International German School of Brussels vs The British International School of Brussels

	I International German School of Brussels Brussels, Belgium	T The British International School of Brussels Brussels, Belgium
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €13,900 - 20,660	Fees / year €8,660 - 24,990
Age range	Age range 0 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 11 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum, German Curriculum	Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum, British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils 120
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language German, English, French	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1803	Opened 2000
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location The iDSB campus is located in Wezembeek-Oppem, about 8 km east of Brussels, on extensive green grounds in a residential area near the E40 and the R0 motorway ring road. The address is Lange Eikstraat 71, B-1970 Wezembeek-Oppem. The school is easily accessible by private and public transport, with nearby routes connecting to Brussels.	Location The school is located centrally in Brussels, midway between NATO headquarters and the European Commission. The Acorn Department is at Avenue Emile Max 163, 1030 Brussels, Belgium.
Stages	Stages Bilingual Pre-school (ages 3 months to 6 years); Elementary School (four-year primary); Realschule (from grade 5 to around grade 9/10); Technical College (Fachoberschule, two years); Secondary School (Gymnasium) with the German International Abitur (DIAP).	Stages Two campus buildings: Emile Max hosts the Infant Department (ages 3–7); Avenue Emeraude hosts the Junior Department (ages 7–11).
School type	School type The school is an international German school in Brussels offering German curricula for students from kindergarten through final exams (DIAP).	School type The British International School of Brussels is a British Curriculum school for children aged 3–11.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support German as a Second/Foreign Language (DaZ/DaF) is offered as comprehensive support for children whose mother tongue is not German.	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Germany; German international school abroad (iDSB is described as a German school abroad and follows German curricula).	Country affiliation The school has a British affiliation (British Curriculum).
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure Classes begin at 8:00 a.m. and end at 1:15 p.m., 3:40 p.m., or 5:20 p.m., depending on subject choice. There is an all-day program with after-class activities and lunch (AG/MAG).	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details The school provides an independent taxi transport option through Taxi-Walter Zaventem; the transport contract is between parents and the taxi company; vehicles are Mercedes Vito/Viano; drivers speak English, French, and Dutch; registration is handled by contacting Taxi-Walter.	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Enrollment / Application fee - Enrollment fee (one-time): EUR 1,000 per student, reduced to EUR 500 from the third child attending the school. The enrollment fee is due upon signing the contract and is non-refundable. Tuition fees by school branch (annual and per school half‑year) - Crèche (bilingual Kindergarten with Preschool - Crèche): Annual EUR 20,660. Per school half‑year (annual ÷ 2): EUR 10,330. - KiBi1 (bilingual Kindergarten with Preschool): Annual EUR 17,077. Per school half‑year: EUR 8,538.50. - KiBi+ (extended kindergarten/preschool): Annual EUR 19,309. Per school half‑year: EUR 9,654.50. - Primary School (Grundschule): Annual EUR 13,900. Per school half‑year: EUR 6,950. - Primary School+ (extended): Annual EUR 15,782. Per school half‑year: EUR 7,891. - Secondary School (Sekundarschule): Annual EUR 15,343. Per school half‑year: EUR 7,671.50. - Secondary School (extended, up to grade 8): Annual EUR 17,164. Per school half‑year: EUR 8,582. (Note: the school defines and charges certain support and optional items on a per‑school half‑year basis; the per half‑year figures above are the annual amounts divided by two to show the equivalent half‑year value.) Language support and additional instructional fees - German as a foreign/second language (DaF/DaZ) – fee increase per additional weekly lesson, charged per school half‑year: - KiBi: EUR 400 per weekly lesson per half‑year. - Primary School: EUR 600 per weekly lesson per half‑year. - Secondary School: EUR 600 per weekly lesson per half‑year. - Intensive remedial teaching in English or French (if required in addition to included basic support): EUR 600 per weekly lesson per school half‑year. - Latin (as an additional third language, offered with four lessons per week): EUR 1,200 per school half‑year. Canteen (Mensa) / Lunch fees (per half term and per meal) - Meal of the day prices: - KiBi: EUR 5.20 per meal. - Primary School (GS): EUR 6.50 per meal. - Secondary School (Years 5 and 6) (OS Year 5 & 6): EUR 6.80 per meal. - Staggered registration and package prices (charged per half term): - 1 day/week: KiBi EUR 100; GS EUR 125; OS (Y5–6) EUR 130. - 2 days/week: KiBi EUR 200; GS EUR 250; OS EUR 260. - 3 days/week: KiBi EUR 295; GS EUR 370; OS EUR 380. - 4 days/week: KiBi EUR 395; GS EUR 495; OS EUR 515. - 5 days/week: KiBi EUR 495; GS EUR 615; OS EUR 645. - Booking for KiBi and Primary School is made at the beginning of a school term or for an entire school year via the parent portal; Years 5 and 6 have specific registration rules and payment‑card options as indicated. Discounts and fee reductions - Sibling discount: 25% for the second child and 45% for each additional child (applied to the lowest applicable school fees if siblings attend different branches). - Loyalty discount for primary and secondary students (applies progressively by years enrolled): Year 1 = 12.0%; Year 2 = 19.0%; Year 3 = 25.0%; Year 4 = 30.0%; Year 5 and subsequent years = 34.0%. - Hardship relief and other reductions may be granted in exceptional cases under separate school regulations. Discount applications must be submitted annually with employer confirmation where relevant. Billing schedule and payment terms - The full annual school‑fee amount is invoiced at the start of the school year and is generally payable 14 days after the invoice date. - Payment by instalments: self‑payers and partial self‑payers may pay in 10 equal monthly instalments (September to June) exclusively via direct debit. All other invoices are due 14 days after issue unless otherwise stated. - Bank account for payments: account holder Deutsche Schulverein Brüssel vzw/asbl at ING Bank, IBAN BE98 3100 3651 1593, BIC BBRUBEBB. - Late payment: reminders are issued; from the second reminder a late payment fee of 2% can be charged. Continued non‑payment may lead to debt collection, termination of school contracts for the family, and withholding of school reports/certificates until outstanding amounts are settled. Registrations, cancellations and leave of absence (refund / exemption rules) - Enrolment during the school year: if places are available, fees are charged from the first day of the month of enrolment. - Cancellation: written notice with a three‑month notice period to the end of the month is required. After publication of the new school fees (announced immediately after the General Assembly in May/June), there is a special right of termination of 4 weeks; cancellations must be received within 4 weeks after official communication of the new fees. The school fees remain payable until the cancellation becomes effective. Cancellation for the end of the school year must be submitted in writing by 31 May. The full annual fee must be paid for any year in which basic schooling is completed. - Leave of absence: an approved temporary deregistration (leave of absence) of three calendar months or more may result in an exemption from school fees for the period of absence. A leave of absence may be granted for a maximum of one school year. If a student does not return after leave, written termination must be given in due time. - Enrollment fee refund: the enrollment fee is explicitly non‑refundable. Boarding / residential accommodation - Boarding accommodation is not possible at this school; there are no boarding fees. Assistance may be provided to find a host family, but the school does not offer residential boarding. Other costs or fees - Additional instructional or incidental costs that can apply include language support (see amounts above), Latin lessons, mensa/canteen charges, and charges related to project groups or extracurricular offerings where applicable. Specific items such as excursions, teaching materials, examination fees or optional activities are charged separately where applicable. Mensa/canteen fees are published separately and apply in addition to tuition. Fee payment options - The published arrangements specify payment to the school bank account (IBAN and BIC above) and allow 10‑month direct‑debit instalments for eligible payers. The official fee schedule references direct debit and bank transfer details for payment processing. Summary statement - The school charges a one‑time non‑refundable enrolment fee and annual tuition according to the branch attended (Crèche, KiBi, Primary, Primary+, Secondary, Secondary extended). Mensa/canteen fees, language support, and certain optional subject fees are additional and are charged per half‑year or per half‑term as specified. Invoicing is annual, payable within 14 days, with a 10‑month direct‑debit instalment option for eligible payers; detailed discount, cancellation and leave‑of‑absence rules apply.	Fee details Application and registration fees - Non-refundable registration (application) fee: EUR 750. - Refundable deposit: EUR 600 (refundable on departure minus outstanding charges and subject to 90 days written notice). Any bank transfer charges for refunds to non-euro accounts are deducted from the deposit. Tuition fees by year group (full year, 10% on application, remaining balance) - Early Years 1/2 (mornings only): Full year EUR 11,560; 10% on application EUR 1,156; remaining EUR 10,404. - Early Years 1/2 (afternoons only — four afternoons, not including Wednesday afternoons): Full year EUR 8,660; 10% on application EUR 866; remaining EUR 7,794. - Early Years 1/2 (full days, not including Wednesday afternoons): Full year EUR 20,220; 10% on application EUR 2,022; remaining EUR 18,198. - Early Years 3 (not including Wednesday afternoons): Full year EUR 21,320; 10% on application EUR 2,132; remaining EUR 19,188. - Year 1 & Year 2 (including Wednesday afternoons): Full year EUR 23,850; 10% on application EUR 2,385; remaining EUR 21,465. - Years 3, 4, 5 & 6 (including Wednesday afternoons): Full year EUR 24,990; 10% on application EUR 2,499; remaining EUR 22,491. Per-term amounts (annual fee divided into three school terms — calculated amounts) - Early Years 1/2 (mornings only): approximately EUR 3,853.33 per term (EUR 11,560 ÷ 3). - Early Years 1/2 (afternoons only): approximately EUR 2,886.67 per term (EUR 8,660 ÷ 3). - Early Years 1/2 (full days): EUR 6,740.00 per term (EUR 20,220 ÷ 3). - Early Years 3: approximately EUR 7,106.67 per term (EUR 21,320 ÷ 3). - Year 1 & Year 2: EUR 7,950.00 per term (EUR 23,850 ÷ 3). - Years 3–6: approximately EUR 8,330.00 per term (EUR 24,990 ÷ 3). Billing schedule and payment terms - To secure a place the registration fee, deposit and a non-refundable 10% of the annual fees are required by the invoice date (or by May 3 if the child is already at the school). The remaining 90% of fees is due by mid-June (invoice specifies the exact date). - The school offers a monthly domiciliation (direct debit) payment scheme as an alternative to the single-balance payment. A completed Bank Mandate form must be returned before the child starts if paying by instalments. - For children joining after the start of the academic year, the payable proportion of the annual fee depends on the month of joining (the schedule in the fee documentation shows the percentage payable by joining month). For children leaving during the year the documentation shows the corresponding payment/refund percentages by leaving month. Monthly payment option (domiciliation) - The monthly option divides a full year into 10 equal monthly payments: the initial 10% is taken on application (or by May 3 if paid by direct debit), followed by 9 domiciliation payments from June 3 to February 3 (dates extend for children joining later as specified in the payment schedule). Refunds and deposit refund conditions - The refundable deposit (EUR 600) is returned on departure minus outstanding charges and only if the school receives 90 days written notice of the child's last day. Any bank transfer fees for refunds to non-euro accounts are deducted from the deposit. The school provides a month-by-month refund schedule showing the percentage refund or payment due depending on the month the child leaves. Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable for this school (the school serves children aged 3–11). There are no boarding fees. Other costs and additional fees - The published fee schedule does not list a mandatory uniform fee, exam fees, or other mandatory additional charges in the fee document. Any optional extras, trips, lunches or extracurricular charges are not specified in the published fee schedule and would be charged separately if applicable. Payment methods and bank details - Bank transfer (account name: British International School of Brussels asbl) using IBAN: BE77 0017 2460 6042 and BIC: GEBABEBB at BNP Paribas Fortis. When making a payment include the child's name and/or invoice number in the transfer communication. Transfers from foreign banks are accepted provided the remitter pays any handling charges. Domiciliation (direct debit) is used for monthly instalments. No credit-card payment method is specified in the published fee schedule.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements All-day programme with supervision until 6 pm.	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options Lunchtime options include a hot lunch in the refectory, a picnic brought from home, or a snack from the bistro in the secondary school. The primary school offers cooking in English as an activity within the all-day programme.	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The Board of Governors governs the school and was newly elected on 11 December 2023; it works with the school management, the parents' council and the student council. Contact: schulverein@idsb.eu.	Governance and ownership BISB is governed by the BISB Advisory Board, with Stephen Prescott as Board Chair. BISB was founded in 2000 by Stephen and Helen Prescott, who remain involved as founders. Edward Prescott is BISB's Business Manager.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Secondary education runs from grade 5 to grade 12 and leads to the German International Abitur Examination (DIAP). Teaching is based on the Thuringian Educational Plan, a high quality standard approved by German authorities, and the curriculum is aligned with German states to ensure transfers within German schools abroad and in Germany. The language program develops high language competence with English and French from grade 5, bilingual subjects from grade 6, and from grade 8 Spanish as a third foreign language; in grade 10 Dutch can also be chosen. The primary teaching language is German; bilingual instruction in English and/or French occurs in bilingual subjects from grade 6. The science section includes IT as an additional subject and practical work in the Science Lab. From grade 8, students choose between a language focus or a science focus, with Spanish added for the linguistic track; Latinum is available for pupils with prior language knowledge. Class sizes range from 16 to 24 students, with a maximum of 25, and there are two classes per grade level. Classes run from 8:00 am to 3:40 pm, with early dismissal at 1:10 pm on Wednesdays and Fridays for grades 5–9 and longer hours up to 5:20 pm for grades 10–12. The DIAP entitles students to study at any university worldwide. Our graduates have strong results with 2022 average Abitur grade 1.9 (33 graduates), 2023 average 1.9 (20 graduates), and 2024 average 1.8 (33 graduates).	Curriculum details British-based curriculum following the English National Curriculum from Early Years through to the end of Key Stage 2. Pre-Nursery to Reception form the Early Years Foundation Stage; from Reception onward, four French lessons per week. The Primary years are divided into Key Stage 1 (Years 1-2, ages 5-7) and Key Stage 2 (Years 3-6, ages 7-11). Teaching focuses on core subjects such as English, Mathematics and Science, complemented by cross-curricular topics; reading is central to the curriculum. The program is taught in English and French lessons are delivered from Reception to Year 6.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio Class sizes are between 16 and 24 students, with a maximum of 25. There are two classes per grade level.	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results The DIAP entitles students to study at any university worldwide. Graduation results include 2022 average Abitur grade 1.9 with 33 graduates, 2023 average 1.9 with 20 graduates, and 2024 average 1.8 with 33 graduates.	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression The German International Abitur Examination (DIAP) entitles students to study at any university worldwide.	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning The BISB Learning Principles emphasise personal, social and emotional development as a core part of learning. Learning is collaborative and social, nurtured through respectful relationships and open communication. Learning is creative, contextual and authentic, and is tailored to each child within a caring and supportive environment. Personal, Social and Emotional Development is one of the seven key areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) The school offers extra pastoral support for pupils with SEN, disabilities or health issues. The policy recognises that SEN pupils can face additional safeguarding challenges and outlines additional support. The school provides pastoral resources to support these pupils and aims to ensure inclusive access.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language The school teaches in English. Taught in English, it also offers specialist support for non-English speakers. French is taught from Reception to Year 6. The curriculum follows the English National Curriculum.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing Pastoral care supports student wellbeing. The Head of Pastoral Care serves as the Designated Safeguarding Lead. Safeguarding and wellbeing are supported by staff training on safeguarding and online safety. The school emphasizes developing the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding The BISB Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy was ratified on 21 February 2024 and next review is due by February 2026. The Designated Safeguarding Lead is Mrs. Alison Davies (Head of Pastoral Care) and the Deputy DSL is Mrs. Jane Still; the Designated Governor for Safeguarding is Mrs. Helen Prescott. Local safeguarding partners include SOS Enfants and Schaerbeek Police. The policy covers online safety, reporting procedures, and safeguarding for pupils with SEN or health issues.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview iDSB is located in Wezembeek-Oppem, about 8 km east of Brussels, on extensive green grounds and easily accessible by private and public transport. Brussels' oldest international German school serves around 590 students and offers a German curriculum from kindergarten to Abitur in a family atmosphere. The primary language of instruction is German in the elementary and secondary levels, with bilingual options in the kindergarten and English and French offered from early grades. The campus features two modern gymnasiums, a ball court on the playground, and ping-pong tables, with a smaller gym available during lunch. Two libraries (one in the primary and one in the secondary) support reading and research, including foreign-language literature, and a Science Lab supports practical science work. The school also runs a lively all-day program (GSplus and OSplus) with a wide range of activities across language, nature, sport, music, theatre and art.	Facilities overview BISB operates on a two-building campus in central Brussels: the Emile Max building houses the Infant Department and the Avenue Emeraude building houses the Junior Department. Together these buildings form the BISB campus, located between NATO and the European Commission. The Infant Department and Junior Department cater to children aged 3–11. The Acorn Department address is Avenue Emile Max 163, 1030 Brussels.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Two modern equipped gymnasiums ensure regular physical activity for students. Swimming lessons take place in 3rd and 4th grade for half a year. The primary and secondary schools have a ball court on the playground, several ping-pong tables, and a small gym used by the secondary during lunch breaks. The iDSB offers a large range of sport AG activities and participates in many sporting competitions with Flemish and German schools. Every two years, the European Games of the German Schools Abroad take place at the iDSB.	Sports facilities BISB places considerable emphasis on physical activity, offering a wide variety of sports, gymnastics, and dance. Children have blocks of swimming lessons throughout the year, and Key Stage 2 pupils have tennis lessons at a local sport centre. The school also runs an outdoor education programme with orienteering, archery, and hiking to promote fitness and exploration.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The science track includes IT as an additional subject and hands-on work in the Science Lab. There are two libraries supporting reading and research, one in the primary school and one in the secondary school, with foreign-language literature available. The school uses digital teaching content from an early stage to support modern teaching.	Academic facilities BISB has two well-stocked libraries: the Infant Library and the Junior Department Library, which students visit weekly to borrow titles. The Junior Library features comfortable modular seating, modern lighting, an interactive screen, and a stage area, serving as a hub for activities such as debating, drama, music, and cinema sessions. The curriculum is taught in English, with specialist support for non-English speakers and French taught from Reception to Year 6. Reading for pleasure is encouraged and supported through a rich library provision.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities GSplus and OSplus are the extracurricular all-day programs offering activities during lunch and after school, with numerous AGs in movement, music, creative, extra and supplementary teaching areas. A wide range of activities in language, nature, sport, music, theatre and art take place in both the primary and secondary school, with supervision until 6 pm. Art, music and theatre are highlighted through exhibitions and performances, including the Kunst ist Kult biennial and the Year 12 art show. The iDSB also participates in European Games for German Schools Abroad, and has hosted events like Model United Nations.	Extra curricular facilities The Junior Library acts as a hub for activities such as debating, drama, music and cinema sessions. BISB also engages in global education initiatives and partnerships, including collaborations with higher education institutions for global education projects. Outdoor education provides orienteering, archery, and hiking activities as part of the program. Weekly library visits support reading for pleasure and access to a wide range of books. Parent workshops are offered to keep families informed and involved in the learning journey.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Brussels' oldest international school, iDSB, has offered education based on German curricula since 1803. Newcomers quickly feel at home due to a family atmosphere, and every child finds a suitable path from kindergarten to final exams. The school serves around 590 students. The campus is located in Wezembeek-Oppem, about 8 km east of Brussels. In the primary school, the primary language of instruction is German, with English or French offered from grade 1.	History Founded in September 2000 with the first school building on Avenue Emile Max, BISB was chosen for its impressive interior and central location between the European Commission and NATO. The school expanded in 2009 to a second building on Avenue Emeraude, a short distance away. The Emile Max building now hosts the Infant Department (ages 3–7) and the Avenue Emeraude building houses the Junior Department (ages 7–11). BISB operates as a British Curriculum school for children aged 3–11. In 2025 BISB celebrated 25 years of supporting and inspiring young minds.
Community	Community iDSB hosts alumni meetings and foyer talks to connect students with the broader school community. A spring flea market, circus week, and an Open Day are part of the school's calendar. The calendar includes annual performances such as musical theatre and Christmas concerts, along with a New Year's reception organized by the School Association.	Community BISB fosters a warm, nurturing environment and a close-knit community where every child is known and cared for as an individual. Our parents appreciate the personalised attention their children receive. A successful education is built on strong partnerships between school and home, and BISB values open, effective communication. Through daily chats, weekly photo updates on the school app, and Parent Workshops, BISB keeps families informed and involved.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association Schulverein (School Association) sponsors the iDSB. The grounds and school buildings are the property of the Federal Republic of Germany and are used by iDSB free of charge under a usage agreement with the German government. The Schulverein was founded in 1951 under Belgian law as a non-profit association and serves as the sponsor of the iDSB. Most German schools abroad are registered associations under host-country law, and the Schulverein concludes contracts for the iDSB in its name. The School Association can be reached at schulverein@idsb.eu.	Parent teacher association Parent involvement at BISB is supported through Parent Workshops. The school maintains open, effective communication with families. A close partnership between school and home supports student learning. Daily chats and weekly photo updates on the school app help families stay connected. BISB fosters a community where parents are informed and part of their child's learning journey.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The iDSB offers education based on German curricula since 1803, serving around 590 students. The primary language of instruction is German; English and French are taught from grade 1, with bilingual subject teaching beginning in grade 6, and Arabic? No. Spanish and Dutch are added later, and Latinum can be pursued; DaZ/DaF support is provided when needed. The curriculum follows the Thuringian Educational Plan, with a language or science focus from grade 8 onward and IT integrated into science; the German International Abitur Examination (DIAP) qualifies graduates to study at universities worldwide.	Academic & intellectual Debating, drama and cinema sessions are hosted in the Junior Department Library, providing opportunities to develop critical thinking and presentation skills outside the classroom. The school places reading at the core of learning with two well-stocked libraries that pupils visit weekly to borrow and read a wide range of titles. Reading for pleasure is encouraged to build comprehension, vocabulary and breadth of knowledge. Cross-curricular topics connect different subjects in engaging, real-world contexts.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Art, music, and theater are integrated into iDSB's School Plus. Music theatre is offered for years 4–6 and again for years 10–12, with performances such as the iDSB music theatre productions and the Mona-Lisa Theatre, and annual events like the iDSB Christmas Concert. The school also hosts other cultural productions, including events featuring partner schools and visiting groups.	Arts & creative The Junior Department Library hub hosts drama, music and cinema sessions alongside debating, nurturing creativity and expressive skills. Pupils receive specialist Music lessons twice a week, supporting musical development across year groups. Through library activities and performances, students engage in arts and culture across drama, music and cinema.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The school fosters internationality with more than 30 nationalities and offers extensive language opportunities beyond the core German program. Modern English and French lessons begin in grade 5 with bilingual subject teaching from grade 6, and Spanish is added from grade 8 with Dutch from grade 10; Latinum is possible for students with prior knowledge. The Model United Nations is among the international activities emphasizing political education, and there are language-learning opportunities across clubs, exchanges, and library resources; a Week in German event also engages students with German language and culture.	Cultural & language Four French lessons are taught weekly from Reception through Year 6, strengthening language skills and cultural awareness. English is the main language of tuition, with specialist support available for non-English speakers. The bilingual environment and language learning are tailored to reflect the diverse international community.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies A wide range of social and hobby activities includes an annual flea market, circus weeks, and musical theatre productions, as well as poetry slams and student theatre projects. The school hosts events such as the Regenburger Domspatzen performance and the iDSB Christmas Concert, providing opportunities for students to engage in performing arts and community life, as well as clubs and after-school activities that vary by year.	Social & hobbies The school's library spaces support social activity through debates, drama and cinema sessions. Outdoor education includes orienteering, archery and hiking to promote teamwork and outdoor learning. The school emphasises physical activity with a wide range of sports, gymnastics and dance.
Community & service	Community & service The iDSB runs social projects and encourages community engagement, including Focus Day activities in Brussels through a social-engagement team that participates in local projects such as Serve The City. The school and its community regularly organize and participate in social initiatives and outreach, with alumni and a School Association contributing to community life and partnerships in Brussels; philanthropic activities are highlighted in school communications.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The school offers formal study and career guidance, including individual career counselling, learning monitoring, and support for choosing courses of study and career paths. Each year includes opportunities such as the school's own career fair or a professional career entry fair, professionally supervised work placements, university information days, and preparation for entrance and language tests; counselling is provided by the Federal Employment Agency.	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Two modern gymnasiums and swimming for grades 3–4 support physical activity, with regular PE for higher grades and a strong focus on movement throughout the day. The school emphasizes active breaks like the Bewegende Pause, a Relaxed Break, and Mindful Monday Morning, along with after-school sports, trips, tournaments, and a varied afternoon activities program to promote physical and mental well-being.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Physical activity is emphasised with a wide variety of sports, gymnastics and dance. The outdoor education programme includes orienteering, archery and hiking. These activities promote fitness, resilience and well-being.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision German is the language of instruction in the primary and secondary school. English and French are offered as foreign languages from grade 1 in the primary school and from grade 5 in the secondary school, with Spanish and Dutch available as additional languages. Latinum is available for learners with prior knowledge, and DaZ/DaF support is provided for newcomers. Bilingual instruction begins in grade 6 (geography); from grade 8 History and Biology are taught epochally, and from grade 10 Economics is taught entirely in English or French.	Language provision English is the language of instruction. From Reception onward, all pupils receive four French lessons per week, and French is taught through Year 6. The school provides specialist support for non-English speakers.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching Bilingual preschool offers German/English and German/French groups. Bilingual subject instruction begins in grade 6; from grade 8 History and Biology are taught epochally, and from grade 10 Economics is taught entirely in English or French.	Bilingual teaching English is the language of instruction; French is taught as a subject (not described as part of a bilingual program).
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards null	Awards null
Accreditations	Accreditations Internationally accredited The school is Brussels' oldest international school and has offered a German-curriculum education since 1803. The school has about 590 students and 30 nationalities.	Accreditations null
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Register your child by completing the online application form. The online form is accessible via the 'Register online now' link. Provide accurate information about your child and family. The form starts the admissions process. 2. Gather the required documents for registration: a copy of your child's birth certificate; a copy of the parents' passports; and the most recent report card (from 1st Grade). The documents listed are needed for registration. For future first-graders, a Confirmation of school readiness is additionally required. These documents are part of the registration materials. 3. For future first-graders, Confirmation of school readiness is additionally required. Include it with the registration materials. This is an additional document requested for those applicants. It accompanies the standard registration documents. 4. Register online now via the portal: use the 'Register online now' link to access the online registration. The online registration directs you to the portal (idsb.phidias.es). Submit the registration through the online portal. 5. There are no deadlines for registration; registrations during the year are possible. Registrations can be made year-round. You can register at any time.	Admissions 1. Submit an enquiry through BISB's enquiry form. The form collects the child's first name, last name, date of birth, anticipated start date, languages spoken at home, and contact details. You must check the BISB Data Handling Policy box to indicate you have read and understood it. BISB will contact you to arrange an appointment. 2. Attend BISB's Open Day to visit the school and meet staff. Open Day allows you to drop in during a 10:00–14:00 window to view the classrooms and speak with teachers. An online session is available at 14:00 for those who cannot attend in person. 3. Enrollment is accepted throughout the school year. BISB provides classes from Nursery to Year 6 and follows the British National Curriculum. The curriculum is taught in English and includes French lessons from Reception to Year 6. The school also offers specialist support for non-English speakers.
Scholarships	Scholarships Scholarships to attend the Fachoberschule (FOS) of the iDSB are offered. Applications are open to students of all school types in grade 10 (grade 11 in the school year of the scholarship) who are not yet members of the iDSB school community. Three two-year partial scholarships are offered, which cover the admission fee as well as 60% of the annual fee for the school education at the iDSB technical secondary school. The scholarship does not cover incidental expenses. The scholarship includes a school visit in our small FOS class, in an inviting school atmosphere with high quality teaching and a wide range of support opportunities, as well as a wide range of activities beyond the regular lessons. Boarding school accommodation is not possible at the iDSB, but assistance in finding a host family can be arranged if necessary. How to apply: Interested persons can apply by e-mail to our headmaster, Jochen Flohn, with the following documents: Letter of motivation from the student (approx. 1 DIN A4 page); Last school report; Proof of German language skills; Other certificates (optional). If you have any questions, please contact our Welcome Office. Admission contact: +32 (0)2 785 0135; aufnahme@idsb.eu. Selection criteria include high interest in a job-oriented education with a strong practical orientation; motivation, extracurricular ambitions and professional interest in the field of business & administration; social, civic or political commitment. Applications are open to students in grade 10 who are not yet members of the iDSB community and whose school fees are borne by a natural person. The level of German language skills must be sufficient to follow the lessons (at least level B2).	Scholarships —
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