IB Diploma Programme

The Lisboan is currently an IB Candidate School, working towards authorisation to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme to students aged 16 to 19.

The IB Diploma Programme is a rigorous, internationally recognised pathway that develops independent thinking, academic depth and a global perspective. It is designed to prepare young people for success at university and beyond, giving them the knowledge, skills and confidence to take on what comes next.

As we progress through the candidacy process, we are building a programme that reflects the high standards of the IB while remaining true to the character and values of The Lisboan.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme · Ages 16–18

The IB Diploma is coming.

The Lisboan is proud to introduce the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme from September 2027, bringing one of the world's most respected pre-university qualifications to Lisbon.

Years 12 & 13 · September 2027

IB Candidate School

The Lisboan is currently pursuing authorisation as an IB World School.

The Programme

What is the
IB Diploma?

The IB Diploma Programme is a prestigious two-year course designed for students aged 16–19. It 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. This allows 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 distinctive: Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity, Service.

The IB Core

More than
a qualification.

The IB core encourages students to think deeply, investigate independently and engage meaningfully with the world around them.

01 · TOK

Theory of
Knowledge

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

02 · EE

Extended
Essay

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

03 · CAS

Creativity,
Activity, Service

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

Why Families Choose IB

A world-class
preparation.

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

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.

Beyond the Diploma

Preparing students
for university & beyond

The IB Diploma develops the skills that universities and employers increasingly value. Graduates leave as confident communicators, independent learners, effective researchers and thoughtful leaders, ready to thrive in higher education and contribute positively to an ever-changing world.

The IB at The Lisboan

IB,
the Lisboan way.

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.

A broad education.
A global outlook.
A strong future.

The IB Diploma brings academic challenge together with independence, reflection and meaningful engagement with the world.

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 · September 2027

Start Your Admissions Journey Today

Admissions at our school is more than a process—it’s an invitation to join a vibrant, welcoming community. Your child will grow in confidence, build meaningful connections, and develop the curiosity, resilience, and global mindset needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.

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“Our son has always loved football, but we didn't expect him to become so interested in the science behind his training. He's started making connections between what he learns in class and what he does outside school.”” Lisboan Lower Secondary Parent

"We used to ask our daughter what she'd learned at school and get one-word answers. Lately, she wants to debate ideas over dinner. She's developing her own opinions and learning how to defend them, that's just as important to us as her grades." Lisboan Upper Senior School Parent

IGCSE

Admissions

Experience

The IB Diploma is coming.

What is the IB Diploma?

More than a qualification.

Theory of Knowledge

Extended Essay

Creativity, Activity, Service

A world-class preparation.

Preparing students for university & beyond

IB, the Lisboan way.