UK school group Brighton College is set to open its first school in Portugal in September 2027 as part of a European expansion in partnership with Intellego Education which will also see new schools opening in Madrid, Spain and Rome, Italy.
According to a statement released by the group, the new school will be located in Lisbon and will provide education for boys and girls aged 3 to 18, “combining academic excellence with a culture of kindness, curiosity, and confidence”.
“Classes will be delivered by highly skilled educators, with boarding options available to support both local and international families. Pupils will follow the same innovative curriculum that has enabled Brighton College students in the UK to progress to the world’s top universities,” the group says.
Meanwhile, the decision to open the school in Lisbon was based on the city’s “status as a vibrant, cosmopolitan hub, attracting a growing international community.” Citing data from an interim report from the Portuguese Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA) on the “Foreign Population in Portugal,” the group states that there were approximately 1.6 million foreign residents in the country by the end of 2024. “With its rich cultural heritage, excellent quality of life, and favourable tax regime, Lisbon has become a preferred destination for expatriates seeking high-quality educational opportunities,” says Brighton College, led by Principal Richard Cairns.
The school group’s expansion to Portugal is also justified by an increasing demand for British-style education. “According to the International Schools Database in 2025, Lisbon hosts 34 international schools offering a variety of curricula, including British, American, and the International Baccalaureate (IB). Brighton College Lisbon will meet the demand for a learning environment that nurtures academic achievement, personal growth, and a global perspective, in line with the values and tradition of Brighton College,” the group says.
Meanwhile, another factor that weighed into the decision is the rising demand for “premium British education” across the continent. Referring to further data from the 2025 ISC Census, nearly half a million UK citizens relocated abroad each year, with around 40% moving to Europe. “Many families are drawn to Iberia and Italy for their vibrant international communities and lifestyle.”
Richard Cairns, Group CEO of Brighton College, elaborated further: “There is undoubtedly an influx back into mainland Europe of parents who have learned to value UK private education highly, and we anticipate significant demand and excitement in Madrid, Rome and Lisbon for schools that replicate the ethos, traditions and ambitions of the very best private schools in the UK and, in particular those of Brighton College which this year was ranked highest in the country for its academic results.”
At the core of Brighton College is the belief that outstanding teaching transforms lives, the school group states. “Each school recruits the most talented and dedicated educators, whose expertise inspires pupils to exceed their potential. The College’s approach is highly personalised: no two students are alike, and each is encouraged to develop as an individual while discovering their strengths and passions. Pupils are taught to think critically, embrace creativity, and cultivate a lifelong love of learning,” it says.
“This is a hugely exciting venture, bringing to Lisbon, Madrid and Rome an educational philosophy that has won Brighton College numerous global awards but, more importantly, one that has demonstrated that success is most readily found where kindness underpins everything. Children who are happy are children who thrive”, said Richard Cairns.
“Through our partnership with Brighton College, pupils in Europe will benefit from an education provided by the UK’s most exceptional leaders and teachers, in world-class facilities designed to encourage discovery and academic achievement,” said Dr Stephen Spurr, Chairman and Director of Education at Intellego Education, adding that “Brighton’s unrivalled reputation, both in the UK and abroad, combined with Intellego’s deep experience of education in Italy, Spain and Portugal will offer excellent opportunities for pupils and their families.”
Named “UK School ofthe Decade” by The Sunday Times, Brighton College is consistently ranked among the very best schools in the UK, with recent distinctions including ‘UK Boarding School of the Year 2025’, ‘Best UK School for A-Levels 2025’ and ‘Best Academic School in South East England 2025’.
