A Warm Welcome from our Executive Director
It is my great pleasure to welcome you to IPS Cascais, a family orientated school that celebrates children’s achievements and develops a love of learning.
At IPS Cascais we are keen for all of our children to be the very best that they can be. Our children are happy children, who enjoy coming to school and being part of our IPS Cascais family. We strive to ensure that our children experience success in a nurturing and inclusive environment, to help the children to understand that they make a positive difference to the world in which we all live, and to have high hopes and ambitions for themselves and for other people.
When I first visited IPS Cascais, I was fortunate enough to be able to speak to many of the pupils at the school. They spoke passionately about their school experiences, the learning that takes place and the opportunities for growth they are given both inside and outside the classroom. The words ‘family’ and ‘fun’ were used many times by them, and it are these words that are our greatest asset.
The staff at IPS Cascais really do care about each child and do everything they can to ensure each child succeeds. The work that they do is invaluable and impacts the children's lives forever. They are dedicated, experienced, talented and passionate, and it is a great pleasure to work alongside them.
IPS Cascais truly is an amazing and unique school that fosters positive relationships between the parents, teachers and pupils. A truly successful education can only be achieved if we get this right. We welcome visitors into school and I extend an open invitation to all to come into school and see for yourselves our school at work.
Chris Starling
Executive Director
About Us
IPS Cascais British International School is located north of Cascais, close to Lisbon. Founded in 1982, our school has grown from 5 to 440 pupils representing 40+ nationalities.
We are known as a friendly, well-established British school offering the National Curriculum for England. Exciting developments in 2022 saw the plans for the Secondary School come to fruition and an initial intake of Year 7 children at our current premises.
Years 8 to 13 have been opening on a rolling basis from 2023 and the pupils are soon to move into their new purpose-built site. We will continue to offer the National Curriculum for England culminating in IGCSEs in Year 11 and A Levels for Year 12 and 13.
Facts & Figures
44
44 Years of experience
IPS has been growing and learning for 44 years and counting.
40+
Between 40 - 45 Nationalities
British is the predominant nationality, with Portuguese nationals coming second. English is the common language used by children.
440
440 Pupils as of Sept. 2025
Our numbers vary from class to class throughout the year when families move into or away from the area.
1:10
1:10 staff-pupil ratio
Includes teaching assistants in all classes from Nursery to Year 2; shared assistants in the junior school and additional support teachers.
12
12 Year Groups
Typically, we have 2 classes per year group from Nursery to Year 10 with a couple of extra classrooms to accommodate exceptionally busy year groups.
22
Average of 22 children per class
Some have a few more, some a few less. Our class maximum is 24.
Why choose IPS Cascais?
Over 40 years
of educational excellence
A warm, family environment and united international community
Parents agree
their children are happy at school
Qualified and experienced international teachers, and strong parent-teacher links
Dedicated facilities for Primary,
with Secondary underway
Individual attention given to all children
Additional services:
Door-to-door bus service
Using a trusted company, we can arrange pick up and drop off for pupils from Lisbon to Malveira da Serra. If you live in Cascais or Estoril we also offer a drop-off service after the extracurricular activities at 5 pm.
Healthy meals prepared on-site
Our partnered catering company prepares lunches daily in our school kitchen. Pupils eat in the dining room and we encourage a healthy and balanced diet.
VivaHUB Extracurricular activities
After School ends at 4pm, pupils can participate in a number of extracurricular activities. From sports to art club; there is hopefully something for everyone.
Parent-Teacher Association
A strong link between school and home creates a healthy working relationship between parents and the school. We support charities and fund educational experiences and activities for the children.