St. John's International School vs The Courtyard International School of Tervuren
St. John's International School and The Courtyard International School of Tervuren are both in Brussels, about 18 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes, and St. John's International School also offers Advanced Placement (AP). Published annual fees are €14,200 - 45,850 at St. John's International School and €12,210 - 23,400 at The Courtyard International School of Tervuren, which puts St. John's International School roughly 69% higher. St. John's International School takes pupils from 1 to 18, and The Courtyard International School of Tervuren from 2 to 18.
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
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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
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School type
School type
Private international school; An Inspired School; part of Inspired Education Group; offers boarding at Shannon House.
School type
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Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
65+ nationalities represented.
Pupil nationality mix
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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
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Belgium
Country affiliation
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Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
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School day structure
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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
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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
Fees summary (academic year referenced) The figures below are based on the school's published fee schedule for the 2025/2026 academic year and should be treated as the most recent available published schedule when 2026/2027 fees are not yet publicly listed.
Application / registration fees - Registration (one‑time) fee: EUR 600 (payable on first year of enrolment).
Tuition fees by year group (annual amounts) - Nursery 2 (age 2): EUR 12,210 per year. - Kindergarten 1 (age 3): EUR 13,708 per year. - Kindergarten 2 (age 4): EUR 15,540 per year. - Kindergarten 3 (age 5): EUR 19,205 per year. - Grade 1 (age 6): EUR 19,205 per year. - Grade 2 (age 7): EUR 20,000 per year. - Grade 3 (age 8): EUR 20,000 per year. - Grade 4 (age 9): EUR 20,000 per year. - Grade 5 (age 10): EUR 20,000 per year. - Grade 6 (age 11): EUR 22,089 per year. - Grade 7 (age 12): EUR 22,089 per year. - Grade 8 (age 13): EUR 23,310 per year. - Grade 9 (age 14): EUR 23,310 per year. - Grade 10 (age 15): EUR 23,310 per year. - Grade 11 (age 16): EUR 23,400 per year. - Grade 12 (age 17): EUR 23,400 per year.
First‑year invoice example - For a new Nursery 2 enrolment the first‑year total equals the annual tuition (EUR 12,210) plus the one‑time registration fee (EUR 600) = EUR 12,810.
Per‑term amounts (derived example) - The school publishes annual tuition amounts. Where a parent prefers termly budgeting, a simple equal split of the published annual tuition into three termly instalments produces the following illustrative termly amounts (annual ÷ 3): - Nursery 2: EUR 4,070 per term (EUR 12,210 ÷ 3). - Kindergarten 1: EUR 4,569 per term (EUR 13,708 ÷ 3). - Kindergarten 2: EUR 5,180 per term (EUR 15,540 ÷ 3). - Kindergarten 3 / Grade 1: EUR 6,402 per term (EUR 19,205 ÷ 3). - Grades 2–5: EUR 6,667 per term (EUR 20,000 ÷ 3). - Grades 6–7: EUR 7,363 per term (EUR 22,089 ÷ 3). - Grades 8–10: EUR 7,770 per term (EUR 23,310 ÷ 3). - Grades 11–12: EUR 7,800 per term (EUR 23,400 ÷ 3). - Note: those term figures are arithmetic splits of the published annual fees for budgeting purposes; the school's published schedule lists annual fees as shown above.
Sibling discount - Sibling discount: 10% reduction for the second and subsequent siblings on the published tuition amounts.
Other costs and common additional charges - The school runs additional activities and holiday programmes that carry separate charges (example: published week‑long summer/winter holiday activity fees for programmes hosted at the Tervuren site). These event/programme fees and other optional services such as activity camps, after‑school care or extended‑hours care are charged separately from the published tuition. - Typical additional costs commonly billed by international schools (not separately priced in the public fee list consulted) include: school lunches, school bus/transport, uniforms, examination fees (IGCSE/IB where applicable), specific trips and extracurricular programme fees. The published annual tuition figures above do not itemise these extras.
Key points for parents - Annual tuition per grade is listed above; registration is a one‑off EUR 600 charge at first enrolment. - A 10% sibling discount applies to the second and subsequent siblings. - The school does not list boarding provision or separate boarding fees in public fee summaries.
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
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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
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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
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
The school is part of the Inspired Education Group.
Governance and ownership
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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
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Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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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
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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
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Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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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
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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)
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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
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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
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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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
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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%.
