My journey with “Os Aprendizes” was a transformative experience that was crucial for my academic and personal growth. I joined the school in IGCSE 2, and from the start, “Os Aprendizes” provided me with a solid foundation of knowledge and discipline. Thanks to the stimulating environment and the dedication of the teachers, I managed to achieve top marks, excelling both in academic quality and exemplary behaviour. 

During the A Level course, this foundation was essential for me to complete my journey with top marks, which allowed me to secure a coveted spot at Nova SBE, where I was admitted in 11th place in the Management course, out of 295 applicants! 

At “Os Aprendizes”, I had the opportunity to be myself, to grow, and to express myself authentically. The welcoming and stimulating environment allowed me to develop not only my academic skills but also my confidence and vision for the future. 

A crucial point in this journey was the constant support of Erwin Russell, the school’s owner. He always believed in my potential and was a source of inspiration and motivation. Erwin was not just a mentor but also a great friend, who encouraged me to keep going, even during the most challenging times. His support was fundamental in helping me achieve my goals and continue confidently on my path. 

Another aspect that deeply impacted my experience at the school was the quality of the food. The meals at “Os Aprendizes” are simply wonderful, and while this may seem like a small detail, it reflects the care and attention the school gives to every aspect. Furthermore, all the staff, from the kitchen to administration, are people we can interact with as friends. They are always willing to help and provide a welcoming environment where we know we can count on them at any time. 

These details show that a school of excellence goes far beyond academic education; it leaves memories that last a lifetime. “Os Aprendizes” is, without a doubt, a place where we learn to become better both inside and outside the classroom. 

Receiving the Merit Award from the Cascais Chamber at the Cascais Education Gala 2023 and being awarded the “Nova SBE Excellence” scholarship for the Management course in 2023/2024, due to my top admission scores, were achievements that not only validate the impact of the education I received at “Os Aprendizes”, but also reinforce how much this school prepared me for success. 

If I could offer advice to current students, I would say: take full advantage of the opportunities the school offers, always strive for excellence and, above all, stay disciplined and committed to your goals. The path to success is built with dedication, and “Os Aprendizes” is undoubtedly the perfect place to start this journey. We are privileged to be at a school like this, which, in addition to being excellent academically, is equally exceptional in the human aspect. In a world where this is becoming increasingly rare, the school offers us an environment where we can grow not only as students but as integral human beings, ready to face the future with confidence. 

It was a pride to be part of the Aprendizes family!