Learning Portuguese - Tips

I think we all want to be able to chat to the locals - even if it is just the basics. People always appreciate your making an effort and you also get to learn more about the local culture and your neighbours through doing so. Sometimes, just by seeming to make the effort of conversing daily, you will be well regarded and invited to events such as weddings, birthdays and harvest related gathering such as wine making (not to mention the 1000 other reasons the Portuguese have a knees-up). Many local events go on with only word of mouth used to communicate them - it would be a shame to miss out.

Council Run Portuguese Language Lessons

This page is a source of Portuguese Language lessons for Expats living in Central Portugal. If you have any council run lessons in your town then please let us know so that it can be published here.

Ferriera do Zêzere, Santarem

3 levels for beginners, intermediate and advanced.

Each level has one lesson per week, 7pm - 9:30pm, from September - June at Escola EB2,3 S. Pedro Ferreiro, Ferreira do Zêzere.
Tel: 249 360 011 email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Education and Schools in Portugal

What you need to know about the system of schools in Portugal, and how to register your child.

The Primary Education system in Portugal was changed in 2005, with many smaller schools closing. What there is now is a comprehensive and well coordinated system of Primary Education that is being studied by many other European Countries. The other change was to the period of compulsory education.

For children starting in Year 1 in 2006 Compulsory education in Portugal lasts 12 years, taking pupils from the age of six to eighteen. In state-run (public) schools this basic education is free. Financial assistance may be available for extra expenses such as school meals, transport and textbooks, depending on the family's circumstances, but you need to be working and paying Social Security in Portugal.

For children at school now in years 6 - 9 (ages 12 - 15) the Secondary Level is still optional. Secondary Education is covered in separate article about Higher Education.

The Ministry of Education (Ministério da Educação) is responsible for the administration of state schools in Portugal.

Higher Education in Portugal

Further Education

Secondary School (Ensino Secundário)

This is the equivalent of 6^th Form or College in The UK.

There are 2 categories for Secondary Education at the moment in Portugal.

1. If your child is in years 5 - 9 then they still have a choice whether to continue their education in Secondary School.

2. If your child started school in year 1 during or after 2006 then Secondary School is now compulsory.

Education

Education in Portugal

This is the absolute latest information about the education systems here in Portugal, which changed in 2006.

Education is Compulsory in Portugal and lasts 12 years, taking pupils from the age of six to eighteen (pupils who started year 1 before 2006 can finish after year 9). There are also creches available (mostly private) and Pre-escola (pre-school, formarly known as Jardim de Infância). Pre-schools are usually state funded and available from 3 years old.

In state-run (public) schools this basic education is free. Financial assistance may be available for extra expenses such as school meals, transport and textbooks, depending on the family's circumstances.

Keep checking these pages as we will be adding more.......