Secondary students collaborating in class

IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA PROGRAMME IN LISBON (Ages 16–18)

YEARS 12 & 13: COMING TO THE LISBOAN IN SEPTEMBER 2027

The Lisboan is proud to be introducing the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) from September 2027, providing students with one of the world’s most respected pre-university qualifications.

Designed for students aged 16 to 19, the IB Diploma Programme is recognised by leading universities across the globe and is renowned for its academic rigour, international outlook and emphasis on developing independent, compassionate and lifelong learners.

As an IB Candidate School, The Lisboan is currently pursuing authorisation as an IB World School.*

Secondary students working in groups

WHAT IS THE IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME?

The IB Diploma Programme is a challenging two-year course that encourages students to become curious, knowledgeable and reflective learners.

Rather than specialising in just a few subjects, students study a broad and balanced curriculum across six subject groups, allowing them to maintain breadth while exploring areas of personal interest in greater depth.

Alongside their academic studies, every IB student completes three core components that make the programme unique:

THREE CORE COMPONENTS

TOK

THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE (TOK)

Students explore how knowledge is created, questioned and understood, developing critical thinking and intellectual curiosity.

EE

EXTENDED ESSAY (EE)

An independent 4,000-word research project that develops university-level research, writing and analytical skills.

CAS

CREATIVITY, ACTIVITY, SERVICE (CAS)

Students participate in creative, sporting and service-learning experiences that encourage leadership, wellbeing, personal growth and community engagement.

Together, these elements prepare students not only for university, but for meaningful lives beyond education.

WHY FAMILIES CHOOSE THE IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME

The IB Diploma is widely recognised as one of the most comprehensive and respected educational programmes in the world.

Students benefit from:

  • An internationally recognised qualification accepted by universities worldwide.
  • Excellent preparation for higher education through independent research and critical thinking.
  • A broad curriculum that keeps future university options open.
  • Strong emphasis on communication, collaboration and problem-solving.
  • Development of resilience, organisation and effective study habits.
  • An international perspective that encourages cultural understanding and global citizenship.
  • A balanced approach that values academic achievement alongside creativity, physical activity and service.
Students rowing on the River Tagus

PREPARING STUDENTS FOR UNIVERSITY & BEYOND

The IB Diploma is designed to develop the skills that universities and employers increasingly value.

Graduates leave the programme as confident communicators, independent learners, effective researchers and thoughtful leaders who are well prepared to thrive in higher education and contribute positively to an ever-changing world.

The Lisboan International School campus building in Lisbon

THE IB AT THE LISBOAN

The Lisboan will welcome its first IB Diploma cohort in September 2027.

Our vision is to deliver the IB Diploma Programme within the supportive, personalised environment that defines a Lisboan education. Students will benefit from expert teaching, small class sizes, strong pastoral care, purposeful technology, outstanding university guidance and a rich programme of experiences that extends learning beyond the classroom.

Further information about subject choices, entry requirements and the application process will be published as we move towards the programme launch.

CANDIDATE SCHOOL STATEMENT

The Lisboan is a candidate school for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme and is pursuing authorisation as an IB World School.

IB World Schools share a common philosophy—a commitment to delivering high-quality, challenging and internationally minded education that we believe is the ideal preparation for success at university and beyond.

* Only schools authorised by the International Baccalaureate can offer one of its academic programmes. Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorisation will be granted. For more information about the IB and its programmes, visit www.ibo.org.

IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME: A WORLD-CLASS QUALIFICATION, COMING TO THE LISBOAN IN SEPTEMBER 2027.

READY TO BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY?

We would be delighted to learn more about your family and answer any questions you may have.

Applications are now open for the 2026/27 academic year.

Or please contact our Admissions Team:
EMAIL: admissions@the-lisboan.school
PHONE: +351 910 114 631