Discover Brussels' international schools for your children

The reasons to enter an international school

If you have just arrived in Belgium or that you want your children to speak English fluently as soon as possible, international schools are a good choice. In the vast majority of those the class is given in that language in order to have a complete immersion. Knowing that children can lean foreign languages more easily than a teenager and an adult, this kind of teaching is highly useful. Other languages such as Dutch, Spanish and so on are also part of most programs. As we sometimes hear, a language is an open window to the world and this international environment will help pupils to be more open to the world and other cultures.

What are the programs followed?

In general, these institutes work with the French or the English school system. If both are recognised as quality programs, there are some major differences between these two. For example, the English one is known to leave more freedom by encouraging pupils to participate more whether in class (with essays, oral presentations...) or in extracurricular activities. By contrast, the French one focus more on the structure, the discipline and the results. Thus, each system has its own strengths.

There is another important point that you need to take into account when choosing where to enrol your child: make sure you put the accent on the continuity of the learning process. For example, there are several French high schools (Lycée français). So, if you come from France and planning to go back in a few months or years, it may be in the child's interest to stay in a familiar environment. Your son or your daughter will follow the same program as his or her companions in France and will stay on track for when you go back. However, international and European schools are interesting for longer stays and help children to be more open and discover the variety of cultures.

What are the differences between an international and a European school?

In an international school, most of the lessons are given in a sole language – except in bilingual schools. The course is the same as the one followed in the country where the school is settled: French, English, American, etc. education system. Concerning European public schools, the priority is given to pupils whose parents work in institutions such as NATO or the U.N. Given that only a small number of students are admitted, other children are encouraged to enter accredited European school.

Furthermore, the international school cycle most often leads to the delivery of an International Baccalaureate (IB), recognised around the world. The students will then have access, just like the nationals, to more than 2,000 universities located in 75 countries. In the European (or Accredited European) schools, pupils obtain the European Baccalaureate (EB) at the end of the 7th year of secondary school. This degree is recognised in Europe as well as in some other partner countries.

Other international schools in Brussels

BEPS : This international school in Brussels provides high quality courses to children aged from 2 to 14. Classes are given in English for a total immersion and they are prepared to pass the International Baccalaureate. They will also have access to numerous activities (sports clubs, cooking, discovering nature, etc.). Tel: 02/648 43 11.

British School of Brussels : This institution welcomes more than a thousand pupils from some 60 countries in its modern facilities. Classes prepares students for the university. They can get their A Levels, International Baccalaureate Diploma as well as BTEC vocational courses. The primary school provides skills-based learning that helps children flourish. Tel : 02/766 04 30.