindset needed to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.