An international primary school in Brussels
British International School of Brussels
Founded in 2000, the British International School of Brussels (BISB) is a British Curriculum primary school welcoming children aged 3 to 11. Ideally located in central Brussels, midway between NATO and the European Commission, BISB offers a warm, close-knit learning environment in a unique historical setting.
25
YEARS
90
STUDENTS
+18
PiRA POINTS
The school follows the National Curriculum for England, from Early Years Foundation Stage to Key Stage 2, with thoughtful adaptations that reflect the international and European context of its diverse community. Teaching is delivered in English, with specialist support for non-native English speakers and French lessons from the Reception Class (Early Years 3) onwards.
Housed partly in the historic Seulen House, a listed heritage building, BISB combines tradition with a modern, child-centred approach to education. With small class sizes and a strong focus on academic, social, and emotional development, the school places great importance on knowing each child individually and supporting them to grow into confident, curious, and resilient learners.
Celebrating 25 years of educational excellence in 2025, BISB continues to uphold its founders’ vision: a nurturing, high-quality British education within an international community where every child can truly flourish.
OPEN DAY – 7th Feb. 2026
Curriculum at the British International School of Brussels
Early Years
> Ages 3 to 5
The Early Years programme at the BISB offers a warm, nurturing and well-structured environment where children develop confidence, independence and a love of learning. Through play-based activities, guided exploration and daily social interactions, children gradually acquire the foundations needed for future learning.
Nursery & Reception classes (Early Years 1–3) form the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) of the English National Curriculum, guided by seven key areas of learning that support children’s cognitive, social, emotional and physical development. Each child progresses at their own pace within a supportive classroom environment, ensuring a smooth transition into primary education. From Reception (Early Years 3) onwards, pupils receive four French lessons per week, strengthening early language skills.
Key Stage 1
> Ages 5 to 7 (Years 1–2)
In Key Stage 1, pupils follow the National Curriculum for England, with learning centred on English, Mathematics and Science, complemented by cross-curricular topics integrating History, Geography, Design and Technology, Computing, Art, Music and French.
Teaching balances structured academic learning with creativity and exploration, helping children develop curiosity, confidence and essential learning skills.
Pupils also participate in swimming lessons at the NATO pool, supporting physical development and overall well-being, while continuing to build strong foundations in literacy and numeracy.
Key Stage 2
> Ages 7 to 11 (Years 3–6)
Key Stage 2 builds on prior learning while encouraging greater independence, responsibility and personal growth. Pupils continue to follow the English National Curriculum through core subjects and enriched cross-curricular learning, including comparative religious studies.
A strong emphasis is placed on physical activity and outdoor education, with opportunities such as sports, gymnastics, dance, orienteering and hiking. All pupils benefit from specialist Music lessons twice a week and annual swimming blocks for Key Stage 2 students. Leadership opportunities are embedded throughout the programme, preparing pupils confidently for the next stage of their education.
Leadership, Values & Academic Outcomes
At BISB, a strong sense of community, care and inclusion underpins daily school life. Led by Headteacher Mrs Helen Prescott, the school places great importance on knowing each child as an individual and fostering close partnerships between school and home through open communication and parental engagement.
As a COBIS-accredited school and United Nations Global School, BISB actively promotes global citizenship, sustainability and responsible learning. Pupils regularly take part in international initiatives such as the UNESCO International Day of Mathematics, encouraging curiosity, creativity and real-world problem-solving from an early age.
Academic progress is carefully monitored through recognised assessments, including PiRA reading tests, which consistently show pupils performing above UK national expectations and making strong year-on-year progress. These outcomes reflect BISB’s balanced approach, combining academic rigour with social, emotional and personal development.
Why choose the British International School of Brussels?
The strengths of the British International School of Brussels
The British International School of Brussels offers a high-quality British primary education in a small, caring and international environment, where academic rigour goes hand in hand with individual attention and well-being.
Extracurricular Activities, Meals, Transport, School Trips
Outside school hours
BISB offers a range of enrichment activities integrated into the school curriculum, including music, sports, swimming and outdoor education. Through structured lessons and thematic projects, pupils are encouraged to explore new interests, develop creativity and build confidence beyond the classroom.
At BISB, pupils bring their own food for a ten-minute mid-morning snack and a 30-minute lunch break. The school promotes healthy snacks and balanced meals, allowing parents to remain fully informed about what their child eats each day. Chocolate is not permitted as part of snacks or lunches.
School transport is not organised by the school because it´s central location is served by 3 convenient tram routes and 5 nearby bus routes. Families therefore generally travel independently, because it is so easy.
BISB regularly organises educational outings and school trips, both locally and occasionally further afield. These experiences are closely linked to the curriculum and help bring learning to life through real-world exploration and hands-on discovery.
Tuition Fees 2025-2026 | British International School of Brussels
| Tuition Fees | |
|---|---|
| Registration fee (non refundable) |
€ 750 |
| Deposit (refundable) |
€ 600 |
| Pre-Nursery and Nursery Mornings only |
€ 11.560 |
| Pre-Nursery and Nursery Afternoons only |
€ 8.660 |
| Pre-Nursery and Nursery Full days |
€ 20.220 |
| Reception | € 21.320 |
| Year 1 & Year 2 | € 23.850 |
| Years 3,4,5 & 6 | € 24.990 |
Wednesday afternoons are included from Year 1 onwards (Year 1–2 and Years 3–6) and are not included for Early Years (EY1–2 and EY3), regardless of the programme chosen.
Contact | British International School of Brussels
British International School of Brussels invites interested parents to make an appointment for a private visit. A virtual tour is available on the school’s website.
Location | British International School of Brussels
British International School of Brussels
Address : Av. Emile Max 163 | 1030 Brussels, Belgium
School buildings
- Acorn Building (Infant Department – Early Years)
- Oak Building (Junior Department – Key Stage 1 & 2)
