ISF Tervuren International School vs The British International School of Brussels

	I ISF Tervuren International School Brussels, Belgium	T The British International School of Brussels Brussels, Belgium
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €14,020 - 20,820	Fees / year €8,660 - 24,990
Age range	Age range 2 - 11 years	Age range 3 - 11 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), British Curriculum	Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum, British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils 120
Typical class size	Typical class size 18	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened 2000
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Stationsstraat 3, 3080 Tervuren, Belgium. Located in the quiet, international village of Vossem in the commune of Tervuren, ISF Tervuren is approximately 15 minutes from 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 Early Years and Primary School. Early Years serve children aged 2.5–4 (Pre-School and Pre-Primary) and Primary School comprises Years 1–6 for ages 5–11.	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 International School of Flanders (ISF) Tervuren is an English-speaking international school and is part of the ISF group, with campuses including ISF Waterloo.	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 EAL (English as an Additional Language) support is provided; EAL and French classrooms are located in Dotremont House.	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Belgium	Country affiliation The school has a British affiliation (British Curriculum).
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure School hours: Primary 8:55–15:30; Early Years 8:55–12:30 (mornings) or 8:55–15:30 (full day). Pre-School finishes at 12:30 on Wednesdays. Breaks: 10:30–11:00; Lunch: 12:30–13:30. Before/After School Care: 7:45–8:45; 15:30–17:30; Wednesdays clubs 12:30–17:30. Lunch is nut-free.	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details Bus service is available with morning and afternoon door-to-door pickup for an extra annual fee; tariffs: under 7 km €3,300; 7–15 km €3,500; 15–25 km €4,000. Routes cover Tervuren, Wezembeek-Oppem, Kraainem, Woluwe-St-Pierre and Sterrebeek.	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application & one‑time fees - Registration fee (first child): EUR 750 (one‑time, non‑refundable). - Registration fee (each subsequent child): EUR 250 (one‑time, non‑refundable). - School Development Fund (per family): EUR 1,000 (one‑time, non‑refundable). Annual tuition — personal (private) tariff (year groups and per‑term breakdown) - Pre‑School (Early Years): EUR 14,020 per year. - Per‑term schedule (50% / 25% / 25%): Term 1: EUR 7,010; Term 2: EUR 3,505; Term 3: EUR 3,505. (Per‑term figures are calculated from the annual fee using the school's published three‑instalment billing split.) - Pre‑Primary to Year 2: EUR 19,430 per year. - Per‑term schedule (50% / 25% / 25%): Term 1: EUR 9,715; Term 2: EUR 4,857.50; Term 3: EUR 4,857.50. (Per‑term figures calculated as above.) - Year 3 to Year 6: EUR 20,820 per year. - Per‑term schedule (50% / 25% / 25%): Term 1: EUR 10,410; Term 2: EUR 5,205; Term 3: EUR 5,205. (Per‑term figures calculated as above.) Annual tuition — professional (employer‑sponsored) tariff (year groups and per‑term breakdown) - Pre‑School (employer): EUR 19,740 per year. - Per‑term schedule (50% / 25% / 25%): Term 1: EUR 9,870; Term 2: EUR 4,935; Term 3: EUR 4,935. - Pre‑Primary to Year 2 (employer): EUR 27,900 per year. - Per‑term schedule (50% / 25% / 25%): Term 1: EUR 13,950; Term 2: EUR 6,975; Term 3: EUR 6,975. - Year 3 to Year 6 (employer): EUR 29,455 per year. - Per‑term schedule (50% / 25% / 25%): Term 1: EUR 14,727.50; Term 2: EUR 7,363.75; Term 3: EUR 7,363.75. Billing schedule and payment terms - Standard billing uses three instalments: 50% due on the first invoicing date, then two instalments of 25% each due on the two subsequent invoicing dates. Example dates and instalment pattern are published as 50% then 25% and 25% across the school year; invoices are issued in EUR. Invoices and the school's three‑instalment structure are used to calculate per‑term amounts. - Invoices are payable in EURO; bank charges are the payer's responsibility. The school publishes bank transfer details (ING, with IBAN and BIC shown on fee invoices). A charge for late payment applies and school reports may be withheld until all fees are settled. - Late enrolments are charged on a pro‑rata basis; the school publishes pro‑rated fee examples for starters after the academic year begins. Early withdrawal can affect the total charge for the year (the school's published terms specify reductions depending on withdrawal date). Sibling discount - Families paying the full personal (private) tariff receive a 10% reduction on the second child and any subsequent child. Transport (school bus) fees - School bus is charged separately as an annual tariff based on distance (daily round‑trip service during term time). Typical published annual tariffs are: - Under 7 km: EUR 3,300 per passenger per year. - 7–15 km: EUR 3,500 per passenger per year. - 15–25 km: EUR 4,000 per passenger per year. - The tariff distance is measured by the fastest route and one‑way contracts are offered at a reduced rate (published reduction: 10% off the annual tariff for one‑way service). Bus service is optional and billed in addition to annual tuition. Boarding - No boarding provision: the school is a day school (daycare, preschool and primary provision for ages from early years through Year 6). Boarding fees are not applicable. Other costs and what is / is not included - Items explicitly included in the annual tuition: all classroom supplies and educational materials, school day trips to museums/zoos/educational sites, one school T‑shirt, and school photographs. - Items explicitly not included in the annual tuition and charged separately where applicable: school bus service, annual overnight (residential) school trip, occupational therapy, before and after school care (garderie), and most clubs and extracurricular activities. Before and after school care is available at additional cost with a separate fee structure. - Dress code and uniform: there is no compulsory school uniform; the school issues an ISF Tervuren T‑shirt for sports and additional ISF clothing items (polo shirts, sweaters) can be purchased from the school office at additional cost. Refunds and withdrawal adjustments - Registration fee and School Development Fund payments are non‑refundable. - Withdrawal during the school year may result in a reduction of the full year's fees according to published withdrawal terms; the school's published examples show a graduated reduction if withdrawal occurs before a cutoff date and no reduction after later cutoff dates. Specific reduction percentages and deadlines are published in the school's fees and general conditions. Fee payment options and practical notes - Payment method shown on invoices: bank transfer in EUR (school bank account details, including IBAN and BIC, are provided on invoices). Bank charges are the payer's responsibility. A late‑payment charge can be applied and outstanding fees may affect release of school records. Summary of the main figures (annual) - Registration fee (first child): EUR 750. - School Development Fund (per family): EUR 1,000. - Tuition (personal tariff): Pre‑School EUR 14,020; Pre‑Primary–Year 2 EUR 19,430; Year 3–6 EUR 20,820. - Bus tariffs (typical annual ranges): EUR 3,300–EUR 4,000 depending on distance. (Where instalment amounts are shown above, they were calculated from the published annual tuition totals using the school's published three‑instalment billing split of 50% / 25% / 25%.)	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 —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement No compulsory school uniform. An ISF Tervuren t-shirt is provided for sports lessons; parents supply additional clothing. Polo-shirts and long-sleeve sweaters can be purchased from the office.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options The school promotes healthy eating. Students bring a snack for mid-morning break and lunch; lunches are eaten in the lunchroom. There is a no-nut policy.	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership ISF Tervuren is governed by a Board of Directors as a Belgian not-for-profit association. The Board handles legal and financial probity, long-term strategic planning, and policy setting, including recruitment and evaluation of the Executive Head. The Advisory Board supports the Board in decision-making and includes representatives from the ISF community.	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 —	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 —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	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 —	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 —	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 —	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 —	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 ISF Trust was legally established in 1998 as ISF Educational Trust vzw and took on its present name in May 2012. Its objectives are to provide teaching and care for children of all nationalities, with English as the main teaching language, and to support institutions following internationally recognized curricula. The Trustees engage in operations to promote the Trust's purpose, including reinvestment to fund scholarships and grants to support education. ISF Tervuren has served expatriate families in the Tervuren area for over 40 years.	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 ISF Tervuren is located in the village of Vossem, Tervuren, about 15 minutes from Brussels. The campus comprises Dotremont House (Years 1–6 and resource rooms), Frantzen House (gym, music room) and Van Dyck Villa (Early Years), with Boch House housing the Daycare; the grounds include green spaces, a Wild Life Garden, a pond, a vegetable garden and an outdoor classroom. English, French and Dutch are offered, and ISF Tervuren is a Google for Education School with staff who are Google Certified. Friends of ISF coordinates activities and provides a welcoming community, with regular coffee mornings with the Head of School to help new families settle in.	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 Friends of ISF is ISF Tervuren's parent-teacher association. Joining helps you meet other families, build a supportive network and engage with the school community. Regular coffee mornings with the Head of School are held for informal contact, and new parents are paired with a support family. The Friends of ISF are active and arrange a wide variety of activities for the children; parents can participate or volunteer for events. To get involved with the PTA, contact Friends of ISF.	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 —	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 —	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 —	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 —	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 —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	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 English, French and Dutch are taught at ISF Tervuren. In Early Years, Pre-School offers lessons in English, French and Dutch, promoting bilingual development from an early age. In Primary School, French and Dutch are delivered as specialist language programmes alongside English instruction. English is the main language of instruction at the school.	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 The school offers English, French and Dutch. In Pre-School (Early Years), lessons are provided in English, French and Dutch, exposing children to bilingual development from an early age. In Primary School, French and Dutch are delivered as specialist language programmes by language specialists. English is the main language of instruction.	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 —	Awards null
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations null
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions —	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 —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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