Bright School nominated as Most Innovative International School in Europe – 2026 by K-12 Digest
Bright School in the Algarve has been recognised as the Most Innovative International School in Europe 2026 by the K-12 Digest, a website and magazine focused on international schools and education owned and operated by Connecta Innovation Private Limited.
The former Eupheus international School in Loulé is now owned by the group Sharing Education, which has schools in Oeiras and Madeira and is investing over €75 million in its national expansion plan. The company, owned by the Madeiran family Ladeira Santos, has been modernising its infrastructure and expects to have over 3,000 students in Portugal by 2028.
Bright International School was purchased in 2024 and represents an investment of €10 million. Following the Cambridge curriculum, the plan is for it to accommodate up to 500 students in the next three to four years.
Meanwhile, the birthplace of the Portuguese group, the International Sharing School – Madeira, has a new campus located in a historic building in Funchal that previously belonged to the Vatican. Construction was completed last year after an investment of €15 million with the official inauguration held in January.
The Loulé school featured in the latest issue of K-12 Digest with an interview with its Head of School Tom Caston who told the magazine that the values of “joyful learning” and “natural excellence” are not aspirational phrases placed on a wall. They influence the everyday life of the school and guide the decisions behind it. “Within their learning, our children feel curious and excited to learn, not pressured or passive. We want learning to be meaningful and emotionally safe, so children associate being here with pleasure and possibility,” he explained.
Bright International School’s philosophy is grounded in the belief that success should never be reduced to comparison. The school encourages children to grow into their own strengths, talents, and character at a pace that feels authentic and sustainable. Effort is recognised. Individuality is valued. Every learner is seen as more than a set of academic outcomes. “Excellence at Bright is not about pressure or comparison, but about growth, pride, and doing your best. Children are recognised for who they are, not who they compete against,” said Tom.
As for the Taguspark school, in Greater Lisbon, the goal is to begin construction of new facilities from 2026 onwards, which will include a student residence (boarding house) with 400 beds, a shared space (sharing club) with co-working, cafeteria, laundry, hairdresser, gym, and sports areas.
