ISF Waterloo International School vs Roots and Wings School

	I ISF Waterloo International School Brussels, Belgium	R Roots and Wings School Brussels, Belgium
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €14,020 - 23,980	Fees / year €12,300 - 14,500
Age range	Age range 0 - 18 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IPC (International Primary Curriculum), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, Reggio Emilia Approach
Pupils	Pupils 220	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 18	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English, French
Opened	Opened —	Opened 2009
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location ISF Waterloo International School is located on the border of Sint-Genesius-Rode (Flanders) and Waterloo (Walloon Region) in Brussels' southern suburbs. The campus comprises five buildings, two large playgrounds with distinct play zones for different age groups, and two car parks. The buildings are named after significant people or places in the Battle of Waterloo.	Location The school is located in Brussels, Belgium, in the Woluwe-Saint-Lambert area at Avenue Jacques Brel 30, 1200 Woluwe-Saint-Lambert. It has recently moved to a green setting near the woods of Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, with daily outdoor surroundings described as welcoming for learning. The woods provide a natural environment for daily activities.
Stages	Stages The school has Early Years (Oranje House) for 2.5–4-year-olds, Primary School (Papelotte Wing) for Year 1–3 (4–6 years old) with Year 5–6 classrooms on the first floor, and Secondary School in the Buonaparte Centre. Blucher House houses the Media & Learning Centre and the Library, with English Language support and access to an Occupational Therapist.	Stages Preschool; Primary; Secondary
School type	School type The school is an international day school with Early Years, Primary School and Secondary School provision, and on-site ISF International Daycare.	School type international school
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The school provides English Language support (EAL). The Social Counsellor's office and an Occupational Therapist are available on site.	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Belgium	Country affiliation —
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure School hours are 9:00–15:30 for Primary (9:00–12:30 on Wednesdays) and 8:55–15:45 for Middle & High. Breaks are 10:30–11:00 and 11:30–12:15; lunch is 12:30–13:30 or 13:50–14:05. Before and after school care runs 7:45–8:45 and 15:45–17:30, with Wednesday Primary care 12:30–17:30.	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details ISF Waterloo offers a bus service with three minibuses (one 19+1 seater and two 8+1 seaters). The tariff is distance-based: under 7 km €3,300; 7–15 km €3,500; 15–25 km €4,000, with a 10% reduction for one-way contracts; routes include Waterloo, Rhode-St-Genese, and Brussels area.	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application / Registration Fees - Registration (one-off): EUR 750. The registration fee is payable on submission of the application and is non-refundable except when a waiting list is in operation and the school subsequently refuses a place for the requested start date. - School Development Fund (one-off per family): EUR 1,000. This one-off fee is invoiced with the first instalment of the school fees and is payable before the student starts. Tuition fees by year group (Personal tariff, academic year 2025/26 published amounts; annual and per-term equivalents shown) Notes on per-term equivalents: the amounts shown as “per term” are the published annual tuition divided into three equal instalments for convenience (the school calendar and communications reference three terms per year). The per-term figures below are calculated by dividing the annual fee by three. - Kindergarten 1 (age 3) - Annual: EUR 14,020. - Per term (annual ÷ 3 — calculated): EUR 4,673.33. - Kindergarten 2 (age 4) and Kindergarten 3 / Grade 1 (ages 4–6) - Annual: EUR 19,430. - Per term (calculated): EUR 6,476.67. - Grade 2 – Grade 5 (approx. Years 2–6) - Annual: EUR 20,820. - Per term (calculated): EUR 6,940.00. - Grade 6 – Grade 8 (Years 7–9 / lower secondary range) - Annual: EUR 23,040. - Per term (calculated): EUR 7,680.00. - IGCSE (upper middle years / Years 10) - Annual: EUR 23,600. - Per term (calculated): EUR 7,866.67. - A‑Levels / Year 11–12 (senior secondary / Years 11–12) - Annual: EUR 23,980. - Per term (calculated): EUR 7,993.33. Corporate tariff (where employer or corporate sponsor pays) - The school publishes a separate corporate tariff (higher than the personal tariff). Example corporate annual rates published for 2025/26 include: Pre‑School and lower years shown at higher corporate rates (examples: Pre‑School corporate approx. EUR 18,980; various primary/secondary corporate rates range from approx. EUR 26,825 up to EUR 32,750 for A‑levels). These corporate rates are applied when an employer/corporate sponsor signs the corporate commitment. Billing schedule and payment terms - Fees are invoiced in advance in line with the school's annual financial schedule and contractual General Conditions. The school requires payment in accordance with the invoice and the General Conditions. The school may adjust published fees with 30 days' written notice. - Contract termination / withdrawal and reductions: a parent or corporate sponsor may terminate the school‑fees contract during the school year by giving 30 days' written notice. Reduction to the annual fees on withdrawal is specified as follows: withdrawal between 1 September and 31 January results in a 25% reduction to the full‑year fees; withdrawal after 31 January provides no reduction. - Overdue payments: administrative reminder charges and interest apply to overdue invoice balances. The General Conditions specify an administrative charge per reminder (example: EUR 125 per reminder) and an interest charge on overdue balances (example: 1% per month). - Per‑term presentation: per‑term figures above are shown as equal thirds of the annual tuition for practical use; the school calendar and communications reference three school terms. Parents should note that actual invoice instalments, invoice dates and due dates are set on the school invoice/financial schedule. Boarding - Boarding is not applicable; ISF Waterloo operates as a day school. Other regular costs and optional extras - Bus service (annual, optional): daily round‑trip bus tariffs are charged per passenger and depend on distance. Current published annual bus tariff bands are: under 7 km EUR 3,300; 7–15 km EUR 3,500; 15–25 km EUR 4,000. One‑way contracts receive a 10% reduction on the tariff. - Before‑ and after‑school care (garderie): a fee structure is applied for morning and afternoon care; the detailed fee structure is handled by the school office (garderie sessions are available at set morning/afternoon times). Lunch ordering from the caterer is available for an extra charge (meals are halal/non‑pork with vegetarian options). - School wear / uniform: ISF Waterloo does not require a formal school uniform. The school provides an ISF Waterloo T‑shirt for sports; additional logoed items (polo shirts, sweatshirts, fleeces) are available for purchase at extra cost. - Extra curricular activities, trips and exam fees: many day trips and certain in‑school items are included in the annual fee for specific year groups, while some external trips, examination fees (IGCSE/A‑levels where applicable) or specific optional activities may carry additional charges invoiced separately. Sibling discount - A 10% sibling reduction on the tuition component is applied to the second child and any subsequent child under the Personal tariff. Refund information - Registration fee: non‑refundable except where a place is refused while the application is on a waiting list. - School Development Fund: invoiced with the first instalment and payable before starting; the General Conditions indicate it is a once‑only fee due on first enrolment. - Withdrawal refunds / reductions: termination requires 30 days' written notice; reduction to annual fees on withdrawal is 25% if withdrawal occurs between 1 September and 31 January, and 0% after 31 January. Fee payment options (how families are asked to pay) - The ISF group operates invoicing and bank‑payment procedures; ISF campus communications and ISF‑linked daycare pages describe payments made by bank transfer and invoicing arrangements. Families are routinely invoiced and bank transfer is used for payments to ISF entities (daycare enrolment pages show bank‑transfer payment for registration and monthly invoicing arrangements). Parents will receive formal invoices and the school's financial documentation states payment terms, due dates and any applicable bank/account details on those invoices. Summary (key points for parents) - One‑off fees on first enrolment: Registration EUR 750 (non‑refundable except in waiting‑list refusal) and School Development Fund EUR 1,000 (due with first instalment). - Annual tuition varies by year group (listed above); per‑term equivalents are shown as equal thirds of the annual fee for convenience. - Optional extras with separate charges: bus service, hot lunches, some trips, optional extra‑curricular items and logoed school wear. - Withdrawal and refund rules, and late‑payment charges, are specified in the school's General Conditions (30 days' notice to terminate; specified reductions on withdrawal; reminder/admin and interest charges on overdue accounts).	Fee details Application fees - There is no registration fee. Tuition fees by year group (annual, per-term and per-month breakdown) - Preschool — EUR 12,300 per year. - Per term (calculated by dividing the annual fee equally across three terms): EUR 4,100.00 per term. (Calculation is an arithmetic division of the published annual fee and the school's stated option to bill “each term”.) - Per month (if billed monthly over 12 months): EUR 1,025.00 per month. (Monthly amount is an arithmetic division of the published annual fee.) - Reception & Primary — EUR 14,500 per year. - Per term (calculated by dividing the annual fee equally across three terms): EUR 4,833.33 per term. (Calculation is an arithmetic division of the published annual fee and the school's stated option to bill “each term”.) - Per month (if billed monthly over 12 months): EUR 1,208.33 per month. (Monthly amount is an arithmetic division of the published annual fee.) - Secondary — EUR 14,500 per year. - Per term (calculated by dividing the annual fee equally across three terms): EUR 4,833.33 per term. (Calculation is an arithmetic division of the published annual fee and the school's stated option to bill “each term”.) - Per month (if billed monthly over 12 months): EUR 1,208.33 per month. (Monthly amount is an arithmetic division of the published annual fee.) What the annual fee covers - The yearly fee includes all the school material needed throughout the entire year. Billing schedule and payment terms - Billing frequency options: the school accepts payment each term or on a monthly basis. (Specific term dates, the number of terms used for billing, and exact monthly billing schedule are not specified in the published fee summary; the per-term and per-month figures above are arithmetic divisions of the annual amounts to match the school's stated payment-frequency options.) Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable. The school operates as a day school with stated daily hours for preschool, primary and secondary. Other costs or fees (uniforms, after-school care, extracurriculars, etc.) - School materials: included in the yearly fee. - After-school garderie: an after-school garderie runs every day from 15:00 to 17:00; the cost of the garderie depends on frequency of attendance (no fixed rate published in the fee summary). - Uniforms / uniform fees: no uniform fee or mandatory uniform is listed in the published fee summary. Refund information - No refund terms or a published refund policy appear in the fee summary; no specific refund amounts or conditions are provided in the published yearly-fees material. Fee payment options (methods) - The published information confirms the school accepts payment by term or by monthly instalments; specific payment methods (credit card, direct debit, bank transfer, etc.) are not specified in the published fee summary.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement The school does not have a school uniform.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership ISF Waterloo is part of the International School of Flanders (ISF) group, which operates two campuses. ISF Waterloo is a member of the Educational Collaborative for International Schools and is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the British Overseas School (BSO).	Governance and ownership Founded by Soraya Yavari.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The Primary School uses the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) with six IPC units each year. English is the language of instruction, with French taught as a second language. The UK national literacy and numeracy curriculum is used alongside IPC. Cambridge Secondary Checkpoint is part of the Cambridge framework used in the school. The Secondary School follows Cambridge International systems for IGCSE and A-Level, with subject offerings including English, Mathematics, Global Perspectives, Business, French, Geography, History, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.	Curriculum details Roots and Wings uses a project-based curriculum across preschool, primary and secondary education. Preschool offers a full-time program for 2.5 to 5 year olds with 2 teachers for up to 12 children and emphasizes social skills, emotional awareness, imagination, self-directed learning, and play-based activities such as yoga, gardening, cooking, and storytelling. Primary education uses an integrated project-based approach where learning comes to life through self-organised learning environment (SOLE) sessions; themes combine maths, sciences, language skills, and arts, with the outdoors used as a second classroom in a wooded park setting to support mindfulness and practical understanding. Secondary education provides full coverage of the British Curriculum preparing students for IGCSEs and A-Levels, with co-creation of an individualized academic journey and a focus on collaboration, inclusiveness, innovation, creativity, resilience and curiosity. The outdoors continues to serve as a learning context.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio Max 18 students per class.	Student teacher ratio Preschool class size is up to 12 children with 2 teachers.
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Cambridge International A-Level certificates are widely accepted by universities worldwide. In the USA and Canada, good grades in Cambridge AS and A-Levels can result in university credit. Cambridge qualifications are recognized by universities in over 50 countries.	Higher education progression The school provides full coverage of the British Curriculum preparing students for IGCSEs and A-Levels.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented Academic Scholarships are available: 4-year scholarships to complete Secondary and Pre-University Education worth up to 75% of annual fees, excluding Cambridge exam fees.	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning The school promotes social skills. It models emotional awareness and expression. It supports self-directed learning and independent thinking. It promotes respect for self, for others and for nature. It fosters mindfulness and emotional regulation through play and project-based learning.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing Mindfulness is emphasized in students, with the ability to focus, be present, and manage frustration and intense emotions. The approach fosters greater self-reliance and independent thinking. Outdoor learning in a wooded park supports brain development and emotional balance. The school values collaboration, empathy, and a growth mindset as part of well-being. Emotional awareness and expression are integral to daily learning and relationships.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview Roots and Wings School is a small international school in Brussels, Belgium that opened in 2009. It offers preschool, primary and secondary education. The school uses a project-based approach aimed at unfolding of each child's full potential. Its setting is in the middle of a wooded park, with the outdoors used as a second classroom.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities Preschool weekly activities include free and spontaneous play, cooking, gardening, nature walks, yoga, storytelling, songs and games, experiments and creative arts. These activities are non-academic in nature yet crucial for building a strong foundation for future academic and life success, and they support self-directed learning. Parents actively participate in their child's educational journey in preschool, and once a month they share a passion or talent with the class.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History ISF Waterloo International School is part of the International School of Flanders (ISF), a Belgian not-for-profit association managed by a Board of Directors. The Governing Body handles legal probity, financial probity, long-term strategic planning, and policy setting, and is supported by an Advisory Board. ISF Waterloo offers an English-language education for students aged 2 ½ to 18, with daily French instruction, and is recognised by Belgian education authorities. The campus sits on the border of Sint-Genesius-Rode and Waterloo and comprises five buildings named after significant Waterloo sites, with facilities including a science lab, an arts and sports complex, a library and extensive play spaces. ISF Waterloo is located at 280 Chaussée de Waterloo, 1640 Rhode St Genèse, Brussels, Belgium, and the site shows © 2017.	History Roots and Wings School was founded by Soraya Yavari, a Canadian-trained child psychotherapist and play therapist, who established the school to provide individualized education in small groups in Brussels. Roots and Wings preschool opened its doors in 2009, and strong parental interest led to the creation of a primary and a secondary section. The school identifies each student's learning style and adapts teaching accordingly. A project- and theme-based approach provides a meaningful context for learning. The team is multinational, and Soraya's 20 years of experience help create a welcoming atmosphere for Brussels' international community.
Community	Community ISF Waterloo uses a House System with four groups—Red, Blue, Yellow and Green—that meet monthly for team-building and compete in Sports Day. The Student Council and School Captain are elected by year groups and meet regularly; the Council hosts a Welcome Evening and collaborates with Friends of ISF on school events. ISF Waterloo operates a Community Service and Work Experience Programme for senior students after exams in June. ISF Waterloo hosts events on the school calendar, including International Day, Winter Show, Science, English and Book Week, Sports Day and Graduation, with visiting artists, musicians or authors in residence each year. Student well-being supports include a PSHE programme, assemblies, safeguarding, and a wellbeing app.	Community Roots and Wings School serves an international community in Brussels and is a small international school with a multinational team. The founder and team are dedicated to an individualized, collaborative learning approach that supports students from preschool through secondary education. The atmosphere is welcoming to Brussels' international community and fosters cultural diversity through a project- and theme-based learning approach.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association Friends of ISF Waterloo is a group for parents and staff to meet new people, mix with cultures, and volunteer for school events. Regular coffee mornings are held in school to meet the Head of School and chat with other parents, and members volunteer for events hosted by the school.	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual Project-based learning brings learning to life through integrated themes that cover maths, sciences, language skills and the arts. Students and teachers co-create learning experiences in self-organised learning environment (SOLE) sessions, ensuring learning is relevant and meaningful. Learning areas are connected across subjects so that themes link academic disciplines with real-world ideas. The outdoors serves as a second classroom, providing hands-on, experiential learning that supports focus, independence and thoughtful problem solving.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative Creativity is woven into everyday learning. In Preschool, weekly activities include creative arts, music, storytelling, acting and circus-inspired movement, along with yoga and outdoor exploration. These expressive activities are integrated with other learning through hands-on experiences such as crafts, songs and performances. In Primary, artistic learning is embedded across themes alongside maths, sciences, language skills and arts as part of an integrated approach. In Secondary, Creative Arts is a dedicated core subject alongside Language Arts, Maths, Sciences and Humanities.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language Preschool features storytelling and songs as part of weekly activities, with acting and singing enriching language development. Language Arts are a core part of the Secondary program within the British Curriculum, which prepares students for IGCSEs and A-Levels. Through the project-based approach, language and other subjects are learned in meaningful contexts, integrating language skills across themes. The school's structure supports language development across age groups, from storytelling and songs in early years to formal language arts in secondary.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies Social skills are cultivated through free play, group work and emotional awareness in the early years, with the Educational Approach emphasising self-expression, imagination and respect for self, others and nature. Parents participate in class monthly by sharing a talent, enriching the learning environment. The school encourages self-directed learning and collaboration within teams, strengthening social and cooperative competencies. Mindfulness, patience and the ability to stay focused are fostered through routines and outdoor activities.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing Outdoor learning is central, with the outdoors treated as a second classroom and frequent nature-based activities such as nature walks, outdoor games, gardening and yoga. Mindfulness, focus and emotional regulation are supported by routines that promote patience and independence. Yoga and physical education are integrated into the program, contributing to both physical and mental wellbeing. The emphasis on outdoor time is linked to brain development and overall wellbeing.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English is taught through recognised International English programmes in Primary; Additional English lessons for children whose first language is not English are provided as part of the programme at no extra cost; French is taught daily in Pre-school.	Language provision The school offers the British Curriculum for secondary education, preparing students for IGCSEs and A-Levels.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations CIS accreditation: The school has external validation of high education standards by a globally recognised authority; staff gain high-quality professional development and networking opportunities; students gain access to global networking opportunities, events and competitions; accreditation ensures the CIS Code of Ethics is followed and emphasizes high-quality teaching, safeguarding, well-being and global citizenship. COBIS accreditation: The school has COBIS accreditation, linking to a global community of British international schools; staff can access professional development and a professional network in 75 countries; students have access to events, awards and global competitions and friendship opportunities; the school can welcome newly qualified teachers (NQT) with induction and is part of a community of over 250 British international schools. BSO accreditation: The school is a British Overseas School (BSO); BSOs include UK DfE GIAS numbers; accreditation confirms standards of quality and educational excellence; accredited British schools offer curricula and qualifications recognised worldwide; staff can access a professional network in 75 countries; students have access to events, awards and global competitions and friendship opportunities; the school can welcome Early Career Teachers (ECTs) with induction years.	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions ISF Waterloo is a non-selective mainstream school. Families expressing an interest are invited to visit the school and have an interview with the Head of School, Mrs Belinda Yates. If the Waiting List Policy is in operation for that particular class, the school will advise you immediately and explain the implications. Before enrolment the school requires a transcript from the current school and copies of the most recent school report. After enrolment and before the first day the school requires a completed medical form. To enrol, parents must download and submit an application form and pay the Registration Fee. The one-off School Development Fund fee is invoiced at the same time as the first year's School Fees and is payable before commencing. Read the General Conditions document which states the contractual basis of admission and continuing enrolment at ISF Waterloo. For information on the Admissions Policy, refer to the Admissions Policy document.	Admissions —
Scholarships	Scholarships The ISF Academic Scholarship Program is open to external students for two programmes: 14 to 15 year olds entering Year 1 of IGCSE 1 (Belgian Secondary Class 3 / UK Year 10) with 4-year scholarships up to 75% of annual fees (excluding Cambridge exam fees); 16 to 17 year olds entering Year 1 of Cambridge International A Levels with 2-year scholarships up to 75% of annual fees (excluding Cambridge exam fees). Scholarships are awarded based on the scholarship application (including personal statement), the past two years of school reports, the ISF scholarship exams, and an interview with the ISF panel. English is the language of instruction and assessment, so applicants must meet English language requirements to be eligible for a scholarship place. Process for applying includes: 1) complete and submit an ISF General Application Form for admission as well as a scholarship application form and provide the past two years of school reports; 2) successful submissions receive an invitation to a testing day; 3) within one week of the examination, the top-scoring 30% of IGCSE and A Level students are invited for an interview; 4) successful candidates receive a written offer including the scholarship value (50-75% reduced fee); 5) on acceptance, sign the letter and pay the registration fee; 6) student visas are the responsibility of the parents where applicable. Scholarships include: tuition fees (as stated in the letter of offer) and a waiver of the School Development Fund; Scholarships do not cover: Registration Fee (750 euro) and residential school trips; Scholarships could be withdrawn for non-payment, more than 10% non-attendance, poor behaviour as stated in ISF's behaviour policy, or significant drop in academic performance (evaluated annually).	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist Waiting List Policy may be in operation for a class; the school will advise immediately and explain the implications.	Waitlist —
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