The school’s recent developments mark an exciting new chapter in the Sharing Education Group’s mission to provide innovative education in the Algarve.

Exciting Renovations Underway

The school is currently undergoing extensive renovations, starting with its senior school facilities. CEO of Sharing Education Group, Miguel Ladeira Santos, shared insights with The Portugal News, stating, “This project is a full refurbishment of our current facilities, in line with the vision of the Sharing Education Group. Innovation in education starts by changing how we learn, creating spaces that inspire creativity, collaboration, and adaptability”.

The CEO detailed that the renovations are being carried out meticulously. “In December, we began upgrading the senior school’s working and learning spaces, which were ready in January for Term 2 of the current academic year. Students returned to fully refurbished, innovative classrooms designed by Rosan Bosch Studio in Copenhagen. This overhaul includes new ceilings, floors, walls and custom-made furniture designed in Copenhagen and produced locally in Portugal, crafted specifically for our school,” he explained.

In January, Bright International School’s renovation team will shift its focus to early years and primary school areas. CEO Miguel described how they plan to enhance its outdoor facilities by constructing a basketball court and a football field. According to Miguel, these additions will not only benefit the students but also foster collaboration with other international schools through friendly matches and competitions.

Sustainability at the Core

Sustainability is a cornerstone of the project. The bespoke furniture, designed by Rosan Bosch, is being produced by Portuguese carpenters, reflecting a commitment to supporting local craftsmanship and minimising environmental impact.

“Refurbishing a school is always a challenge, and even more so in the Algarve. To ensure we meet our high standards, we brought in experienced construction teams all over the country, housing them locally for a month. This approach highlights our dedication to quality and ensures the finished product aligns with our vision,” said Miguel.

The project also aims to align with the Sharing Group’s pedagogical model, transforming Bright International School into an eco-conscious, state-of-the-art educational hub.

Expanding Academic Horizons

Bright International School offers Cambridge Early Years, Primary, and Lower Secondary Programs, catering to students from Pre-Reception to Year 9. As part of its growth strategy, the school is introducing IGCSEs in Year 10 in September 2025.

“Our current Year 9 students will move into Year 10 next year, marking our first IGCSE cohort in the Algarve. There has been strong demand, and we plan to expand year by year until we reach A Levels. In four years, we’ll have our first graduating class ready for university, which will be a very important milestone for us,” said Miguel.

The ongoing refurbishments are tailored to this academic growth, with plans for additional classrooms, science labs, art labs, music labs, design labs and more. “This preparation ensures we are ready for the IGCSE programme and supports our commitment to delivering high-quality education,” he added.

Positive Leadership Impact

Miguel shared more about the positive impact the new leadership under Principal Tom Caston has already brought to the school. Highlighting that with Caston’s expertise in IGCSE and A Levels, Bright International School is well-positioned for its next phase of development. “Since the start of the academic year, parents have definitely felt a big impact on the new administrations and leadership in the school. Tom has been doing an excellent job and we can see a significant positive impact in comparison to last year.”

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Adding, “The school had a very good foundation to build on and we have been setting the stones. We see students working more collaboratively, more creatively and more academically engaged. We have seen very significant improvements in the academics which is of course a big point for us.”

Enrolment and Upcoming Open Day

The CEO shared the positive progress the school has had with regards to enrolment, “Our admissions are open year-round and we have definitely seen a growing interest in our school in the last couple of months. We are already welcoming many new students who started in January and we expect this trend to continue, especially with all the updates we are doing to the school.”

An Open Day is scheduled at Bright International School, on Saturday the 1st of February 2025, offering parents an opportunity to meet the team, tour the new facilities and experience the school’s vibrant learning environment. “This event will allow families in the Algarve and those planning to move here to see the fantastic work our team has been doing here and hear first-hand from students, teachers and parents. It will be a proud moment for everyone involved,” the CEO concluded.

For more information on Enrolments and the upcoming Open Day, please contact Bright International School at (+351) 289 154 800 / admissions@bright-is.com

Author

Following undertaking her university degree in English with American Literature in the UK, Cristina da Costa Brookes moved back to Portugal to pursue a career in Journalism, where she has worked at The Portugal News for 3 years. Cristina’s passion lies with Arts & Culture as well as sharing all important community-related news.

Cristina da Costa Brookes