School Prospectus
Inspire. Learn. Grow.
The International School of Madeira — the only Cambridge-accredited international primary school in Madeira.
1997
Founded
29+
Years of Excellence
3-11
Ages
Cambridge
Accredited
Sarah Jane Lee de Abreu
Headteacher
A Welcome from Our Headteacher
Dear Families,
Welcome to the International School of Madeira.
Since 1997, we have been privileged to provide children in Funchal with an education that is both internationally excellent and deeply rooted in our island community. As the only Cambridge-accredited international primary school in Madeira, we offer something truly unique — a rigorous, bilingual education delivered in small classes where every child is known, valued, and challenged.
Our curriculum follows the Cambridge Primary Pathway, the world's most widely recognised international programme, ensuring that our students develop strong foundations in English, Mathematics, Science, and Global Perspectives. Teaching takes place in both English and Portuguese, giving our students genuine bilingual fluency and preparing them for opportunities anywhere in the world.
But what makes ISM special goes beyond academics. We are a school run by teachers, for children. Our deliberately small class sizes mean that every student receives individual attention, and our caring, disciplined environment ensures that children feel safe to take risks, ask questions, and discover their strengths. From weekly swimming lessons to art and physical education, we nurture the whole child.
Our school community is a reflection of Madeira itself — diverse, welcoming, and vibrant. Our students come from many different countries and cultures, and they learn something invaluable from one another: that despite our differences, we share far more in common. This understanding shapes them into confident, open-minded global citizens.
I invite you to explore our website, visit our campus at Quinta Martins, and experience the warmth and energy of our school firsthand. Whether you are an established Madeiran family or newly arriving on the island, we would love to welcome you.
I look forward to meeting you and your children.
Sarah Jane Lee de Abreu
Headteacher
The Madeira Advantage
Year-Round Mild Climate
Outdoor learning 365 days a year. Madeira's subtropical climate means children spend more time learning in nature, developing resilience and curiosity.
Safe & Walkable Funchal
Located in the historic Quinta Martins in central Funchal — a safe, walkable city with excellent restaurants, healthcare, and direct flights to major European cities.
Island as Classroom
Madeira's dramatic landscapes, botanical gardens, and rich cultural heritage become an extension of the classroom — making learning tangible and unforgettable.
Academic Excellence
Cambridge Primary Pathway — the world's most popular international curriculum, taught in 160+ countries. Full Cambridge curriculum: English, Mathematics, Science & Global Perspectives.
Nursery
Age 3
A gentle, play-based introduction to structured learning. Children develop social skills, early literacy, and confidence through creative exploration.
Pre-School
Age 4
Building on nursery foundations with more structured activities in early reading, writing, and numeracy while maintaining a child-centred approach.
Reception
Age 5
The Bridge between early years and formal schooling. Children develop reading fluency, number sense, and scientific curiosity.
Grade 1
Age 6
The beginning of bilingual education — curriculum divided equally between English and Portuguese, with formal Cambridge Primary subjects introduced.
Grade 2
Age 7
Deepening subject knowledge with increasing independence. Students tackle more complex texts, mathematical concepts, and scientific investigations.
Grade 3
Age 8
Students develop critical thinking and analytical skills, preparing for the Cambridge Primary Checkpoint with growing academic rigour.
Grade 4
Age 9-10
The capstone year: Cambridge Primary Checkpoint assessments provide internationally benchmarked results in English, Mathematics, and Science.
Bilingual Education
All core subjects are taught in both English and Portuguese. From Grade 1, the curriculum is equally divided between both languages, giving students genuine bilingual fluency — 100% English-medium instruction with Portuguese as an additional language from the earliest years.
Beyond the Classroom
Weekly Swimming
All students participate in weekly swimming lessons, building water confidence and physical fitness.
Physical Education
Structured PE sessions develop coordination, teamwork, and a healthy active lifestyle.
Art & Creative Expression
Weekly art classes nurture creativity, self-expression, and fine motor skills through diverse media.
Excursions & Field Trips
Regular outings across Madeira bring learning to life — from botanical gardens to cultural landmarks.
School Events
Community celebrations, performances, and house competitions build confidence and belonging.
Pastoral Care
A caring, disciplined environment where every child is known by name and supported to thrive.
A Day at ISM
Arrival & Registration
Students are welcomed by their teacher for the day ahead.
Morning Lessons
Core Cambridge curriculum subjects — English, Mathematics, or Science.
Morning Break
Supervised outdoor play in our Quinta Martins gardens.
Mid-Morning Lessons
Continued academic programme or specialist subjects.
Lunch
Hot school lunch available or packed lunches from home.
Afternoon Sessions
Portuguese programme, art, PE, swimming, or project work.
School Day Ends
Collection time. Homework Club available until 16:30 (optional).
School Uniform
Students wear the ISM school uniform, consisting of a polo shirt and navy trousers/skirt. PE kit is required on sports days. Uniform items are available to purchase through the school.
School Catering
A daily hot lunch is available (€112/month), prepared fresh on site. Menus are nutritious and varied, with dietary requirements accommodated. Alternatively, children may bring a packed lunch.
Admissions & Fees
Submit Application
Complete the online application form with your child's details and supporting documentation.
Visit Our School
Tour our facilities, meet our teachers, and experience our learning environment firsthand.
Assessment Day
Your child may be invited for an age-appropriate assessment or trial day.
Receive Offer
Successful applicants receive an offer letter with enrolment details.
Confirm Enrolment
Secure your child's place with the €350 enrolment fee. Welcome to ISM!
Fee Summary 2026-2027
Experience ISM for Yourself
We warmly invite you to visit our campus at Quinta Martins, meet our teachers, and see our learning environment firsthand. Schedule a visit or contact our admissions team today.
Quinta Martins · Rua da Levada de Santa Luzia 40 · 9050-219 Funchal
+351 291 129 900 · info@ismadeira.com