European School Brussels I - Berkendael vs European School Brussels IV

	E European School Brussels I - Berkendael Brussels, Belgium	E European School Brussels IV Brussels, Belgium
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €4,370 - 8,195	Fees / year €4,285 - 16,068
Age range	Age range 4 - 11 years	Age range 4 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum	Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 25	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Danish, French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Polish, Spanish	Instruction language Bulgarian, German, English, Estonian, French, Italian, Dutch, Romanian
Opened	Opened —	Opened 2007
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location —	Location European School Brussels IV (Laeken) is located at Drève Sainte-Anne 86, 1020 Brussels (Laeken). The school is accessible on foot, by bicycle, by public transport, or by car. The Schola Europea / Brussel Kadetten bus stop sits in front of the school and is served by STIB/MIVB and De Lijn buses. The Bockstael metro station and the SNCB/NMBS train station are about a ten-minute walk from the school.
Stages	Stages —	Stages Kindergarten, Primary, and Secondary
School type	School type —	School type European School
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation Belgium
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure Nursery and Primary cycles follow timetables with classes starting at 08:15. End times are 15:00 on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday; 12:30 on Wednesday; 12:45 on Friday. Secondary timetable details are published by the school.
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details APEEE Bru4 provides the transport service for pupils from nursery to secondary and for all language sections between home and school in the morning and between school and home or nursery in the afternoon. Public transport to the school is readily available via SNCB, STIB, and De Lijn; bus stops sit in front of the school.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details —	Fee details Scope and academic year • The fee details below apply to the 2025/2026 academic year for the European School Brussels IV (Laeken). Application / registration fees • No separate application or one‑off registration fee is specified by the school. Parents who are liable to pay school fees are required to pay a 25% deposit of the annual school fee as a condition of enrolment; this deposit is non‑refundable. Annual tuition fees by year group (Category III pupils) — school-specific breakdown For parents liable to pay Category III charges, European School Brussels IV publishes separate annual amounts depending on parental employer status and the child's date of enrolment: • Children of international civil agents of NATO and international civil servants of the UN (serving in Brussels): - Nursery: EUR 8,569.40 per year. - Primary: EUR 11,795.06 per year. - Secondary: EUR 13,111.32 per year (for children enrolled before 01/09/2013) and EUR 16,067.78 per year (for children enrolled after 31/08/2013). • Pupils whose parents belong to other Category III (private enrolment): - Nursery: EUR 4,284.70 per year. - Primary: EUR 5,897.53 per year. - Secondary: EUR 6,555.66 per year (for children enrolled before 01/09/2013) and EUR 8,033.89 per year (for children enrolled after 31/08/2013). Standard Category 3 reference fees (European Schools consolidated figures for 2025/2026 — Brussels) • As a cross‑school reference, the Secretary‑General's consolidated Category 3 figures for Brussels for 2025/2026 are: - Nursery: EUR 4,370.39 per year. - Primary: EUR 6,009.36 per year. - Secondary: EUR 8,194.57 per year. Per‑term amounts (calculated) • Per‑term figures below are calculated by dividing the annual fee by three (annual ÷ 3) to show an equal three‑term split. Use these only as an arithmetic breakdown; the school's invoicing may follow its own schedule. • School‑specific Category III (other Category III) — per term (annual ÷ 3): - Nursery: EUR 4,284.70 → EUR 1,428.23 per term. - Primary: EUR 5,897.53 → EUR 1,965.84 per term. - Secondary: EUR 6,555.66 → EUR 2,185.22 per term; if enrolled after 31/08/2013: EUR 8,033.89 → EUR 2,677.96 per term. • NATO/UN group — per term (annual ÷ 3): - Nursery: EUR 8,569.40 → EUR 2,856.47 per term. - Primary: EUR 11,795.06 → EUR 3,931.69 per term. - Secondary: EUR 13,111.32 → EUR 4,370.44 per term; if enrolled after 31/08/2013: EUR 16,067.78 → EUR 5,355.93 per term. • Secretary‑General consolidated Brussels Category 3 (reference) — per term: - Nursery: EUR 4,370.39 → EUR 1,456.80 per term. - Primary: EUR 6,009.36 → EUR 2,003.12 per term. - Secondary: EUR 8,194.57 → EUR 2,731.52 per term. Billing schedule and payment terms • A 25% non‑refundable deposit of the annual school fee is a prior condition for enrolment or continuation of studies; an invoice for the deposit will be issued and must be paid before the start of the school year. The deposit is expressly non‑refundable. • An invoice for the school charges (balance and other charges) is sent after the start of the school year (the school issues this invoice in October for the start‑of‑year billing cycle). That invoice must be paid by bank transfer within the deadline specified on the invoice. The school permits requests for payment by instalments in cases of financial difficulty (written request). • If school fees remain unpaid or are only partly paid at year end, the pupil may be removed from the school list and will not be admitted to any European School the following school year (in accordance with the General Rules of the European Schools). Boarding / accommodation • The European School Brussels IV does not operate as a boarding school. There are no boarding fees listed. Transport and day‑time services are provided by the school or by the APEEE (parents' association) and are billed separately. Other costs and recurring charges • The school fee invoice covers items such as the compulsory standard school agenda, insurance, photocopies and similar school charges; these are billed per year and per child. Locker rental (secondary pupils) is charged for the entire Secondary cycle (seven years) and, if the pupil leaves early, the school refunds the difference pro rata. Sports kit items (primary: t‑shirt and shorts; secondary: t‑shirt) and a swimming cap for specified primary years are required and must be ordered from the school supplier. The Parents' Association (APEEE) runs the canteen, bus services and extracurricular activities; these services carry separate fees charged by the APEEE. Refund and cancellation information • The 25% enrolment deposit is non‑refundable. Locker rental is refundable pro rata if a pupil leaves before the end of the Secondary cycle. The school permits written requests for partial exemptions or instalment arrangements in cases of financial difficulty; full exonerations are not allowed. If fees remain unpaid at the end of the school year, the pupil may be removed from the rolls. Accepted payment methods • School tuition and school‑charge invoices are to be settled by bank transfer within the invoice deadline. The school's formal billing instructions indicate bank transfer as the payment method for the school fees; instalments can be requested in writing. APEEE services (canteen, buses, extracurricular activities) are administered and invoiced separately by the APEEE and follow their own payment arrangements. Sibling reductions and special conditions • For families with more than one child at the school in the same Category III group, reductions apply: for Category III pupils enrolled before 01/09/2013 the second child is charged at 50% of the rate; for Category III pupils enrolled after 31/08/2013 the second child is charged at 80% and subsequent children at 60% of the full rate. Written requests for partial exemption or instalment arrangements may be considered in cases of financial difficulty. Notes • The figures above are those published for the 2025/2026 academic year where applicable and where the school provides a school‑specific breakdown. The Secretary‑General's consolidated Category 3 figures for Brussels (2025/2026) are provided as a cross‑school reference.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement Sports uniform is compulsory for the primary cycle. Nursery students do not wear the sports uniform.
Food options	Food options —	Food options Two cafeterias are run by the APEEE: one in the R building and the Snack Shack between the B and G buildings. The canteen serves hot meals and snacks during lunchtime, with registration required for pupils.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership The school is part of the European Schools system. The Board of Governors governs strategic and general policy for the European Schools network, and enrolment is coordinated by the Central Enrolment Authority (CEA).
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details —	Curriculum details European School Brussels IV uses the European Schools curriculum and provides a multilingual, multicultural education from nursery to secondary, culminating in the European Baccalaureate at the end of S7. The European Baccalaureate is awarded by the Secretary General of the European Schools and is designed to enable access to higher education across the European Union. The school offers eight language sections: German, English, Bulgarian, Estonian, French, Italian, Dutch and Romanian, with Croatian available for SWALS pupils. Basic instruction is delivered in the official EU languages, and the curricula and syllabuses are the same across language sections, with a strong emphasis on mother tongue development and foreign languages. The school provides language certifications including DELF-DALF (French), DELF/DELE (Spanish), and Latinum certificates (Latinum Europaeum and Latinum Europaeum Superior). Educational support for high-potential or gifted pupils is built into the system, with appropriate challenges and options such as enrichment, tutoring, and extended periods; a Support Advisory Group oversees planning and decision-making for such pupils.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression The European Baccalaureate enables admission to higher education in the European Union and in other countries, with diploma holders enjoying the same rights and benefits as other secondary school-leavers for university entry within the EU. The diploma is recognized for university admission across Belgium and abroad.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented High-potential or gifted pupils receive adequate challenges and support. Actions toward HP or gifted pupils include privileged tutoring, opportunities to audition for other courses, meetings with the support coordinator, academic enrichment courses, organization and methodology courses, and support to participate in projects; pupils may be allowed to take more periods than the maximum regulated, subject to documentation and advisory opinion. The school's Support Advisory Group meets at least once a year to review and plan for pupil needs.
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning The school has KiVa, a program to combat bullying. The school operates KiVa teams in both the Primary and Secondary cycles, and school psychologists support pupil wellbeing.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) Educational support is provided at general, moderate, or intensive levels to assist pupils with difficulties or specific educational needs. Teachers employ diversified teaching methods and the support structures are flexible and adapt to the pupil's development. Documentation includes the European School Support Policy and local SEC Charter; coordinators can be contacted for support.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing The school places emphasis on pupil wellbeing. KiVa forms part of the anti-bullying strategy, and school psychologists support wellbeing. A Good Behaviour Policy Annexes and a Well-Being Strategy guide the school's approach to student welfare.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding The school has a Child Protection Policy with annexes detailing safeguarding procedures. Data protection policies are in place to protect personal data and privacy.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview The European School Brussels IV offers nursery, primary and secondary education on the Laeken site. Nursery and primary activities are housed in Building L, while the secondary cycle is housed in Building R. The campus includes a canteen, a Primary sport hall, a Sport hall, and a Multipurpose Hall for physical education, assemblies and events. There are dedicated science laboratories and spaces for Art and Music, plus two libraries (nursery/primary and secondary) to support reading and research. The site also provides administration offices, an infirmary and school psychologists, after‑school childcare, and various year‑specific learning and social spaces, including chill-out rooms for different year groups.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities The campus includes a Primary sport hall and a Sport hall for physical education, plus a Multipurpose Hall used for events and activities.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities Academic facilities include Science laboratories for hands-on experiments and dedicated Art and Music spaces. There are libraries for nursery/primary (in Building L) and for the secondary cycle (on the second floor). The school map identifies chill-out rooms for S1–S3 and for S4–S6, along with spaces for administration, the infirmary and school psychologists.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities The school organizes numerous projects and activities, including Green and Clean School, robotics, coding, Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), MotivAction, Erasmus+, the KiVa program, Somerfesto, an art exhibition and other cultural events.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History The European School Brussels IV was inaugurated in 2007 in Berkendael (Uccle). It was moved to its current location, Laeken, in 2012.
Community	Community —	Community The school operates Nursery, Primary and Secondary cycles. It has eight language sections: Bulgarian, Dutch, English, Estonian, French, German, Italian and Romanian. It counts approximately 3230 pupils.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association APEEE Bru4 is the Parents Association of the European School Brussels IV (Laeken). It is located on the school site and has autonomous status as an AISBL. The APEEE offers transport, cantine, and after-school care. Contact: secretariat@bru4.eu.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual The school runs Olympiads & Competitions in Biology, Chemistry, Physics; Philolympia; Informatics; Mathematics and other competitions. WEX (Work Experience) and CAAP programs are offered as part of secondary career guidance. Erasmus+ projects and eTwinning enable international collaboration and student exchanges. Inter Schools Activities include PhiloDay, Eurosport, FAMES, ESSS, Models (Diplomacy) and 13 Stars.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative Arts Week and Flea Market are part of Primary Projects. Music and Radio Confetti are features within Primary European Hours, and Secondary participates in the Music Project. These activities provide opportunities to create, perform and present work across Primary and Secondary levels.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language Language certifications offered include DELE, DELF-DALF, and Latinum. Inter Schools Activities include PhiloDay, Eurosport, FAMES, ESSS, Models (Diplomacy), and 13 Stars. Erasmus+ and eTwinning enable international collaboration and exchanges.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies Secondary Projects include School Clubs, Mini-Enterprises, Project Week and XperiLAB. Pupils' Committee provides student leadership opportunities. Inter Schools Activities include PhiloDay, Eurosport, FAMES, ESSS, Models (Diplomacy) and 13 Stars.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service Green & Clean School is a school-wide project promoting the environment. Solidarity is a dedicated project involving community-oriented activities. Eurosport operates with CAAP, offering volunteering opportunities for students.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional There is a Pupils' Committee that enables student governance and leadership. Career guidance is provided, including WEX & CAAP programs and guidance on option choices. A range of student-led projects under Inter Schools Activities and other clubs develops professional and entrepreneurial skills.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing KiVa anti-bullying program is implemented in the school. Sport activities and Sport PRI are offered across cycles. The school also promotes wellbeing through inclusive projects and activities such as Green & Clean School and related student initiatives.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision Eight language sections are offered: German (DE), English (EN), Bulgarian (BG), Estonian (ET) – up to S4 (for the 2025/26 year), French (FR), Italian (IT), Dutch (NL), Romanian (RO). Croatian (HR) is available for SWALS pupils only. The Estonian language section is not open at all levels yet; each year one more level opens until reaching S7. The school hosts approximately 3,230 students across these sections.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching The school provides multilingual and multicultural education. Instruction is delivered in the official languages of the European Union, and there are multiple language sections. Curricula and subject content (except for mother tongue) are identical across all sections.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions —	Admissions 1. Eligibility and language sections. The Brussels European Schools are primarily for the children of staff of European institutions. Admission uses three categories, with Category III described in Article 7.4 of the Brussels Enrollment Policy. The level of integration and age requirements are defined by the General Regulation of the European Schools (see Annex 2 for equivalences and Article 49 for age). Language sections currently open at EEB4 are BG (Bulgarian), DE (German), EN (English), ET (Estonian), FR (French), IT (Italian), NL (Dutch), RO (Romanian) and SWALS. 2. Access the two-step enrollment process. The process is organized in two steps: first, submit an eligibility request via the Enrollment Portal to gain access to the online enrollment form; second, submit the enrollment or transfer once access is granted. The Enrollment Portal link is published on the intranets of European institutions and with the Brussels Inscriptions Secretariat. If you already have a link and account, you do not need to submit a new eligibility request; your account is valid for 10 years. Children already enrolled for the current school year are automatically enrolled for the next year; no re-enrollment is necessary. 3. Submit the online enrollment or transfer with documents. The application or transfer must be submitted online via the Enrollment Portal (Portail des inscriptions), accompanied by all documents required (the list appears in Annex V of the Enrollment Policy). The online procedure and the Portal link are available on the intranets of European institutions and with the Brussels Inscriptions Secretariat; read the Brussels Enrollment Policy for 2025-2026 for details. For the 2025-2026 year, eligibility/enrollment requests are due by March 27, 2026 at 16:00, and mid-year admissions are not possible; no pupil may start schooling at a Brussels European School after April 13, 2026. 4. Read the policy and contact the admissions secretariat if needed. The Brussels Enrollment Policy for 2026-2027 is available from EURSC and on the Brussels Secretary General's Office site; read it carefully before applying. The enrollment process remains two-step (eligibility first, then enrollment) and information about the online process is provided on EU intranets and by the inscriptions secretariat.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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