Nadim Nsouli, CEO of Inspired, one of the largest private education groups in the world, anticipated this trend in 2018, when he decided to enter Portugal through the acquisition of PaRK IS and, in 2019, of St Peter's International School, integrating them into a global network of independent schools. The advantage for these institutions is clear: joining a group that is designed to inspire students to reach their full potential, in a stimulating and growing academic environment, up to the age of 18, and on a global scale. The pedagogy and academic programme are adapted according to the identity of each school and its community, always based on Inspired’s pillars and values. For each new institution, the group provides a fresh and contemporary approach to education, re-evaluating traditional teaching methods and curricula and creating a more dynamic, relevant and forward-thinking model that reflects today's society.
An important aspect that results from the integration of these schools in a global network is the multicultural environment created indoors. This encourages the sharing of different ideas, methodologies, projects, perspectives and ways of being in life, creating a network of cooperation and highlighting the synergies available, with a common goal: to promote the academic and personal excellence of the students. Based on this exchange of experiences, the personalised teaching, talent and self-confidence of each student is nurtured, preparing them to face the world with the necessary skills and confidence to ensure success.
Another huge benefit of being an Inspired school is the Inspired Global Exchange programme, available in different countries where the Group operates. This programme offers exceptional exchange experiences between Inspired schools, with boarding or home stays, from 4 weeks to 1 year (depending on the school), for students aged 10 to 17. "It is a very enriching experience for students, who gain autonomy, independence and new study methods, while living unique and differentiating international experiences," comments Barbara Beck de Lancastre, Inspired's Managing Director in Portugal.
Additionally, students who play sports and are part of a federation at Inspired schools can take part in an exclusive programme: Inspired Sports, which offers individualised training for students from Grades 5 to 12, incorporating sport into their academic and school life. Students taking part in this programme can dedicate themselves to the sport of their choice during school hours, getting the personalised coaching they need to excel both athletically and academically.
On the other hand, the pandemic crisis proved the advantage of being part of a global education group. In the case of Inspired, schools located in Asia, which had to adapt to the new reality prematurely, paved the way for schools in Europe to anticipate their next steps. "We used all our experience and knowledge within Inspired Education Group to ensure that our students' education was not interrupted, nor harmed. The benefits of being part of a global education network have never been more significant for teachers, parents and students," explains Nick Wergan, Global Education Director at Inspired Education Group, regarding the Virtual School implemented, with great success, at Inspired schools.
Now that more and more families in Portugal have started to pay attention to this type of school, Inspired Education Group has entered the country with the acquisition of PaRK International School and St Peter's International School, and will open King’s College School, Cascais in September 2022. "They are different schools, which are based on the same pillars of Inspired and on the strong values of Portuguese culture and respect for the whole community", explains Barbara Beck de Lancastre, Managing Director of Inspired Portugal.
In the case of St Peter's, a school with over 25 years of history, there are several advantages of being integrated in a global education group, especially the fact that it is the only international school in Portugal with on-site Boarding. Furthermore, the benefits of this school are proven by the academic offer available of two curricula of excellence - the Portuguese national curriculum or the international curriculum (offering Cambridge Lower Secondary, IGCSE and IB Diploma) - and by the extraordinary, individualised support given to students in their entry to university.
As for PaRK IS, a group of schools in the Greater Lisbon area, with campuses in Restelo, Praça de Espanha and, more recently, Alfragide, it is the only one in the market with a truly bilingual programme up to Grade 4, where students learn both Portuguese and English in a natural way. On the other hand, the international programme, offered from Grade 5 onwards, culminating in the Cambridge IGCSE and IB Diploma, prepares students for a global world, without leaving behind the Portuguese roots which characterise the school.
King’s College School, Cascais will offer the complete world-renowned Cambridge international curriculum until Year 11 (age 16), culminating with the International Baccalaureate Diploma programme in Years 12 & 13 (age 16-18). This unique learning pathway, delivered by hand-picked teachers, is proven to support the most successful transition into world-leading universities. Additionally, students will enjoy a huge range of co-curricular and enrichment activities, including a special Elite Sports Programme for student-athletes.
The integration of students in a global educational group brings clear advantages for their academic and personal development, but also creates opportunities and benefits for the success and development of each educational institution as well. This integrated vision is transforming the paradigm of national private education and will certainly bring structural changes to the labour market itself.