Where we come from
Our History
Our Journey in Madeira
Providing International Education in Madeira Since 1980
We have been working since 1980 to help your child grow as an individual. We’re proud that our students have had the opportunity to learn about new cultures and make friends from all over the world, and achieved their academic goals.
1980
September
Madeira British School Founded at the British Country Club
In September 1980, Mrs Susan Farrow established the British School of Madeira in Funchal to meet the educational needs of children from English-speaking families living on the island, as well as Portuguese students seeking a private British-style education.
Caption of Picture (LtR)
Back Row: Belinda, Fátima, Mrs. Farrow, Karin and Katrina
Centre Row: Alexis, John, Tim and Bernardo
Front Row: Susana, Gonçalo, Marina, Andrew and Caroline
1985
March
Royal Visit from H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh, Princess Alexandra, and The Hon. Angus Ogilvy
On 21 March 1985, the British School of Madeira welcomed a royal visit from the Duke of Edinburgh, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, accompanied by Princess Alexandra of Kent, during their tour of Madeira Island.
Media Press
Expansion of Madeira British School to Meet Growing Demand
The school expanded its facilities to accommodate increasing enrolment, offering the British curriculum (Scottish version) alongside elements of the official Portuguese Programme. It received official recognition from the Secretaria Regional de Educação (SRE) of Madeira, the British Consulate, and the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).
2006
September
British School of Madeira Relocates to Current Facilities
With growing demand for international education on Madeira, the school relocated to larger, more suitable facilities to better serve its students.
Graduates of the British School of Madeira could continue their education at any Portuguese school through a Certificate of Study Equivalence issued by the SRE, or enrol in English-language schools worldwide.
2013
September
Transition to an International Education Approach with the IB Curriculum
The Sharing Foundation acquired the British School, renaming it Madeira Multilingual School, and began implementing its mission of international education. During this period, the school also initiated the authorisation process to become an IB World School, aligning its programmes with the globally recognised International Baccalaureate framework.
Media Press
2017
September
Expansion of the International Sharing School Model to Cape Verde and Equatorial Guinea
Media Press
2017
February — July
ISS Madeira Becomes an IB World School
After three years as a candidate school, ISS Madeira earned accreditation as the second school in Portugal authorised to offer two IB Programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Middle Years Programme (MYP).
In the 2018/2019 academic year, the school officially adopted its new name, International Sharing School, marking a transformation in its identity and educational approach.
Media Press
2024
June
ISS Madeira Recognised as a Must-Watch International School in Europe
International Sharing School Madeira was named one of the 10 Must-Watch International Schools in Europe by the International Advisory Board of K‑12 Digest Magazine, a panel of education experts from around the world.