An international primary school in Brussels
British International School of Brussels
Founded in 2000 in Schaerbeek, midway between NATO and the European Commission, the British International School of Brussels (BISB) is a small British primary school on a human scale – 90 students aged 3 to 11 in classes of maximum 16 to 18 pupils.
Partly housed in the historic listed Seulen House, BISB is COBIS-accredited and recognised as a UN Global School. Students progress +18 PiRA points above the British national average, with French lessons from Reception and swimming at the NATO pool.
26
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 26 years of educational excellence in 2026, 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 – 11th April 2026
Curriculum at BISB – National Curriculum of England, Schaerbeek
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 and Academic Results – +18 PiRA Points Above the National Average
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.
The strengths of the British International School of Brussels
Why Choose BISB in 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.
Who is BISB for?
BISB welcomes expat families of all backgrounds based in Brussels, whether anglophone or not, who are looking for a high-quality British primary school in a warm and intimate setting. Its very small size – 90 students – means every child is personally known by their teacher and the head. Specialist support is available for pupils whose first language is not English, making it accessible to international families regardless of their language background. Families connected to the EU institutions or NATO will find a natural neighbourhood fit. For those planning a return to the UK or a transition to another English-language system, BISB ensures seamless continuity with the National Curriculum of England.
School Life at BISB
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 – BISB 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 and Admissions – BISB 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 of BISB – Schaerbeek, between NATO and the European Commission
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)
