St. John's International School vs The British School of Brussels

	S St. John's International School Brussels, Belgium	T The British School of Brussels Brussels, Belgium
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €14,200 - 45,850	Fees / year €20,100 - 45,550
Age range	Age range 1 - 18 years	Age range 1 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Advanced Placement (AP)	Curriculum IB (DP), British Curriculum, BTEC Qualification, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils 1,300
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 16
Instruction language	Instruction language English, French	Instruction language English, French
Opened	Opened 1964	Opened 1969
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Waterloo, Belgium. Founded in 1964 in Waterloo, St. John's is located just 15 minutes south of Brussels in a quiet, tree-lined residential area of Waterloo. Many students live within walking distance, or in the surrounding suburbs of Ohain and Lasne, with easy access to Brussels via the Waterloo highway.	Location Located in the eastern suburbs of Brussels, Belgium, at Pater Dupierreuxlaan 1, 3080 Tervuren. The campus is state-of-the-art.
Stages	Stages Kindergarten (Early Years 1–6), Primary School (6–11), Middle School (11–14), High School (16–18); IB Continuum (ages 3–18).	Stages Primary School (ages 1-11) and Secondary School (ages 11-18).
School type	School type Private international school; An Inspired School; part of Inspired Education Group; offers boarding at Shannon House.	School type Not-for-profit international day school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix 65+ nationalities represented.	Pupil nationality mix Pupils come from over 70 nationalities; the largest nationality represented is British at about 30%.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Learning Support Programme available for students who learn differently; English as an Additional Language support; small-group or in-class support; Speech, Language and Occupational Needs services offered (via freelance staffing).	Additional learning support EAL and AEN support are provided, including an Inclusion team, Learning Assistants, and Speech and Language Therapists; an Educational Psychologist, counsellors, and nurses are available to support students.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Belgium	Country affiliation United Kingdom (UK) curriculum; British orientation for an international school in Belgium.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure The school year is divided into three terms: Term 1 runs from late August/early September to mid-December; Term 2 runs from early January to late March or early April; Term 3 runs from late April to late June or early July.
Bus service details	Bus service details Door-to-door transport with SAM-Drive; 8-seat vans; extensive bus system serving Waterloo and the greater Brussels region; bus monitors for high schoolers; free bus from Waterloo train station at 8:00; also options to reach school by car or bike.	Bus service details A supervised school bus service operates on many routes across Brussels and surrounding villages for pupils aged four and above. Bus fees are listed on the Fees page. There is no bus service on Wednesday lunchtimes for Lower Primary.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Enrolment and one-time fees - Enrolment (application) fee (new students only): EUR 1,000. - Campus Development Fee (new students only): EUR 700. Tuition fees (annual and termly) — 2025/26 academic year - Early Years 1 (Day Care): Annual EUR 14,200 — Termly EUR 4,733 (annual ÷ 3). - Early Years 2 (Timbertops): Annual EUR 14,200 — Termly EUR 4,733 (annual ÷ 3). - Early Years 3 (Pre-K1): Annual EUR 19,500 — Termly EUR 6,500 (annual ÷ 3). - Early Years 4 (Pre-K2): Annual EUR 19,500 — Termly EUR 6,500 (annual ÷ 3). - Early Years 5 (Kindergarten): Annual EUR 27,800 — Termly EUR 9,267 (annual ÷ 3). - Grade 1: Annual EUR 36,700 — Termly EUR 12,233 (annual ÷ 3). - Grades 2–5: Annual EUR 37,300 — Termly EUR 12,433 (annual ÷ 3). - Grade 6: Annual EUR 39,800 — Termly EUR 13,267 (annual ÷ 3). - Grades 7–8: Annual EUR 42,200 — Termly EUR 14,067 (annual ÷ 3). - Grade 9: Annual EUR 42,900 — Termly EUR 14,300 (annual ÷ 3). - Grades 10–12: Annual EUR 44,600 — Termly EUR 14,867 (annual ÷ 3). (Note: the school year is organised in three terms; termly figures above are the annual fee divided by three. ) Boarding fees - Weekly boarding (Sunday night to Thursday night): EUR 16,200 per year. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. - Full boarding (Sunday night to Saturday night): EUR 18,340 per year. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. - Daily boarding / short-term exchanges: EUR 110 per day. - Refund for early departure during the first semester: 25% of the boarding fee paid (see refund policy below). Other recurring or optional costs - Lunch / food and supervision (annual / termly / daily as applicable): - Early Years 2 – Early Years 4: Annual EUR 740 — Termly EUR 247 — Daily EUR 4.30. - Early Years 5 – Grade 2: Annual EUR 1,175 — Termly EUR 392 — Daily EUR 6.50. - Grade 3 – Grade 12: Annual EUR 1,550 — Termly EUR 517 — Daily EUR 8.60. - Cub Care (Extended hours) Early Years 1 – Grade 5: EUR 15 (frequency indicated in fee schedule). - Bus service: Round trip EUR 3,630 per year; one-way EUR 2,700 per year. Sibling discount of 10% for the second and each subsequent child using the bus. - Mandatory service / support fees: - Student support (EdTech AI fee) Grade 3–11: EUR 50 per year (mandatory). - EdTech VR fee Grade 7–12: EUR 50 per year (mandatory). - IB Diploma exams and support Grade 12: EUR 1,200 per year (mandatory). - Optional / activity fees: - Performing Arts show participation: EUR 150 per performance (termly). - NECIS tournament participation: EUR 150 per tournament (termly). - AP exams (Grade 10–12): EUR 135 per exam (optional). - Replacement student card: EUR 20 per replacement. Billing schedule and payment terms - The full Tuition Fee is payable within 30 days of the invoice date. Termly (instalment) payment arrangements may be made with the Business Manager; choosing instalments incurs an annual administrative fee of EUR 750. If paying by instalments, all fees must be paid by 1 April of the current school year. Late payments incur interest and other charges; specific remedies for prolonged arrears are set out in the terms. - The school year is made up of three terms (Autumn, Spring, Summer); fees are charged on an annual basis and may be presented with termly instalments. Refund and withdrawal policy (summary) - New-student cancellation: if the school is not notified in writing at least three months before the student's start date, a fixed indemnity equal to 10% of the Tuition Fees is due. - Current students withdrawing prior to the start of the new school year must notify the school in writing before 1 June; otherwise a fixed indemnity of 10% of the Tuition Fees applies. - Departure/withdrawal during the school year: - Notice received on or before October 15 of the school year: reimbursement of 25% of the annual Tuition Fee. - Notice received after October 15 (during or by the end of the first term): no reimbursement of the annual Tuition Fee. - Departure during the second semester: no reimbursement of the annual Tuition Fee. - Boarding-specific refund: early departure during the first semester entitles the payer to 25% refund of the boarding fee paid. - General statement in the terms: absent exceptional cases specified above, fees (including Tuition Fees) are treated as non-refundable; additional contractual provisions detail exceptions and indemnities. Accepted payment methods and practical payment notes - Invoices can be paid via bank transfer; the invoice provides bank details. For payment plans the school uses Direct Debit / SEPA in specific cases; parents must provide bank details for SEPA. An administrative fee applies to instalment arrangements (EUR 750 per year). Overdue invoices incur interest (1% per month) and reminder costs (EUR 15 per reminder). Credit-card payment is not listed as a standard option in the school's fee documentation. Other practical fee notes - All fees are expressed and payable in euros. Prices are reviewed annually. Additional services (bus, lunch, extra-curricular trips, private music lessons, therapy, tutoring, etc.) are invoiced separately and are not included in the Tuition Fee. Sibling discounts for the bus service and other specific discounts may apply where stated in the fee schedule. VAT and applicable taxes are included in the published figures.	Fee details Application fees - Main school application fee (Kindergarten/ECC – Year 13): Payable once per child: €750. - Early Childhood Centre (ECC) application fee: Payable once per child: €750. - Note: the school's online payment form shows an alternative published breakdown for application payments (Main school: €1,000 for first child and €500 for each subsequent child; ECC: €250 for first child and €125 for each subsequent child). The school's online application payment form accepts credit-card payment. Tuition fees by year group (annual and per-term amounts) - Kindergarten: Annual fee €20,100. Per-term (calculated by dividing the published annual fee by three): €6,700.00. - Reception, Years 1–2: Annual fee €35,600. Per-term (calculated): €11,866.67. - Years 3–6: Annual fee €37,400. Per-term (calculated): €12,466.67. - Years 7–9: Annual fee €44,400. Per-term (calculated): €14,800.00. - Years 10–13: Annual fee €45,550. Per-term (calculated): €15,183.33. (Note: the school publishes annual tuition amounts and invoices fees annually; the per-term figures above are straightforward equal divisions of the published annual fee for use in a per-term view and are not presented by the school as an official instalment plan.) Early Childhood Centre (ECC) daily/session fees - ECC half-day morning session: €70 per session. - ECC full day: €128 per day. - ECC application fee (payable once per child): €750. Transport (bus) fees - Annual Brussels school bus service fee: €3,550 (per year). Per-term (calculated): €1,183.33. - Annual Antwerp/SHAPE school bus service fee: €4,180 (per year). Per-term (calculated): €1,393.33. After-school care (Garderie) and other sessional fees - Kindergarten (14:00–15:50, not Wednesdays): €20.00 per session. - Kindergarten in ECC after 16:00 and from 11:50 on Wednesdays: €10.00 per hour. - Reception to Year 6 (15:50–18:00; Reception–Year 2 on Wednesdays from 11:50): €9.00 per hour. - Pre/Post-Enrichment for Years 3–6: €9.00 per whole session. What tuition does and does not include (summary of extra costs) - Included in tuition: extensive enrichment clubs, individual iPads/laptops for Years 3–9, curricular day and residential trips up to Year 9, learning resources (textbooks/exercise books), public examination entries (A Level, BTEC, IB, IGCSE) except re-sits, basic PE kit (including swimming costume on arrival), team sports kits and subsidised fixture costs, hot lunch for Kindergarten–Year 2, and specified medical checks for new starters and certain year groups. - Not included in tuition (examples of additional payable items): Garderie beyond included times, individual instrumental tuition run by external providers and instrument rental, extra PE clothing beyond the basic kit, costs of certain residential sporting and other competitions, Years 10–13 school trips and visits run by external providers, and other course-related items. Bus fees are charged separately. Billing schedule and payment terms - Invoicing: Fees are invoiced annually. Fees for the following academic year are due in one single payment each May. - Reductions for students joining mid-year (applied as percentage reductions of the annual fee): November 10%; December 20%; January 30%; February 40%; March 50%; April 60%; May 70%; June 80%. (October: no reduction.) Withdrawal and refund policy - Notice requirement: A full academic term's written notice of withdrawal to the Principal is required in accordance with the school calendar. Failure to give a full term's notice will result in an invoice for a full academic term's fees in lieu of notice. - Refunds when a student leaves during the school year (reductions expressed as percentage of the annual fee by month of leaving): October 80%; November 70%; December 60%; January 50%; February 40%; March 30%; April 20%; May 10%; June/July no refund. Boarding - Boarding: The school is a day school (no boarding facilities). Application and invoice payment methods - Application fee payment: The online application/payment form uses a secure credit-card payment system and accepts credit-card payments for the application fee. Application fees are non-refundable. - Annual tuition invoice payment: The published fee schedule states that fees are invoiced annually and are due in a single payment each May. The fee schedule directs payment of the application by credit card via the online form; it does not publish a separate publicly listed, detailed list of all accepted payment methods for annual tuition on the fee schedule page. Other administrative and policy notes on fees - The school reserves the right to amend the published schedule of fees. Parents are responsible for payment of the total sums due regardless of any employer subsidy. The published fee schedule cancels and replaces previous fee schedules. Application fees are non-refundable. (End of fee overview.)
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements Full Board: seven days a week during term time; Weekly Boarding: Monday to Friday during term time; Regular Overnight Stays: book an overnight stay on set days of the week.	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Uniform is obligatory for St. John's Primary School. Uniforms are ordered via Schoolblazer; plain black, grey or navy shoes are required; PE kit is a bottle green crested T‑shirt and black crested shorts; swimming requires a Speedo‑style swimsuit and a swim cap. Girls and Boys uniforms are specified on the page.	Uniform requirement The school does not have a formal uniform. There is a dress code and a PE kit is worn for PE.
Food options	Food options Breakfast, dinner, and snacks are provided for Shannon House residents; lunch is served in the school cafeteria for day students; dietary restrictions and allergies are accommodated; meals are prepared by a local catering service with seasonal Belgian and international selections.	Food options The school provides hot lunch in the Early Childhood Centre, Kindergarten, Reception, Year 1 and Year 2. Kindergarten and Reception eat in their classrooms and Year 1 eat in the Tintin Hall; in Year 2 lunches are in the cafeteria. The Cafeteria is available for Year 3 and upwards; meals are freshly prepared on site and paid with a prepaid card. The Cafeteria menu offers hot meals (including vegetarian options), a salad bar, and sandwich/panini stations, with allergy information published.
House system	House system —	House system The House system adds belonging; students are placed in one of three Houses – Goodman, Pantlin, or Firman – on arrival.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is part of the Inspired Education Group.	Governance and ownership The school is governed by a Board of Trustees and a Board of Governors. The school was founded on not-for-profit principles, and any excess proceeds from fees are reinvested back into the school. The school is The British School of Brussels vzw.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details St John's follows an all-through IB curriculum with PYP, MYP, and DP. Diploma students may also take Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and there are five graduation pathways that combine the IB Diploma, AP credits, and the St John's High School Diploma. The school runs a Dual Language Programme in French and English in Early Years and Primary to foster bilingualism and biliteracy. In Grades 6–8 students study two to three languages, and in Grades 9–10 there is a Mother Tongue Programme offering eight languages; Language A and Self-Taught Literature are part of the Diploma. The IB framework underpins a holistic, global education with tailored learning and a diverse international community.	Curriculum details The school offers a British-based curriculum up to age 16 (GCSE and International GCSE). Post-16, the school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma, A Levels, and BTEC vocational courses, including a bilingual IB Diploma in French/English or Dutch/English. A French-English bilingual programme runs across 10 Year Groups from Reception (age 4-5), and Dutch lessons start from age seven.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio Student-teacher ratio is 9:1. Maximum class size is 21 in Secondary and 14 in Post-16. Total enrolment is 1,363 (Secondary 873; Primary 490).
Exam results	Exam results 2024 IB results show a 100% pass rate for the High School qualification. 54% of graduates earned the IB Bilingual Diploma. The average IBDP score was 33, with many students scoring 38 and above; the top IBDP score achieved was 43.	Exam results GCSE 2024: 94% pass rate with 57% of grades 7 or above. A Levels 2024: 96% pass rate with 61% of grades A-B and 34% A-A. IB Diploma 2024: 97% pass rate with an average score of 35 and a top score of 44. BTEC (Level 3) 2024: 100% pass rate with 60% Distinction/Distinction; Level 2 BTEC: 100% pass rate with 72% Distinction/Distinction and 89% Merit or higher.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Graduates gain entry to top universities worldwide. The University Guidance team supports course selection, applications, interview preparation, and campus visits, coordinating opportunities such as college fairs and admissions interactions. Destinations include Oxford, Cambridge, MIT, Columbia, Yale, KU Leuven and Bocconi.	Higher education progression Graduates progress to higher education worldwide. Destinations include Imperial College London, University of St Andrews, University of Amsterdam, McGill University, University of British Columbia, KU Leuven and other universities in the United Kingdom, Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, the United States and beyond.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented Enrichment and outdoor learning are central to the programme, with around 200 clubs and activities, including sport, music, drama and creative pursuits. Enrichment opportunities are complemented by service learning and broader personal development experiences.
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning Well-Being and social-emotional development are central to St. John's approach. The Learning Support Programme supports students who learn differently, with small-group or in-class provision, to help them thrive physically, academically and creatively. The expert Learning Support team works with teachers, and the school partners with families to support each student's wellbeing and success.	Social & emotional learning Pastoral care is integral to BSB's offering. The school has an educational psychologist, two counsellors, speech and language therapists, and four nurses on site to support students' social and emotional needs. In Primary, the class teacher, supported by Learning Assistants and the Inclusion and Leadership team, is the first port of call for pastoral support. In Secondary, pastoral care is delivered through the tutors and Heads of Year, as well as the Access to Learning department which includes BSB's counselling service. Academically, students with English as an Additional Language (EAL) and Additional Educational Needs (AEN) are supported by dedicated departments staffed by expert teams, with help including homework clubs, a Learning Mentor, intensive English immersion programmes and working with parents. [Source: Student Support page]
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school offers a Learning Support Programme for students who learn differently, with provisions in core academic areas and organisational skills. Teaching is provided in small groups or in-class, depending on the needs of each student.	Special educational needs (SEN) BSB provides extensive provision for Additional Educational Needs (AEN) and English as an Additional Language (EAL). In Primary, each Year Group has a dedicated Inclusion Teacher responsible for supporting children who may have EAL, AEN and Extension and Enrichment (E&E). In Secondary, support is delivered via the Access to Learning department and targeted interventions. Academic support is bespoke, underpinned by dedicated systems and processes tailored to individual needs. AEN and EAL learners receive interventions designed to enable progress across the curriculum. Enrichment and extension opportunities are integrated into the support framework. [Source: Primary Support; Student Support page]
English as an additional language	English as an additional language English as an Additional Language is provided; teaching staff determine the need for additional language support, and language support is provided as appropriate. The level of teaching is adjusted to each student's needs, with emphasis on language comprehension and production.	English as an additional language EAL support is provided through dedicated departments staffed by expert teams. In Primary, each Year Group has a dedicated Inclusion Teacher who supports students with EAL, AEN and Extension and Enrichment (E&E). Help includes intensive English immersion programmes and working with parents. In Secondary, EAL support continues through the school's dedicated learning support structures. The process is bespoke and tailored to individual needs. [Source: Student Support; Primary Support]
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Sport promotes physical, mental and emotional wellbeing and helps students become well-rounded and confident individuals. Our Learning Support staff also support students to thrive physically, academically and creatively.	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is prioritised as part of pastoral care. The team includes an educational psychologist, counsellors, speech and language therapists and four nurses on site to support students' wellbeing. In Secondary, counselling is provided through the Access to Learning department. Support is tailored to age and need, and is integrated with academic support to help students manage challenges. [Source: Student Support]
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare, both physical and emotional, of every student. Roles and responsibilities are defined, including Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) for Primary and Secondary and required safeguarding training for all staff. The policy includes online safety measures with filtering and monitoring systems, and clear procedures to identify and escalate safeguarding concerns and to handle incidents. Staff undergo safeguarding and child protection training at induction and at least annually; the school maintains processes and contacts with local safeguarding agencies. [Source: Safeguarding Policy PDF]
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview St. John's has a modern, purpose-built campus in Waterloo. It offers world-class facilities, including high-spec visual and performing arts spaces and extensive sports grounds. Classrooms across the school are bright and spacious and equipped with Samsung smartboards, document cameras, smart screens, and a suite of VR headsets. The performing arts facilities include a state-of-the-art professional theatre—the largest in Brussels with 400 seats—and the Greene Gallery for exhibitions, with cultural trips enriching the programme.	Facilities overview Jacques Rogge Sports Centre includes a 25m indoor swimming pool, a gymnastics arena, a dance studio, a fitness suite and a multi-purpose sports hall. Outdoor facilities were renewed in 2020 and include two competitive football pitches, a full-size rugby pitch, three ring-fenced tennis courts, a 100 metre sprint lane with a long jump pit, four multi-surface areas for basketball and netball, a 300 metre track and floodlit facilities. The Brel Theatre seats 240 and includes a workshop, a green room and a dedicated costume department. There are 12 music practice rooms, a music recording studio and film-editing facilities, drama rehearsal rooms and fully equipped art studios. Three computer suites including a dedicated Apple suite, campus-wide wifi and main classrooms with interactive whiteboards, plus devices such as iPads and laptops; a CAD suite with a 3D printer; and dedicated spaces for textiles, food and nutrition are available.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities On-campus sports facilities include two indoor arenas. There is an outdoor full-size Astro-turf football pitch. A baseball/softball diamond, a climbing wall, two multi-use grass areas, and three tennis courts. Swimming takes place at Waterloo swimming pool a few minutes away.	Sports facilities Jacques Rogge Sports Centre comprises a 25m swimming pool, gymnastics arena, dance studio, fitness suite and multi-purpose sports hall. Outdoor facilities include two competitive size football pitches, a full-size rugby pitch, three ring-fenced tennis courts, a 100 metre sprint lane with a long jump pit, four multi-surface areas for basketball and netball, a 300 metre track and floodlit facilities. BSB is the only international school in Belgium to have its own swimming pool. A traverse bouldering wall is the largest of its kind in an international school in Europe. The school also organises over 120 sports clubs per week for both primary and secondary students.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Classrooms are bright and spacious. They include Samsung smartboards, document cameras, smart screens, and a suite of VR headsets. The campus provides high-spec visual and performing arts spaces as part of a modern, purpose-built learning environment. This Waterloo location is just 15 minutes south of Brussels.	Academic facilities Three computer suites include a dedicated Apple suite, campus-wide wifi and main classrooms equipped with interactive whiteboards; devices such as iPads and digital cameras are available, and secondary students are provided with laptops. There are specialist Design & Technology facilities including a CAD suite with a 3D printer, and workshops with machinery and woodworking tools. Textiles Technology workshops and fully equipped Food & Nutrition kitchen classrooms support practical learning. Fully equipped art studios provide spaces for drawing, painting, sculpture, digital art and design. Music recording studios and film-editing facilities support creative work across the arts and Technologies.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The Performing Arts facilities include a state-of-the-art professional theatre—the largest in Brussels with 400 seats—and the Greene Gallery for exhibitions. Performing Arts programmes enable students to realise their creative potential and gain technical skills on stage and behind the scenes. Drama students participate in annual festivals and study trips, including events through the International School Theatre Association, with trips to London, Geneva and other locations. Music offers a wide range of performances and opportunities, including Musical Theatre shows, choral concerts, and studio work, with AMIS involvement. Dance is taught from Kindergarten through High School, with a diverse range of styles and elective status in High School.	Extra curricular facilities The British School of Brussels offers extracurricular activities across sport and the arts. Over 120 sports clubs are run weekly for primary and secondary students. There are three sport pathways: Academy Sport (tier 1), Competitive Sport (tier 2) and Recreational Sport (tier 3). The school has partnerships with West Ham United, Swim Swift Elite and the Special Olympics Belgium. Students compete in ISST and SCIS tournaments, complementing on-campus arts and performing arts opportunities supported by the on-site facilities.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Founded in 1964 by the FCJ, a Catholic order of nuns, the school has built a reputation for excellence across academics, sports, and the visual and performing arts. It was an early adopter of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and now offers the full IB continuum: Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). Since 2016, St. John's has been part of Inspired, a global group of premium schools.	History BSB was officially created in 1969 and opened in 1970 on the present site, following the vision of Sir Dick Pantlin and a group of like-minded businessmen. The first Principal was Alan Humphries, and the founders emphasized approachable communication by having staff and students on a first-name basis. In 1981 King Baudouin attended the official opening of the auditorium, now known as the Brel Theatre. In 2016 the Jacques Rogge Sports Centre was opened, and new facilities made BSB the only international school in Belgium to offer an indoor swimming pool. BSB celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2020.
Community	Community St. John's is a holistic international school community with a long and illustrious history of providing high-quality education. The school provides a warm, welcoming and active international community that celebrates cultural diversity from people of more than 60 nations and six continents.	Community Family Day brings together families, staff and students for games, food stalls and activities, reinforcing a sense of belonging beyond the classroom. The event features a relaxed, social atmosphere with opportunities for parents to connect with one another and with school staff. Volunteers from staff and the Families of BSB help run activities and welcome newcomers and alumni as part of a vibrant school community.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The Lions' Pride Parent Volunteer Group is an active group of parents, teachers and staff volunteers who support and promote the school and enhance the spirit of the community at St. John's. As a parent, you automatically belong to Lions' Pride, which is directed by an Executive Committee; the Welcome Handbook is created by parents for parents. The Sports Committee (Boosters) supports coaches and athletes and coordinates concessions and major events such as ISSTs; membership is automatic for students in Middle and High School sports. The Arts Committee (ASP) supports, promotes and celebrates the visual and performing arts; volunteers assist with props, costumes, sets and more, and help with vernissages and awards ceremonies. The Events Team drives community events such as Family Day, International Festival, Gala and other activities.	Parent teacher association FoBSB is the Families of BSB, the parents' association of The British School of Brussels. It is run entirely by parent volunteers and offers a wide range of events, activities, groups and information and support services. Parents have their own Cavell House on campus, a drop‑in lounge with WiFi, Cavell Café and an information centre, plus rooms for social activities. Cavell House hosts language conversation classes, a book club, first aid courses, cookery demonstrations, a craft club, talks, pilates and more, as well as trips and off‑campus activities. FoBSB provides a welcoming space for new families and acts as a support network for all BSB parents.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school offers the full International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum path. Most students pursue the IB Diploma and/or AP courses. There is University Guidance with a dedicated team that conducts personal interviews and guides course selection and university choices. The advisory program coordinates with guidance to help students connect interests and aptitudes with their academic pathways and career options.	Academic & intellectual The school offers around 200 clubs and activities. The school includes tennis, tag rugby, choir, and creative writing. The school provides enrichment and outdoor learning opportunities that extend learning beyond the classroom.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The school has the largest professionally run performing arts facility of any international school in Central Europe. The Performing Arts program hosts productions, exhibitions, and musical concerts throughout the year. Drama includes International School Theatre Association membership and opportunities for annual drama festivals, with trips to London, Geneva, and other locations to study theatrical techniques. Music and Dance are central, with a broad range of activities, a healthy choir, AMIS-affiliated opportunities, and diverse dance forms including hip hop, jazz, ballet, and choreography.	Arts & creative The school offers choir and creative writing as enrichment activities. The school includes sustainable, creative arts projects in outdoor learning that merge artistic expression with ecological awareness. The school provides enrichment opportunities for artistic expression beyond the classroom.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The Dual Language Programme in Early Years and Primary uses French and English so most students become bilingual and biliterate. In Grades 6-8, students study two to three languages depending on the programme. In Grades 9-10, the Mother Tongue Programme offers eight languages—Portuguese, Italian, German, Swedish, Norwegian, Korean, Japanese, and Turkish—delivered by external tutors. During the IB Diploma, Language A subjects and Self-Taught Literature are offered, and English as an Additional Language provides support.	Cultural & language The school offers a bilingual French-English programme for Primary students. The school has English and French mother-tongue teachers delivering a 50/50 mix of French and English for ages four to 11. The school's bilingual classes follow the same broad curriculum as the English section.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies St. John's has a diverse community with 65+ nationalities among students and staff. The school runs Summer Camps and Exchange Programmes that broaden international opportunities. Events like Green and White Day and the International Festival bring families together and strengthen the local community.	Social & hobbies The school provides a wide range of clubs and activities. The school offers examples including tennis, tag rugby, choir, and creative writing. The school's enrichment program emphasizes learning beyond lessons and includes outdoor learning opportunities.
Community & service	Community & service A bond to the local community is fostered through open communication, including regular updates, coffee mornings, and parent‑teacher conferences. The school hosts events like Green and White Day and the International Festival that involve families. Lifelong International Opportunities include Summer Camps and Exchange Programmes that connect students with a global network of peers.	Community & service The school offers the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award. The Award is structured across Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels and includes volunteering, physical recreation, and skill development, plus adventurous journeys. Expeditions and service projects broaden horizons and build independence and teamwork.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional University Guidance provides ongoing support from Grade 8 through high school with personal interviews and course selection guidance, overseen by the Guidance Team. Guidance is coordinated with the Advisory program to help students connect their interests and aptitudes with future academic pathways and university choices. The school hosts admissions representatives and participates in events like Brussels College Night to connect students with universities in the UK, USA, and beyond.	Leadership & professional The school runs BSB Futures, a careers programme that supports post-16 pathways. The school delivers career talks, workshops on CV writing, networking, and mentoring through the Futures team, and provides one-to-one guidance with advisers. The school builds external partnerships for events, internships, and leadership opportunities such as the Futures Captain.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sports are an important part of life at St. John's, integrated into the curriculum and after‑school activities to support physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. The sports program follows a Fall/Winter/Spring three‑season model with a diverse range of activities and partnerships with local clubs for year‑round training. The school is a full member of NECIS, enabling competitions and exchanges that foster teamwork and resilience. On‑campus facilities include multiple indoor arenas and outdoor fields to support sport and recreation.	Lifestyle & wellbeing The school uses outdoor learning to support wellbeing and environmental stewardship. The school's Learning without Walls extends across age groups and aligns with Units of Discovery. Time spent outdoors fosters curiosity, resilience, and lifelong learning.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision In Early Years and Primary, the Dual Language Programme uses French and English. In Grades 6-8, students study two to three languages depending on their programme. In Grades 9-10, the Mother Tongue Programme teaches eight languages: Portuguese, Italian, German, Swedish, Norwegian, Korean, Japanese, and Turkish, with weekly external tutors. During the IB Diploma, several Language A subjects and Self-Taught Literature are offered, and English as an Additional Language provides tailored support.	Language provision English is the main language of tuition. A French-English bilingual programme and a Dutch language option exist for younger students. Dutch, German or Spanish are taught as additional languages in later years. Post-16 pathways include the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, A Levels, and BTEC, with the option of a Bilingual IB Diploma in French/English or Dutch/English.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching In the Early Years and Primary, the Dual Language Programme (DLP) uses French and English, so the majority become bilingual and biliterate. The full DLP lasts seven years. Students are encouraged to enrol in activities outside school in their second language. Learning a second language offers advantages, and bilingual students can focus and perform better in problem-solving tasks.	Bilingual teaching The school offers a French-English bilingual programme across 10 Year Groups starting in Reception (age 4-5). A mother-tongue Dutch programme is provided for younger students. Students can study for a Bilingual IB Diploma in French/English or Dutch/English.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs In the Primary School, subjects are taught in both English and French in bilingual classes, reflecting an immersion approach. English as an Additional Language (EAL) and immersion support are available to help students access the curriculum, with progression from immersion into mainstream classes as they gain proficiency.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards ]}{	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations :[	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Contact Us: Complete a brief online form. The Admissions Office will contact you to discuss entry options. Please inform how you would like to be contacted when you submit the form. The team will guide you through the next steps. 2. Visit the School: We encourage you to visit to experience our facilities and community. You can book an on-site tour or view a virtual tour. Both options are available throughout the summer. 3. Interview: An interview is a normal part of the admissions process. The admissions team will try to accommodate your schedule. If you are not in the country within an acceptable timeframe, the interview can be arranged remotely. 4. Admissions Entry Criteria: St. John's is an IB World School. Admission is open year-round to students of all nationalities, faiths, and backgrounds. The final decision on acceptance and placement is based on the applicant's ability to benefit from the programmes and educational services available. English is the primary language of instruction; non-English-proficient applicants may be considered if they can develop sufficient English proficiency to enter the IB Diploma Programme, with Grade 8 as the last year for an absolute beginner English learner.	Admissions BSB is inclusive and non-selective with an international student body. Tours are available and new students are welcome at any time of the year. Joining at the start of the academic year in September is encouraged, but the school welcomes new students throughout the year. Year groups are assigned based on a child's calendar age against the September 1 to August 31 academic year; students coming from other systems may be placed a year above or below to stay with their peers. The Admissions team is available to help, and the school provides an application form for prospective families. Languages are taught in English with bilingual options: a French/English bilingual programme runs for children aged 4 to 14; French is taught from Kindergarten, Dutch is taught from age seven, and additional languages such as Spanish and German are available; secondary students may also learn these languages. Exam options include GCSEs and iGCSEs in Years 10–11, and in Years 12–13 students can choose the International Baccalaureate Diploma, A Levels, or BTEC. The school is located at The British School of Brussels vzw, Pater Dupierreuxlaan 1, 3080 Tervuren, Belgium. Admission enquiry can be made via the Admissions section of the site. Fees and financial information are provided on the Fees page, and the school's admissions process outlines how and when to apply.
Scholarships	Scholarships The school offers 3 academic and 1 theatre art scholarship for entry into the final year of IBMYP (Grade 10) and the first year of the IBDP (Grade 11). Scholarships are open to high-achieving Belgian students currently in 3ème and 4ème Secondaire of the Belgian State Education System. Scholars will learn in an immersive English-language environment and follow the IBDP. Applications are open until 25 April 2025 and include fee reductions of up to 100%.	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
	View full profile →	View full profile →