Changing Your Child’s School: How to Choose a Private School for Lower or Upper Secondary in Lisbon

There are signs that parents notice before they can even put them into words. It is precisely this instinct that leads so many families in Lisbon to consider a private school for the 2nd and 3rd Cycles for their children.

Suddenly, Lower or Upper Secondary arrives, bringing with it new subjects and a demand for independence that catches many children off guard.

It’s at this stage that many families in Lisbon start to wonder whether their current school is still the right fit, and begin considering a private school for Lower or Upper Secondary. Astoria International School, a private school in Lisbon, was designed to support this change closely.

The signs to watch for to know if and when it makes sense to change schools

There isn’t always a dramatic reason; often, it’s the sum of small signs, such as a lack of motivation, for example. The truth is there are more objective signs too, such as:

• Difficulties going unanswered;
• Foreign languages without any real weight in the curriculum;
• A wish for a more international outlook.

Starting Year 5 or Year 7 is, by nature, a turning point, and a good moment to reassess your child’s current school. For those starting a new chapter, it’s worth understanding what changes in this transition.

What changes in Lower and Upper Secondary, and why the right school makes all the difference

The transition from Primary to Lower Secondary usually brings the first big change in pace.

Instead of a single teacher accompanying students across every subject, several teachers appear, subjects become far more specific, and there’s a demand for independence that not every student is used to. A well-prepared school with a strong Lower Secondary offer is able to support this adjustment step by step.

By Upper Secondary, the challenge deepens further: there are more subjects to manage, and independent study stops being an occasional exception, which means students have to start making, relatively early on, the first decisions that will shape their path through secondary education.

That’s exactly why choosing the right school matters so much. A school that supports this transition closely can turn a naturally demanding stage into one of real growth.

What to weigh up when moving from a state school to a private one

Moving from a state school to a private one shouldn’t be decided on word of mouth alone; it’s worth starting with what’s measurable, like the student-teacher ratio or the school’s genuine offer of certified languages.

Next, there’s what you can only really sense on an in-person visit, like the social-emotional support given to each student.

Only at the end should cost come into it – and even then, it only makes sense to weigh it up once you understand what’s actually included in the fees.

There’s one more criterion many families overlook: how much experience a school actually has welcoming students partway through their academic journey, an adjustment that’s quite different from starting from scratch. Before deciding, it’s worth getting to know the community and values of the school in question.

Criteria for choosing the right school

When comparing different schools, some criteria matter far more than rankings or brochures:

1. Class size and individual support

Smaller classes make it easier to spot each student’s difficulties and talents early on. During your visit, ask how many students are grouped per class, and what pedagogical and psychological support exists beyond the classroom.

2. Languages and certification (Cambridge English)

Certified English is no longer a nice-to-have. Schools that follow the Cambridge curriculum guarantee structured, certified, internationally recognised learning, something that increasingly matters for an academic path with international ambitions.

3. Location and daily routine

A well-located school, close to home or to where the parents work, saves time and reduces the daily wear and tear on the whole family. It’s worth visiting the school at drop-off or pick-up time to get a real feel for what the daily routine is actually like.

4. Fees and other charges

Always compare the total cost, including enrolment, monthly fees, insurance, materials and activities. A school that looks more expensive at first glance may, in practice, include far more than one that seems cheaper.

The process of switching schools mid-way through

A common question for many families is whether it’s still possible to change schools mid-year or mid-cycle. At most private schools, the answer is yes.

It usually starts with getting in touch and visiting the school, followed by enrolment and placement tests that help assess the student’s starting level. Only once the necessary paperwork is in place is the enrolment confirmed.

Throughout this process, the Guidance and Psychology Office usually plays a key role, staying closely involved with the student so that settling into the new class happens with confidence.

Questions to ask on your school visit

• What’s the average class size in Lower and Upper Secondary?
• What languages are taught, and which international body certifies them?
• How does the pedagogical and psychological support work?
• How far is the school from home or from the parents’ workplace?
• Is school transport available?
• Do the fees include other elements, such as insurance, materials or extracurricular activities?
• Does the school have proven experience with students who change schools mid-way through their academic journey?
• How does the admissions assessment work, and how long does it take to get a response?

Lower and Upper Secondary at Astoria

At Astoria, this close support has been part of how the school’s Educational Project was designed from the very start.

In Lower Secondary, French is introduced as a fourth language (alongside Portuguese, English and German), always with the support of the Guidance and Psychology Office, which stays closely involved in these first steps towards greater independence.

In Upper Secondary, multilingual teaching goes even deeper, with a stronger focus on preparing for secondary education and on career guidance, at a stage when many students start discovering their own interests and talents.

The best way to understand this is to see the school for yourself. You can book a visit on a day that suits you, or join one of our Open Days to experience Astoria’s day-to-day in a more informal setting, and picture your child as part of it.