Agrupamento de Escolas de Campo Maior is a public educational institution in inland Portugal, comprising two schools that serve around 1,200 students from elementary to secondary level, supported by a team of approximately 120 teachers and educational staff. The school offers general and secondary education, professional secondary courses, and alternative curriculum programs designed to prevent early school leaving.
At secondary level, students can specialize in Science and Technology or Humanistic Studies, preparing for national exams and future university or vocational pathways. The school serves a highly diverse student population, including students from the gypsy community and immigrant families from Romania, Moldova, and Brazil, contributing to a rich multicultural learning environment.
Inclusion is a core priority, with 180 students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) supported by a multidisciplinary team of specialized professionals. Students are integrated into mainstream education whenever possible, with adapted learning pathways available to ensure equal access and success for all. The school places strong emphasis on family and community engagement, encouraging intergenerational learning through student-led digital training for parents and active involvement of families in school life. Through close collaboration with the Parents’ Association, Agrupamento de Escolas de Campo Maior fosters social inclusion, shared responsibility, and strong school–community partnerships. https://www.aecampomaior.pt/site
LOCAL PARTNER SCHOOL
Agrupamento de Escolas de Arronches
The Arronches School Cluster operates in the municipal seat, and all levels of education, including pre-school, are housed in the same building, inaugurated in September 2016. It is a modern, well-equipped facility with the necessary conditions for educational practice.
According to the municipality website, Arroches is a border area covering 346.56 square kilometres. It comprises three civil parishes: Assunção, Esperança and Mosteiros.
The resident population of the municipality stands at 2,768 inhabitants (2023 data) and has been declining over time. Arronches has one of the lowest Sustainable Development Index (SDI) values in the country, reflecting the consequences of its inland location. Although the figures continue to fall, a trend towards a slowdown and stabilisation of demographic data has been observed in the Municipality of Arronches since 2021.
Despite the low birth rate in the municipality, the present brings renewed hope for the future, as the number of pre-school children has increased, which is expected to be reflected in subsequent years. Due to the existence of situations covered by Decree-Law No. 54/2018 and the increase in student numbers, six primary education classes (1st cycle) have been formed—something not seen for a long time. The School Cluster therefore has a total of 308 students. Compared with figures from four years ago, when there were only 253 students, there has been a significant increase in the school population. This growth is explained by the closure of a private pre-school institution, the settlement of new families in the municipality, and the Arronches School Cluster being the preferred choice for students from neighbouring municipalities.
This School Cluster provides education for children and young people from pre-school to lower secondary education (3rd cycle), and also includes PIEF classes (Integrated Programme of Education and Training) and upper secondary education—vocational courses. Students are guided and supported by 48 teachers/educators, 19 operational assistants, 4 technical assistants and 6 specialised technicians.
The Educational Project of the School Cluster advocates the holistic development of the individual. It aims to be a school of excellence, recognised both locally and more broadly, that is safe and effective, and that embodies the principles of a humanistic education. A fair, tolerant and supportive school that properly interprets the values of freedom and democracy. An inclusive school, respectful of diversity, that delivers high-quality learning. A school committed to efficient resource management and to creating opportunities that encourage personal growth and autonomy in each student, preparing them for future challenges. A dynamic school that presents itself as a space for culture and creativity, entrepreneurial in spirit, respectful of the environment, and a promoter of active and critical citizenship.
The Arronches School Cluster seeks to establish itself as a space of well-being for all professionals who work within it, motivating the entire school community towards a collaborative attitude of innovation and continuous development, thereby promoting a strong school identity and culture.
