The Hidden Jewel of British Education in Portugal
Prime School International rises to the ranks of the world’s elite K12 schools, offering the Cambridge and BTEC pathways with unmatched innovation and purpose.
Education · 6 hours ago · 0 Comments
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The Portugal News: Congratulations — Prime School International has recently been recognised among the world’s most outstanding K12 schools, alongside prestigious institutions such as Eton College, Institut Le Rosey, Aiglon College, and Collège du Léman. Few imagined that a Portuguese school could reach this level of excellence. What does this recognition mean to you?
Francisco Saraiva (Engineer, Director of the Estoril Campus):
It’s a privilege and a confirmation of our vision. Being compared to institutions with centuries of tradition — like Eton or Le Rosey — proves that Portugal can deliver education of true international calibre.
Prime School was founded on a bold principle: to combine British academic rigour, scientific precision, and Portuguese authenticity.
This recognition validates that mission — we’ve earned our place among the world’s leading educational institutions.
“Prime School has become a hidden Portuguese jewel — exclusive, rigorous, and globally respected.”
The Portugal News: Prime is cited as one of Europe’s most complete British curriculum schools. What makes your academic approach unique?
Francisco Saraiva:
We deliver the full Cambridge International Pathway, from Early Years Foundation to A-Levels, offering a continuum of British education that nurtures independence, analytical thinking, and global awareness.
Alongside this, we integrate BTEC programmes (Levels 2 and 3) in Business, Sports, and Arts — world-recognised qualifications focused on practical, project-based learning.
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Our students then advance to the Higher National Certificate (HNC)and Higher National Diploma (HND) — equivalent to the first two years of a UK university degree.
This allows them to earn university-level credits before graduating from school, giving them a remarkable head start in higher education and future careers.
“Few are admitted, but every student who joins Prime leaves ready for the university of their choice — and for life.”
The Portugal News: That makes Prime one of the few schools in Europe offering both the Cambridge and BTEC higher education routes. Was that intentional?
Francisco Saraiva:
Absolutely. We wanted to create a system where academic excellence meets applied knowledge.
The Cambridge curriculum strengthens critical thinking and academic discipline, while the BTEC route develops entrepreneurial skills, collaboration, and innovation. This dual approach ensures that our graduates are not just well-educated — they are prepared to lead, create, and adapt in a fast-changing world.
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The Portugal News: Your boarding residence has been widely praised for its atmosphere and philosophy. How does it stand out among international schools?
Francisco Saraiva:
Our Boarding Programme is much more than accommodation — it’s a structured, immersive experience that teaches independence, discipline, and empathy. Students live in an international community guided by tutors, mentors, and psychologists, receiving academic and emotional support. It mirrors the discipline of traditional British boarding schools, yet it carries a unique Portuguese warmth and humanity.
“At Prime Boarding, students don’t just learn — they grow in wisdom, confidence, and character.”
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The Portugal News: Prime also offers an Elite Sports Track through its BTEC programme. What’s the vision behind it?
Francisco Saraiva:
The Elite Sports Track is designed for young athletes who aim to balance professional training with academic excellence. Through the BTEC Sports pathway, we integrate sports science, nutrition, and leadership with tailored academic mentoring. It’s ideal for students competing at national or international level in football, tennis, swimming, or athletics, ensuring they can pursue elite sports careers without compromising their academic goals.
“We educate athletes who are not only champions in their sport, but also in their mindset and integrity.”
The Portugal News: Prime School International is also ISO 9001 certified — an unusual distinction in education. How does that impact your operation?
Francisco Saraiva:
It defines our structure of excellence. The ISO 9001 certification ensures that every process — academic, administrative, and operational — is monitored, audited, and continually improved.
It means our governance model follows the same standards of quality and efficiency as leading global institutions.
In education, that translates into consistency, accountability, and long-term innovation.
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The Portugal News: In a single sentence — what truly distinguishes Prime from other elite schools in Europe?
Francisco Saraiva:
Exclusivity with purpose.
We are a selective school, but what defines us isn’t privilege — it’s meaning. Every student receives an education tailored to their potential, built on excellence, ethics, and humanity.
Our graduates leave Prime ready to change the world, not just to succeed in it.
“Prime School is where excellence meets purpose — where education becomes legacy, not luxury.”
Prime School International
Cambridge Excellence. British Standards. Portuguese Soul.
20 Years of Legacy · 20 Years of Excellence
Lisbon | Estoril | Sintra | Gibraltar | Valencia | Argentina
🌐 www.primeschool.pt
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The views expressed on this page are those of the author and not of The Portugal News.