Ages 3 to 18
Enrol with ease
Discover us & the campus
Where confidence grows
What's happening
Virtual Open Day - 17th November
Nurturing and educating international minds
At St. Dominic’s, we inspire academic success and encourage curious, resilient learners
Seamless IB journey
Grow across the full International Baccalaureate continuum, from the Primary Years Programme to the Diploma Programme - building curiosity, confidence and global perspective.
Academic excellence
Achieve strong outcomes through personalised support and continuous assessment, with 62% of DP students exceeding their predicted scores and MYP students averaging 40.5 points.
Multilingualism
Learn in English, explore pathways in Portuguese, French, Spanish and Mandarin and work towards bilingual certification - achieved by 58% of MYP and 47% of DP students.
Life competencies
Grow into confident, adaptable people through the ISP Life Competencies Framework and our Lifelong Learning Programme, where the IB Learner Profile, Approaches to Learning (ATLs) and social-emotional learning are woven into daily experiences.
College preparation
Explore future pathways through our Careers Programme, combining tutor-led sessions, Unifrog and university events to build confidence and make informed choices - with 92% of our students accepted into their first-choice university.
Life beyond academics
Enjoy a vibrant school life through our After-School Programme, with opportunities in competitive sports, the arts, Model United Nations and ISP's International Learning Opportunities for Students (ILOS).
Exceptional guidance
Benefit from the expertise of our teachers, tutors, counsellors and wellbeing team, working collaboratively to empower students and enhance learning.
Purposedly designed campus
Excel and learn on a purpose-built campus with science labs, sports courts, natural spaces, creative areas and a dedicated building for PYP, MYP and IBDP - giving students the confidence to grow through every stage of school life.
St. Dominic’s International School, Portugal students collaborate with peers around the world through global skill-building programmes and learning opportunities as part of the International Schools Partnership network.
Learning journey
At SDIS, the International Baccalaureate challenges students to think critically, collaborate and take ownership of their learning. Learners develop curiosity and confidence to excel academically and become engaged global citizens.
Ages 3 - 5
Discover a nurturing, English-speaking environment where play-inspired learning and enquiry spark a love of discovery. Alongside learning Portuguese from an early age, developing physically and taking part in exciting field trips, children build the confidence, curiosity and social skills they need to thrive.
Ages 6 - 10
Grow as confident, creative learners through the IB Primary Years Programme. Through six transdisciplinary Units of Inquiry, phonics, Singapore Maths, Portuguese and EAL support, PYP students connect ideas and strengthen core skills.
Ages 11 - 16
Develop independence and a global perspective throughout the IB Middle Years Programme and across its eight subject groups. Through the Personal Project, Service as Action, cultural trips and Model United Nations, Secondary learners explore their interests and prepare for the IBDP.
Ages 17 - 18
Prepare for university through the internationally recognised IB Diploma Programme, our flagship Secondary School pathway. The SDIS High School Diploma provides an alternative route, while careers guidance, CAS and international experiences prepare students for future success.
As part of International Schools Partnership, every child’s journey is enriched with proven learning experiences that spark curiosity and grow confidence.
Academic achievement
Strong academic outcomes open pathways to leading universities and future opportunities worldwide.
Build the human skills needed to adapt, collaborate and keep learning throughout life.
Develop fluency across languages, cultures and global environments.
International opportunities
Take part in global experiences that broaden perspectives and build confidence.
Life and career pathways
Explore personalised university and career pathways shaped around individual ambitions.
Strong academic results begin with students who feel challenged, supported and engaged in learning. Students across ISP schools consistently achieve results above local and international benchmarks through learning experiences that challenge thinking, deepen understanding and help every learner keep getting better.
Students are growing up in a world shaped by rapid technological change, uncertainty and challenges we cannot yet predict. To thrive, they need the curiosity to question, the confidence to adapt, the ability to collaborate and the resilience to keep learning throughout life. International Schools Partnership – ISP has partnered with Hughes Hall, University of Cambridge through Camtree and DEFI to embed life competencies into everyday learning experiences across ISP schools worldwide.
Language opens doors to new cultures, perspectives and opportunities. Students across ISP schools develop proficiency in multiple world languages while continuing to strengthen their home or first language. Through meaningful learning experiences and international collaboration, students build the confidence to communicate across cultures and thrive in global environments.
International learning experiences help students see beyond their own environment and understand the world from different perspectives. Students across ISP schools take part in unique collaborations, exchanges, competitions and global experiences that encourage curiosity, teamwork and independent thinking. Working with global partners, these life-changing opportunities help students build confidence, strengthen relationships and adapt to new experiences across cultures and countries.
Every student’s future pathway is different and through our Future Pathways programme, families are supported by specialist counsellors and advisors who guide subject choices, university applications and career decisions with personalised support throughout the learning journey. University fairs, global experts and our A–Z Speaker Series help students explore emerging careers and future industries with confidence. Students benefit from exclusive ISP scholarships and opportunities with some of the world’s most recognised institutions.
Consistently surpassing global averages, our students demonstrate strong academic achievement, critical thinking and global awareness. Their success reflects the dedication and resilience they bring to their learning, supported by a personalised approach that helps every student progress and reach their full potential.
87.5%
of candidates successfully obtained the IB MYP Certificate, compared with the IB world average of 76.5%
40.5
average MYP point score, compared with the IB world average of 37.5
83.3%
of candidates successfully obtained the IB Diploma, compared with the IB world average of 82.6%
30.6
average IB Diploma point score for the cohort
November 17, 2026
Join St. Dominic’s Virtual Open Day from the comfort of your home. Meet our team, explore our school and discover the learning opportunities available for your child. Register now to join us online!
0
How to apply to St. Dominic’s International School, Portugal
Start your child's journey with confidence. Complete your application and prepare for an exciting start.
Initial enquiry
Complete the enquiry form or contact our Admissions team. We'll answer your questions, provide further information and invite you to book a personalised school tour or online meeting.
Visit our campus
Experience St. Dominic's first-hand by meeting our team, exploring the campus and learning more about our approach. Families relocating overseas can also arrange an online meeting.
Application process
Review and assessment
Acceptance and registration
Welcome to St. Dominic’s
What’s it really like at SDIS?
We invite you to hear from our parents, students and staff. Their honest experiences reveal the heart of our Dominican community - a place where wellbeing meets ambition, where diversity is celebrated and every student’s progress is recognised.
A diverse community, a shared future
At St Dominic’s International school, we value the diversity of world cultures and the rich history that shapes our community, while recognising our responsibility to prepare students for a rapidly evolving world.
Stephen Blackburn
Principal
The best decision of my life
When I look into the past, and try to search for the best decisions I have ever made in my life, the ones who provided me with wonderful experiences and helped me shape into the individual I am today, one definitely stands out: moving to Saint Dominic’s international school.
André Ye
Alumni 2013
Junior school production
Production helped me become more confident, work in a team, make friends, and feel like I belong.
Catarina
Student Primary IB PYP 2026
Opportunities beyond academics
It was at St. Dominic's that I was first introduced to many extra-curricular activities that I now pride myself on participating in. Furthermore, SDIS was my first exposure into the world of theatre arts.
Daniel Abreu
Alumni 2012
Growing in a diverse environment
Going to school with students of many different nationalities, ethnicities and religions, has helped me to become an open-minded and tolerant person with a will to see the world.
Diana Espírito Santo
Alumni 1998
Learning to see the world differently
It was an amazing school and I have very fond memories of it. St. Dominic’s made me appreciate different cultures, views and countries and if it wasn’t for that school I would definitely not be the person I am today.
Gabriella Hansen
A home away from home
SDIS played a very important part in moulding me into the person I am today, not only by the excellent education it gave but the fact that we had teachers that truly cared for what we did and nurtured our minds and wills, to always go further.
Gonçalo Santos
Alumni 1996
Learning how to learn, without fear
St. Dominic's was a very important school for me and I hold my experience there very close to my heart. I was very happy there. It was a school that took me away from the parrot teaching I experienced in my previous school.
Katherine Masters
Research and critical thinking for life
At St. Dominic’s, I developed my research and critical thinking skills, which continue to guide me both personally and professionally.
Mohammed Ghannai
Alumni 2021
Prepared to navigate change
St. Dominic’s taught me to approach change with confidence—something that continues to shape my work in financial markets.
Rodrigo Carrajola
More than a school, a family
To me SDIS was both a home and a family. Having spent 14 years studying at SDIS was the best experience I could have ever asked for. People, who built an environment so natural to thrive in and an education system that did not restrict, who you were, but instead helped guide you in the right direction.
Rodrigo Rodgers
Alumni 2011
Where diversity shapes identity
Being in a multicultural atmosphere at such a critical age helps you grow into an awareness of the importance of being part of something culturally bigger than you as an individual but also still cherishing what makes you, you.
Saul Yu
Alumni
Memories of a nurturing childhood
St Dominic’s was my childhood and I’m glad I spent it in a cosy school than anywhere else. The whole school was essentially a community which spread love and care to those around.
Sylvie Chen
Alumni 2008
Where dreams take shape
St. Dominic’s taught me to dream big.
Tazeeb Rajwani
Alumni 1997
Academic foundations and lifelong connections
The international mindedness and academic grounding cultivated at SDIS gave me a distinct academic advantage at university, alongside lifelong friendships.
Teresa Montez
Alumni 2023
Learning teamwork through sport
Sport at SDIS has helped me learn teamwork and confidence, and the teachers are kind. I also made friends in tournaments.
João
Student Primary IB PYP 2025
Formed by diversity
SDIS had a really strong multicultural presence which allowed me to make friends from all around the world. Being able to learn about their experiences and empathize with them taught me the value of diversity and inclusion from a young age.
Zilun Lin
Alumni 2019
Exceptional admissions experience
We visited a few international schools but SDIS stood out for its professionalism, clear communication, and seamless process—we’re excited for Luca’s journey ahead.
Catarina Lage
Parent primary IB PYP
Where learning feels like home
At St. Dominic's I find a home where academic success grows side by side with human closeness - among sincere embraces, shared smiles, and the certainty that every student is welcomed like family.
Patrícia Appelt
Parent Secondary IB MYP
A community of learning and purpose
At SDID, the PYPis a shared journey between students, teachers and families. As we continue to learn, collaborate and improve together, we can be confident that we are living out the IB mission and empowering young people to help create a better world.
Ed Burt
IB PYP Coordinator
Learning, reflecting and evolving in the MYP
At SDIS, the MYP it has been a powerful professional journey of collaboration, reflection and growth, strengthening our shared understanding of curriculum, assessment and student learning.
Frederico Seco
IB MYP Coordinator
A truly international community
One of the things I value most in international education is the opportunity to work with families from many different cultural and educational backgrounds. That international perspective and sense of community were some of the things that first attracted me to St Dominic’s.
Mafalda Rocha
Head of Admissions
Empowering voices, shaping tomorrow together
At SDIS, the DP is a collaborative, community-based journey. Through an open-minded, multilingual and inclusive approach, we create a vibrant learning environment, empowering students to take responsibility and confidently develop as future leaders in line with the IB mission.
Michael Italiano
IB DP Coordinator
A community that truly values early childhood
At SDIS, we recognise every child develops at their own pace, learning through play, exploration, and positive relationships.
Sofia Monteiro
Early Years Coordinator
Summer school
I like summer school because we have lots of activities outside the school such as lazer tag, rock climbing and swimming pool. I also really like the afternoon snacks.
Pablo
Providint the right context
At St Dominic’s we provide the opportunity for every child to thrive in a truly international community, where students learn alongside peers from different cultural backgrounds.
Michael Dumbell
Head of Secondary
Enquire now
Find your place at St. Dominic’s International School, Portugal, where we nurture curious, caring and resilient learners who feel known and inspired to grow.
Accreditations
Partnerships
Join St. Dominic’s Virtual Open Day from the comfort of your home.
