FAQ
Find clear, practical answers to the most common questions about international schools in Brussels.
IB vs Cambridge vs American curriculum
Curriculum
IB (International Baccalaureate)
Global, academically rigorous, inquiry-based. Strong focus on critical thinking and international mindset.
Highly recognized by top universities worldwide. Typical scores in top schools: 35–40 vs ~30 global average.
Globally mobile students, strong academic profiles, top university ambitions
Cambridge / British
Structured, exam-based (IGCSE → A-Levels). Early subject specialization. More traditional, less holistic than IB.
Well-recognized, especially in the UK and Commonwealth systems.
Students targeting UK pathways or preferring academic specialization
American curriculum
Flexible, continuous assessment (GPA, credits). Often combined with IB or AP programmes.
Recognized globally, especially for US university admissions.
Students seeking flexibility and planning to study in the US
If I join an internationals school can I join if I decide to change a public school.
Yes — but with some nuances.
This transition is generally possible if the international school is officially accredited or recognized by a national education system. In that case, the student’s level can usually be validated and aligned with the public system.
However, if the school does not have governmental accreditation, placement in a public school may be more complex and could require assessments or adjustments.
Where do most expat live in Brussels
Most expats in Brussels tend to cluster in a few key residential areas, often depending on proximity to international institutions and schools.
Popular with families, this area is green, residential, and largely French-speaking
Favoured by EU and NATO families, with a strong international community.
Known for larger houses and close proximity to The British School of Brussels.
More urban areas, popular with younger expats, offering apartments and easy access to the EU quarter.
Most expats choose their location based on proximity to EU/NATO institutions and international schools.
Why are the 2 big international schools in Brussels so expensive ?
International schools can have high tuition fees
For example, the International School of Brussels can reach up to ~€49,700 per year.
This cost is driven by several key factors:
including swimming pools, theatres, and large sports complexes
allowing for more personalized learning
often recruited globally with competitive salaries
many schools are non-profit but reinvest heavily into infrastructure and programmes
strong international reputation and university pathways
You are paying not just for academics, but for a full ecosystem — facilities, network, and overall student experience.
What are the IB results of these schools ?
IB results in Brussels are generally strong, especially in top international schools.
average scores typically range between 35–40 points
usually average around 34–38 points
approximately 30 points
Not all schools publish their IB results transparently, so it can sometimes be difficult to compare performance across institutions.
What is the class size of the school ?
Class sizes vary depending on the school, and this is a key differentiator when comparing options.
typically 18–22 students per class
around 15 students on average (for example, BEPS)
Class size can significantly impact the level of individual attention and overall learning experience.
What about the facilities
Facilities vary significantly depending on the school and are a major factor in pricing.
Offer extensive campuses with premium facilities such as:
Swimming pools
Theatres
Multiple sports halls
Large outdoor spaces
For example, The British School of Brussels includes a pool, theatre, gym...
Provide solid facilities, but typically more limited:
Smaller campuses
Often located in urban settings
Fewer large-scale sports or arts infrastructures
Facilities are one of the biggest drivers of tuition fees, as they reflect the overall learning environment and extracurricular opportunities.
Does the school has a canteen ?
Yes — almost all international schools provide canteen services.
Typically, schools offer:
Hot meals prepared on-site or by catering services
Dietary options such as vegetarian, vegan, halal, or allergy-friendly meals
Meals may be included in tuition fees or charged separately, depending on the school.
Does the school has a bus service ?
Yes, most international schools in Brussels offer bus services covering key expat areas such as the EU quarter, Uccle, and Tervuren, usually at an additional cost.
After school activities
After-school activities are standard across international schools, typically including sports, music and drama, STEM/robotics, and languages, with top-tier schools offering particularly strong and diverse extracurricular programmes.
Active parent association
Parent associations are very active in most international schools, organizing community events, fundraising, and supporting expat family integration—making them an important “soft factor” in the overall school experience.
Have more questions ?
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