Frequently Asked Questions

Almancil:

The school day starts at 9.15am – all children should arrive at school by 9.10 am latest

School finishes at 3.30pm

After-school activities are available from 3.30pm - 4.30pm

Lagoa:

Pre-school:

Pre-school is open from 8.30am to 5pm, hours may be extended from 5pm to 6pm.

Classes take place between 9.15am and 4.30pm  - all children should arrive at school by 9.10 am latest

Primary: Classes take place between 9.15am and 3.30pm  - all children should arrive at school by 9.10am

Seniors: Classes take place between 9.15am and 4.30pm  - all children should arrive at school by 9.10am

After-school: After-school activities are available from 4.30pm- 5.30pm or 5.30pm-6.30pm

Across the two campuses, we have around 1,000 students (approx. 150 students at Almancil and 850 at Lagoa) of over 40 different nationalities.

Nobel Algarve has an average of 16 students per class, up to a maximum of 24 but classes are often split for subjects like languages.

Around 50% of our students are international.

Nobel Algarve – Lagoa offers both the Portuguese national education system and the English National Curriculum.

Nobel Algarve - Almancil follows the English National Curriculum.

Our teachers are highly qualified and of many different nationalities. All teachers who teach the English National Curriculum are qualified teachers with experience in teaching the English National Curriculum. Those who teach the Portuguese curriculum are qualified Portuguese teachers.

We maintain a truly international campus, where multiple languages can be heard every day and we welcome families from more than 40 countries. Generally speaking, most of our students speak Portuguese and/or English in the playground. Our students benefit from a dedicated focus on the English language as well as the Portuguese language and culture. Bilingualism is actively promoted. Our Early Years programme at both Lagoa and Almancil provides a truly bilingual learning experience for children aged three to four years old.

As the language of our host country, Portuguese lessons are a requirement up to Year 10 and are offered at both the native and foreign language levels.

International students have a choice of Portuguese or French.

National students learn English, French, Spanish and German.

Nobel Algarve is non-denominational; religion is not taught.

Nobel Algarve offers a rich and varied range of sports both on the school curriculum and as after-school activities. We see sports as key to promoting fitness and teamwork. Our students compete in cross country, tennis, track, athletics, rugby, football and basketball against local state schools and other international schools in regional, national and some international events. New sports are constantly being introduced, with the likes of a cricket club and karate being available as after-school activities.

It depends on the age of the student. As a general rule, no homework is set in the Early Years, but students are expected to take reading books home to read with their parents. In later years the homework workload increases depending on age.

Our students will take the UK syllabus examinations: IGCSE (Cambridge), GCE and A-level (Edexcel), as well as the Portuguese Ministry of Education national exams.

Students who complete their education at Nobel Algarve British International School and pass the respective exams will have access to top universities all over the world, including prestigious UK and European universities, and some gain places in the USA, Canada and further afield. The majority secure a place at their first choice higher educuation institution.

The minimum time a student can study at Nobel Algarve British International School is normally a full academic year.

Nobel Algarve’s teachers ensure each new arrival has a "buddy" in the classroom to help them settle in at the school. How well or quickly they adapt will also depend on each child’s personality.

Please refer to our Admissions procedure click here.

We accept children who have a basic level of English.  We provide English language support to enable all students to excel. Our staff of highly qualified specialist teachers provide additional support, differentiated materials and essential one-to-one inductions to English for those who require it (extra costs may apply).

Yes, any student can enrol at Nobel Algarve up to Year 13 / 12º Ano, as long as there is space in the class they wish to enter.

The school will provide lunch for all pupils whose parent or guardian has requested this service. Since contracts with suppliers and the respective costs and quantities are negotiated annually based on pupils registered for the service for the entire year, there is no opting-out permitted.

Pupils who bring a packed lunch are also entitled to use the dining room. The school does not provide meals during holiday programmes or other activities outside school times and premises.

Yes, Nobel Algarve operates a bus service to and from its Lagoa campus, across the western Algarve, from Faro to Praia da Luz. Parents or guardians contracting the school’s transportation service do so for the entire school year. Opting out of payment halfway through the year is not possible. The buses used for school transport are supplied by a specialised firm.