The school was established in 2002 when it obtained its official license from the Ministry of Education.
VVIS has an emphasis on British education and follows a modified version of the English curriculum and prepares students for IGCSE and A level examinations.
In 2007 it received planning permission to build Portugal's first bilingual primary school which delivers some subjects in Portuguese.
The bilingual concept took two years to devise and formed the basis of a Masters in International Education dissertation[citation needed] by its director, Louise De Beer.
VVIS also completed a purpose built theatre, which is used for the schools art, drama, and music lessons, in 2008, following the successful addition of a sports centre and an adaptable marque for open air productions and dining purposes.