Schools & Learning

Choosing a Curriculum: IB, British, or American

IB, British A-Levels, or the American Diploma — which one fits your family?

8 min read · Updated 2026-04-30

International Baccalaureate (IB)

Globally recognised and academically rigorous. The IB Diploma (ages 16–19) requires six subjects across language, sciences, humanities and arts, plus an Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and CAS (Creativity-Activity-Service).

  • Strong fit for European, Canadian, UK and increasingly US universities
  • Demanding workload — best for organised, self-motivated students
  • Available at most top Portuguese international schools
  • Final score out of 45; competitive UK courses ask 38+

British curriculum (IGCSE & A-Levels)

Students specialise early. 8–10 IGCSEs at age 16, then 3–4 A-Levels at 18.

  • Strong recognition across UK, Commonwealth, EU and US
  • Good fit if your child knows their academic direction by year 11
  • Less breadth than IB but more depth in chosen subjects
  • Predicted grades drive UK UCAS applications — schools matter for predictions

American curriculum (High School Diploma & AP)

Broader and more flexible than the British system, with continuous assessment (GPA) and optional Advanced Placement (AP) courses.

  • Best for families heading to US universities
  • GPA + SAT/ACT + APs is the standard US package
  • Less recognised than IB or A-Levels by some EU universities
  • More room for sports, arts and clubs to count toward applications

Portuguese national curriculum

Don't overlook it. The Portuguese secundário (10th–12th) plus the national exames are accepted by universities across Europe and increasingly worldwide.

  • Free in public schools, €4,000–€10,000/year in private
  • Direct admission to all Portuguese (and EU) public universities
  • Diploma recognised in UK, Netherlands, Germany, Spain — usually with English certification
  • Strong route if you're staying in Portugal long-term

How to decide

Three honest questions:

  • Where will your child apply for university?
  • How long will you stay in Portugal?
  • What's the school's track record placing students into the universities you care about?