Our awards &

accreditations

Spear’s Magazine has once again recognised St. Julian’s as one of the world’s top 100 private schools and in the top 10 for Europe for the third consecutive year.

St. Julian’s has been recognised once again as one of the top 15 international schools in Europe for the third consecutive year by Carfax.

St. Julian’s School follows a rigorous five-year accreditation cycle with the Council of International Schools (CIS). As a leading institution in the Greater Lisbon area, the school undergoes this comprehensive process to ensure a continuous focus on school improvement, the enhancement of teaching and learning, student wellbeing, and global citizenship.

Since 1998, St. Julian’s has maintained continuous accreditation, consistently being recognised for its open, caring, and positive school spirit, as well as a supportive professional environment for staff. Our most recent reaccreditation was successfully awarded in January 2026, following a comprehensive peer-evaluation visit to the school in November 2025.

In 1986, St. Julian’s became the first school in Portugal authorised by the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) to offer the IB Diploma Programme (DP). We undergo evaluation every five years. The rigorous process assesses the school’s action plan for programme development, organisation of teaching time, staff qualifications, IB-recognised professional development records, and programme-specific budget implementation. St. Julian’s was successfully re-evaluated in the academic year 2024/25.

In April 2025, St. Julian’s was authorised to offer the IB Career-related Programme (CP), launched in September 2025. This exciting addition expands the opportunities available to our students, equipping them with real-world skills and tailored pathways towards university.

St. Julian’s School is the only school in Portugal led by a Head who is a member of the Heads’ Conference (HMC). Founded in 1869, HMC is the oldest and most prestigious association for heads of independent schools worldwide, comprising over 300 schools in the British Isles and around 50 international schools globally.

Membership signifies a shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and high standards in education. HMC schools provide students with an exceptional academic experience and give parents confidence that they have chosen one of the best schools in the UK or abroad. Paul Morgan’s membership clearly positions St. Julian’s within this esteemed global network of leading schools.

St. Julian’s School is an Accredited Member of the Council of British International Schools (COBIS), the leading global association supporting British international schools. As the first school in Portugal to achieve this distinction, we benefit from being part of a network of top-tier institutions dedicated to continuous improvement and educational excellence. Through COBIS, our staff access professional development, best-practice insights, and a worldwide community that enhances our standards and vision.

We are also recognised and authorised by the Portuguese Ministry of Education (Ministério da Educação) to deliver the 1º, 2º and 3º Ciclos of the Portuguese National Curriculum.

St. Julian’s is one of the founding members of  Associação Ensino Particular e Cooperativo (AEEP), the association of Portuguese private schools.

St. Julian’s School is proud to be recognised as an Eco-School, part of a global programme that empowers young people to take action for a sustainable future. Our commitment to environmental responsibility is embedded across the curriculum, campus and culture of the school. From student-led initiatives to whole-school projects, we encourage our community to think critically, act responsibly and contribute meaningfully to a greener world. Achieving Eco-School status reflects our dedication to shaping environmentally conscious global citizens.

St. Julian’s School is proud to offer the International Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, a globally recognised programme that challenges students to develop resilience, leadership and a sense of service. Open to students aged 14 and above, the Award encourages personal growth through physical activity, skill development, volunteering, and adventurous journeys. Whether pursuing Bronze, Silver or Gold, students gain confidence, independence and a deeper understanding of their potential – qualities that prepare them for success in school and beyond.