Our philosophy

We accept a broad range of students into our school, yet we are hugely ambitious for them in all areas of life here.

We encourage curiosity and self-directed learning while focusing on children’s happiness. We understand that intelligence should be measured in a variety of ways and not just exam results.

Emotional intelligence comes from living and working within a happy and stimulating environment. Learning intelligence comes from being shown that there are many different ways to learn. Digital intelligence develops as new skills are learned and safe online habits developed. Finally, global intelligence comes from being part of an outward-facing and open-minded community.

Our world is changing rapidly. The workplace of tomorrow demands new skills and the agility to adapt to new realities. Technology and Artificial Intelligence are becoming more integrated into our lives. At the same time, while learning to navigate safely through this digital transformation, we still need to forge sound personal relationships and build on strong core values that provide guidance to prepare students for an increasingly complex future.

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English Page

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Portugese Page

Developing the whole child

We believe in developing the whole child and unlocking the potential in everyone. We do this by focusing on five key areas:

Technology

Embracing the digital age, we equip students with essential digital literacy skills, preparing them to thrive in an increasingly tech-driven society. Through innovative learning approaches and state-of-the-art resources, we empower students to harness the power of technology for creativity, problem-solving, and global connectivity, while understanding the potential pitfalls.

Global Citizenship

At United Lisbon, we cultivate global citizens who understand and appreciate the interconnectedness of our world. Our global citizenship pillar emphasises cultural awareness, empathy, and a sense of responsibility towards local and global communities. Through diverse perspectives and collaborative initiatives, we inspire students to become active contributors to a more inclusive and sustainable world.

Entrepreneurship

By nurturing entrepreneurial spirit, we encourage students to think creatively, take the initiative and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Through experiential learning and real-world projects, we instil essential entrepreneurial skills such as critical thinking, leadership, and resilience, empowering students to turn their ideas into action and make a positive impact in society.

Sports

We recognise the importance of physical fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Through a variety of athletic programs and extracurricular activities, upheld also by our House teams, we foster a culture of healthy competition, discipline and personal growth. Whether an elite athlete or amateur enthusiast, through taking part, our students learn valuable life lessons that extend beyond sports, shaping them into confident and resilient individuals.

House groups

Performing arts

We believe in the power of the performing arts to foster creativity and confidence in our students. Through music, drama, dance, and theatre programs, students develop valuable skills such as collaboration and communication. From school productions to recitals, our performing arts pillar enriches the educational experience and cultivates a lifelong appreciation for creativity and self-expression.

Language learning at ULIS

Based in Portugal’s capital city, Lisbon, we focus strongly on Portuguese as a second language, from Grade 1 onwards. It is our goal that all students who graduate from ULIS will have an adequate level of Portuguese to live and work in this country.

French is offered as an option from Grade 9 onwards, depending on student uptake. Additional languages are available as part of the IB Diploma Programme.

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Additional support for learning English

Our English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme supports students who are developing their English skills alongside their learning. We work with students across both Primary and Secondary to help them access the curriculum with confidence.

The United Lisbon EAL team provides targeted in-class support, small-group instruction, and individual guidance, focusing on language development, academic vocabulary, and communication skills. By working closely with class teachers, we ensure that students are supported in a way that helps them succeed academically while feeling included and confident in the school community.