All residents of compulsory school age should attend school. Residents also have access to secondary schooling and higher education. Registration with pre-schools normally occurs during June and July at the school. They usually require a medical check, birth certificate, health card and inscription form.
First time registration in primary schools takes place early in June at the school nearest the place of residence or nearest the place of work of the parent. Renewal of school registration usually takes place at the end of the previous year, at a time set by the school. First time registration for secondary schools normally takes place at the primary school, and before 15 July. Re-registration in secondary schools depends on exams, and takes place immediately after the results are published. Late registrations are submitted to the management of the school. Children coming from outside Portugal may register at any time, providing there are spaces in the school.
The documents required for school registration usually include the inscription form, proof of qualifications from the previous school, health card, photographs, and identification.