The largest private education institution in southern Portugal, the school was family-owned until its purchase by Nobel Education Network in 2012. Last year, the Nobel board empowered a new leadership team to reinvent the school, building upon past successes and preparing for the future as part of the Nobel network, which includes international schools in Oman, Turkey, Austria, and Vietnam.
“Discovery,” the World Topic that guides the academic programme and culture at Nobel Algarve, helped inspire key changes in the school’s management and learning environment. The school was rebranded as Nobel International School Algarve, and changes were made to strengthen its financial condition. Play areas and sports facilities were improved, an organic garden was planted, and space set aside for teachers to collaborate on instruction. In 2014, an English language summer school was introduced.
Faculty and parents responded quickly to the changes. Teachers, most of whom stayed on through the transition, have been motivated to find new ways to engage their students.
“So many things improved that it changed the view of our parents, as well” , says Francisco Claro, Head of the National Section. “We began to get from them the most important thing, which is trust. They trust their children to us, so they have to trust that we are doing a good job.”
Nobel Algarve actually operates two schools on the beautiful southern coast, including the only boarding school in Portugal. The boarding programme provides students with a degree of freedom that builds a sense of personal responsibility and self-confidence. Boarders stay in a modern residence facility with separate wings for boys and girls, comfortable en- suite double rooms, and access to recreation and IT facilities, a swimming pool, and the beach.
The main campus in Lagoa is divided into national and international sections for students 3-18, while the Espiche campus hosts a second international primary school for students aged 3-10. One of the recent innovations includes bringing students from the national and international sections together more often to learn and interact.
“One year ago, we were two different schools,” says Maria Tomé, Head of the International School. “Now we do as much as possible together. For example, our Christmas play featured students from both sections performing together. This had never happened before, and it is more in line with the Nobel model.”
The theme of Discovery has been incorporated into every aspect of the school. Students are encouraged to discover their academic subjects, parents are invited to participate and engage whilst contests and extra-curricular activities offer additional avenues for discovery. Off campus, students can discover the wonders of the Algarve, including pristine beaches, coastal hikes, nearby castles and villages.
“Five hundred years ago, a Portuguese guy with a wooden boat discovered Brazil,” says Mr. Claro. “We embrace that history and tradition. We want to be a global school in the spirit of the early discoverers. We want our pupils to study here, and then to go out into the world and discover the world.”
About Nobel Educational Network:

The Nobel Education Network operates international schools across Europe, the Middle East and Asia that work together to empower students to make positive contributions to our world. Nobel was founded in 2010 with the goal of changing a bland education system by establishing international schools committed to nurturing global citizenship and individual talent. Through our academic framework, we work to make a meaningful impact on the world by contributing towards a future with greater freedom, opportunity and well-being for all.