Cultivate a limitless mind through positive neuroplasticity
Brain performance enhancement for professionals, seniors, young adults and children.
Complement and strengthen academic and therapeutic approaches.
Individualised cognitive programmes for accelerated learning.
Tara Bonner, Chief Neuroeducation Officer, Arrowsmith Program
Licensed Arrowsmith Provider
Portugal's only Arrowsmith centre — and the only independent provider on the Iberian Peninsula. Families are welcome, in person or online (UK time-zone).
Who it's for
Who is it for?
The programme supports children, young adults, adults and seniors experiencing learning difficulties, attention challenges, or anyone seeking to enhance cognitive performance.
Children & Young Adults
Supporting learners who struggle with reading, writing, attention, memory or processing — without compensating for difficulties, but resolving them at the root.
Adults & Professionals
Accelerated learning, sharper focus, and stronger cognitive performance for those seeking an edge in demanding professional environments.
Seniors
Building cognitive reserve and maintaining brain agility through targeted neuroplasticity exercises — proven to support independence and quality of life.
Schools & Institutions
Complementing and strengthening academic and therapeutic approaches. Online or face-to-face at your school.
We work with families who believe their child's difficulties have a cause — and that, once understood, real and lasting change is possible.
The science behind it
The science behind it
The Arrowsmith cognitive exercises are built on the science of neuroplasticity — the brain's ability to change and grow at any age. By engaging in targeted, repetitive activities, the programme strengthens weaker cognitive functions and helps build new neural pathways.
The Arrowsmith Program is grounded in well-researched principles of neuroplasticity and has generated considerable interest for its potential to address learning difficulties through targeted cognitive exercises. Numerous research reports, case studies, and programme evaluations have documented positive outcomes for participants, including improvements in academic skills and self-perceived learning ability.
Read the Arrowsmith researchResearch reference
Arrowsmith Program. (2019). Research report: Cognitive and academic outcomes of students enrolled in the Arrowsmith Program. Toronto, ON: Arrowsmith School Research Department.
Assessment
An Arrowsmith Cognitive Assessment is recommended at the start of the programme to identify and prioritise areas of difficulty.
Cognitive functions
What the programme strengthens
The Arrowsmith Program targets eleven cognitive areas that, when weak, underlie many learning and cognitive challenges. Strengthening them at the source — rather than compensating — produces lasting change.
Take the questionnaire to find out more- 1Learning motor plans required for writing
- 2Understanding number and quantity — underlying scheduling, time and budgeting
- 3Discriminating speech sounds
- 4Processing information
- 5Navigating in space
- 6Forming and retaining memories
- 7Recognising familiar faces
- 8Interpreting emotions
- 9Seeing relationships and making connections necessary for insight and comprehension
- 10Visually retaining symbol patterns necessary for reading, spelling and all visual template learning
- 11Thinking non-verbally
How it works
The five core principles
Differentiated Stimulation
Exercises tailored to weaker cognitive functions rather than generic brain training.
Sustained Attention
Focused engagement triggers neurological adaptation and change.
Novelty and Complexity
Progressively challenging tasks stimulate new neural pathways.
Consistent Engagement
Regular practice over time consolidates cognitive gains.
Effortful Processing
Tasks are challenging yet achievable, enabling genuine mastery.
Dr Sara Santos with Barbara Arrowsmith-Young, founder of the Arrowsmith Program — Maxwell School, Madrid, 2025
“As an educator, I've taken the goal to teach all my students how to engage in learning practices that enhance their brains. The Arrowsmith programme provides a suite of cognitive exercises and a systematic approach for deliberate and targeted cognitive practice — the analogous to individualised physiotherapy exercises for the brain.”Dr Sara SantosDirector of IngoC CEC — Arrowsmith Licensed Provider
Learn more about the Arrowsmith Program
The Arrowsmith Program is a comprehensive set of cognitive exercises designed to strengthen the core functions that underlie many learning and cognitive challenges. The programme is suitable across the lifespan — seniors, professionals and young people alike can benefit.
Dr Sara Santos — Introduction to IngoC CEC and the Arrowsmith Programme
Hear it from the experts
The Arrowsmith Programme explained
The CEO of the brain
Debbie Gilmore · 0:20
Extracts from the IngoC CEC webinar series · Executive Function and Brain Development, May 2026
Case studies
Challenges the programme addresses
Delivery & Format
Delivery
Duration
During the school year the programme runs for ten months, with sessions once or twice a week. An intensive format is available during the summer. Adults may continue year-round.
Wellcome Collection · CC BY 4.0
Begin a conversation
A confidential, no-obligation consultation to understand whether the Arrowsmith Programme is the right fit for you or your child.
Tell us about you or your child
Start with the free Cognitive Questionnaire or contact us directly. No commitment required.
We discuss the right fit
Sara reviews the profile and suggests which programme — or combination — addresses the root of the difficulty.
We design the programme together
Every programme is individually tailored — delivery, pace and goals set around your family.
IngoC CEC operates in English and Portuguese · +351 911 551 560 · ingoc.cec@gmail.com