The Lisboan International School Reaches Major Milestones Ahead Of September 2025 Opening

Lisbon, Portugal – 22 April 2025

Artemis Education, a leading international schools’ group that designs, builds, and operates vibrant learning communities across the Middle East and Europe, has confirmed a key milestone in the launch of The Lisboan International School. With the school’s core leadership team now fully appointed and construction remains firmly on track for its much-anticipated opening in September 2025.

Located in the heart of Alcântara, The Lisboan International School brings a fresh approach to international education— supported by a tried and tested academic core, and a diverse, dynamic community. Housed in a restored 1908 pasta factory, a historical landmark, the school has been thoughtfully reimagined for 21st-century learning. Inside, students will benefit from purpose-designed classrooms, a dedicated science and technology wing, art and design studios, a music conservatoire, a black-box theatre, a full sports centre, and communal spaces arranged around a central courtyard that brings light and connection to the centre of school life.

This transformation reflects the wider ethos of The Lisboan International School: to honour the past, engage with the present, and prepare students to step into the future with confidence and purpose. From September, the school will welcome students aged 3 to 14, following the British international curriculum in the early and middle years. It will grow year by year to offer the full International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme by 2027.

Students will also take part in the Lisboan Experience, a co-curricular programme designed to develop leadership, wellbeing, creativity, environmental awareness and community engagement. This sits alongside the school’s academic offer and reflects its belief in education that is balanced, human and future-facing.

The culture of The Lisboan International School is shaped by the values of kindness, curiosity, resilience, integrity and connectivity. At its heart lies BOA, our core principles—Belong, Own and Act. In Portuguese, BOA means good — guiding students to grow in confidence, develop a sense of responsibility, and feel part of something bigger than themselves.

Through initiatives like our ‘City is our classroom’ program—whether it’s gathering insights along the Tagus, creating with local artists, or partnering on sustainability efforts—students are invited to engage deeply with Lisbon. It’s not just about studying in the city but becoming part of its story.

The school is led by Guðmundur Hegner Jónsson, a seasoned international school leader whose previous roles include Principal of Dulwich College Seoul and UWC Red Cross Nordic. Guðmundur brings a deep belief in inclusive, values-led education and a track record of building strong, vibrant school communities.

Joining him is Amy Clifford, Head of Primary, who brings over a decade of experience in international schools, including eight years leading the Junior School at St Paul’s School in São Paulo. Amy is known for creating warm, engaging environments where younger students feel supported, challenged and encouraged to be themselves.

Niall Brennan, CEO of Artemis Education, commented: “A great school is not built with bricks and mortar—it is built with people. The Lisboan International School has already brought together an exceptional team of educators, and that tells you everything about the kind of community this will be. It is a place where students will be known, valued and prepared for life ahead. I’m enormously proud of what we are building in Lisbon and excited to see the impact it will have—here in Portugal and well beyond.”

“It’s a true privilege to carry forward the legacy of this extraordinary building,” said Principal Guðmundur Jónsson. “At The Lisboan, every stone whispers of the past, and every lesson shapes the future. Guided by the vision of Artemis Education, we’re creating a forward-thinking international school rooted in values that truly matter. Come September 2025, we won’t simply be opening our doors—we’ll be nurturing open minds, inspired by kindness, curiosity, and the quiet courage to question, explore, and lead.”

Admissions for the 2025–2026 academic year are now open.

To enquire about admissions at The Lisboan International school, please visit www.the-lisboan.school or email Lexi Lloyd Owen, Head of Admissions on lexi.lloydowen@the-lisboan.school