Place, performance and teacher policy: an exploratory comparative institutional analysis of territorial disparities in Portugal

Educational outcomes in Portugal exhibit significant territorial disparities, influenced by geographic location, regional socioeconomic conditions, and school factors. Comparative analysis of international assessment data (PISA, TIMSS) and Portuguese studies highlights notable differences in student achievement between regions like Madeira and the Azores, suggesting a complex interplay of various factors that shape educational performance across the nation.

Why it matters

Understanding the drivers of territorial disparities in educational outcomes is crucial for equitable resource allocation and policy development. These findings can inform national strategies aimed at improving educational standards and ensuring consistent achievement levels across all regions, thereby fostering human capital development nationwide.

Key insights

• Educational outcomes in Portugal vary significantly across different regions.
• Territorial and socioeconomic disparities are linked to variations in student achievement.
• Factors associated with student achievement include geographic location, regional socioeconomic conditions, and school factors.
• PISA 2022 results show a national average for Portugal in mathematics (472), reading (477), and science (484).
• Madeira's PISA 2022 scores (474 math, 487 reading, 492 science) are generally above the national average and higher than the Azores.
• The Azores' PISA 2022 scores (408 math, 413 reading, 417 science) are considerably below the national average.
• The analysis uses a combination of narrative review, descriptive analysis of international assessment estimates, and comparative institutional analysis of Madeira and the Azores.

Source

Frontiers in Education — https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1910238