This comprehensive publication by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) presents a detailed analysis of Portugal’s progress and challenges in implementing inclusive education. It explores how the Portuguese educational system has evolved from an approach focused on integration to a broader vision that treats diversity as a central element for quality learning and social cohesion. Based on extensive field visits, case studies, and policy reviews, the report offers a robust overview of how inclusion is embedded in national educational strategies and daily school practice.

Portugal’s commitment to inclusion is anchored in the 2018 Decree-Law on Inclusive Education, which establishes that every learner has the right to meaningful participation and learning opportunities within mainstream schools. The report highlights several positive developments: stronger teacher training systems, collaborative school leadership, the establishment of multidisciplinary support teams, and new mechanisms for personalised learning. It also identifies ongoing challenges, such as persistent inequalities between regions, limited data collection tools, and the need for stronger coordination between the education, health, and social sectors.

The OECD provides concrete policy recommendations to consolidate and deepen these achievements, including enhancing leadership capacities, ensuring sustainable funding, and developing monitoring frameworks to evaluate impact. Portugal’s experience stands out in the Euro-Mediterranean context as a model for how national education systems can promote equity and intercultural dialogue. The report demonstrates that inclusive education is not only a response to diversity but also an essential condition for democratic participation, community engagement, and peaceful coexistence. It positions Portugal as an inspiring case study for countries aiming to transform education into a driver of social inclusion and human rights.