St Julian’s School

Focus

Shaping a brighter future

Day fees 2025/26

$14,700–$35,400

Term dates

• Term 1: 2 September to 18 December 2025
• Term 2: 5 January to 27 March 2026
• Term 3: 13 April to 26 June 2026

Ages

3-18

Pupil count

1,251

Spear’s Review

Portugal is an increasingly alluring destination for HNW families looking for a foothold in the European Union, and St Julian’s stands out as one of the most attractive schools in the country.

Founded in 1932 and located just outside of Lisbon, it is one of the oldest and biggest British schools in Portugal, offering UK and Portuguese curriculums concurrently so that each student may attend classes taught in English and Portuguese. Secondary students sit IGCSEs and the IB, and the school has seen a number of students matriculating at the UK’s top universities over recent years.

From the well-planned pastoral care structure to the house system that nurtures a sense of community and belonging, St Julian’s is a supportive environment for highly mobile families looking to create a base for their children.

Academics

In 2025:

• 52 per cent of IGCSE results were 7-9 grades
• Average IB score was 34.5

School Profile

Founded in 1932, St Julian’s is regarded as Portugal’s leading British international school. Set on a seven-hectare coastal estate just outside Lisbon, the campus centres around an 18th-century palácio with views of the Atlantic. The school offers the National Curriculum for England, leading to IGCSEs, and was the first in Portugal to offer the IB diploma and career-related programme. A bilingual stream follows the Portuguese National Curriculum for ages 5-14. Academic rigour and inspiring teaching are supported by strong pastoral care, a lively house spirit, diverse in-class enrichment activities and a broad co-curricular programme. The arts are highly valued, with students producing gallery-worthy artwork and performing in outstanding musical and theatrical productions. Sports are also highly regarded, including football, basketball, volleyball, cricket, rugby and athletics. Club and society offerings vary widely, from Model United Nations to surfing, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to robotics. Impactful community service programmes run across every year group from Year 7 upwards.

Results are robust: the six-year IB diploma average is 35.7, and 52 per cent of IGCSEs were graded A*/A in 2025. Classes are capped at 22, with many having far fewer. The teaching staff are outstanding and largely UK-trained, and specialist support, such as counselling and university guidance, remains a significant strength.

The alumni association is very active, with leavers securing places at top global universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial and Edinburgh; MIT and Stanford; Bocconi, Delft and IE; and Portugal’s Nova SBE and Católica. Entry is competitive and involves the following steps: registration, an optional tour, submitting an application with current school reports, a formal assessment from Year 4 upwards, and concluding with an interview at school.

Head teacher

Paul Morgan has been head of the school since 2022. In partnership with the governors, he is accountable for students’ learning and wellbeing, and the culture of the school as a whole. He studied mathematics at Kent University and completed his PGCE at Cambridge University. He has held previous roles at the London Oratory School, St Paul’s School in São Paulo and the British School of Amsterdam. 

University and college destinations

According to the school, around 95 per cent of students progress to university, and in recent years graduates have matriculated at some of the world’s top institutions in the UK, the US and Europe.

Admissions

Following completion of the registration of interest form, a visit to the school is recommended. The formal application includes submission of documents such as copies of school reports and references. An interview with the school principal and other assessments are required depending on the year of entry.

Accessibility

Humberto Delgado Airport (Lisbon): 30 minutes

Location

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