How to apply to the British School of Lisbon
Choosing the right school for your child is an important decision. At the British School of Lisbon, our admissions team is here to guide you through every step, answer your questions and help you discover whether BSL is the right fit for your family.
While admission to our school is selective, our admissions procedure is straightforward and the majority of the information requested can be provided online. Entry assessments can be organised either at our school campus or remotely if you are applying from abroad.
Our step-by-step application process
BSL is a school that is small by design, where teachers know our students as individuals, and our admissions process reflects that. We take time to learn about your child, listen to your questions and give you a clear picture of life at BSL, so you can decide whether we are the right school for your family.
We welcome enquiries and enrolments throughout the year subject to availability, whether you already live in Lisbon or are planning a move.
-
Complete our enquiry form to tell us a little about your family and the year group you are interested in. Our admissions team will contact you to discuss your child's needs and explain the next steps.
-
We encourage prospective families to visit BSL, explore our facilities and meet our team. You can arrange an in-person tour of our campuses in Lisbon or book a virtual tour if you are currently overseas.
-
When you are ready to proceed, complete the application form and submit the supporting documents requested by our admissions team.
-
Our admissions assessments are designed to help us understand your child’s current learning, strengths and needs. For Early Years, this begins with an informal meeting. Children in Year 1 and above will complete an age-appropriate assessment and meet with our Head of Primary or Secondary.
-
Once we have reviewed your application and any required assessments, our admissions team will contact you by email with an update on the outcome and the next steps. Parents typically receive a response from the school within 5 working days of applying. If a year group is full, we will discuss our waiting-list process with you.
-
If your child is offered a place, we will send the relevant enrolment documents, fee information and confirmation deadline. A place is secured once the required enrolment steps and any conditions of the offer have been completed.
Grade/stage equivalency
If you’re moving to a British school for the first time, you may have questions about year-group placement. Our guide will help you understand how year groups at BSL compare with those in other systems.
If you are unsure which year group is right for your child, please contact our admissions team for guidance.
| Age as of 1st of September | Year Group UK |
Grade Equivalent US |
Key Stage Grouping |
| 3 | Nursery | Pre-K | Early Years |
| 4 | Reception | Pre-K | |
| 5 | Year 1 | Kindergarten | Key Stage 1 |
| 6 | Year 2 | Grade 1 | |
| 7 | Year 3 | Grade 2 | Key Stage 2 |
| 8 | Year 4 | Grade 3 | |
| 9 | Year 5 | Grade 4 | |
| 10 | Year 6 | Grade 5 | |
| 11 | Year 7 | Grade 6 | Key Stage 3 |
| 12 | Year 8 | Grade 7 | |
| 13 | Year 9 | Grade 8 | |
| 14 | Year 10 | Grade 9 | Key Stage 4 |
| 15 | Year 11 | Grade 10 | |
| 16 | Year 12 | Grade 11 | Key Stage 5 |
| 17 | Year 13 | Grade 12 |
About BSL
The British School of Lisbon welcomes children from ages 3-18 across our two campuses in Lisbon. Our school combines the rigour and ambition of a British education with the warmth of a close-knit, happy school.
Our passionate teachers, small classes and commitment to every child help students discover their potential, develop their confidence and shape their own future. Rooted in Lisbon and connected to its language, culture and community, BSL gives students a truly international outlook, while being part of the Dukes Education family opens the door to a wider world of opportunities, experiences and connections.
