Frequently asked questions

 

We've prepared a list of the most frequently asked questions by new families, along with answers. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.

What are the maximum class sizes?

We limit maximum class sizes to 25 up to Year 6, and to 21 in Years 7-13.

How many students are British and how many other nationalities are represented?

Approximately 40-50% of students at the School are British in any given year, while on average between sixty and seventy different nationalities are represented within our School community, making it one of the most diverse and inclusive student environments at any educational facility in the world.

What languages are taught, and from what age?

As you'd expect for an International School, a wide variety of languages are taught, with bilingual programmes available at both Primary and Secondary level. French is taught from Kindergarten, so as early as age 3 is possible, and Dutch is taught at the age of seven.

Students have the opportunity to learn an additional language in Secondary School, and may choose from Spanish, German, or Dutch. Additional languages, such as Russian, are taught on an ad-hoc, extra-curricular basis, with some students going on to gain qualifications in these extra-curricular languages.

We also have a French/English bilingual programme Primary School to complement our English-medium teaching. We offer a bilingual International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma (French and Dutch) for students aged 16-18 years. From 2012 we shall also offer significantly enhanced French in Secondary School. Please contact our Admissions Office to find out the latest developments.

Where do BSB families live?

As well as living in Brussels, many families live close to the School in Tervuren including Moorsel, Vossem and Duisburg or in one of the villages/towns close to Tervuren, such as Everberg, Leefdaal, Overijse, Kraainem and Wezembeek-Oppem.

Why is there no school uniform?

School uniforms are not common on mainland Europe. However BSB students are expected to respect a dress code and ensure their clothing is appropriate for the learning environment. There is a School sports kit which all students must wear for PE from Year 3 onwards.

What is the turnover of students?

We have an average turnover of 20% in any given year, a reflection on our International status and the global mobility of the families who choose to educate their children here.

Do all students eat in the Cafeteria?

No. Our very youngest students (up to Year 1) eat their packed lunches in their classrooms, and Year 2 eat their packed lunches in the Tintin Hall.

However, Upper Primary and Secondary students do eat in the Cafeteria (Upper Primary at the first sitting and Secondary at the second sitting) and may choose to purchase a meal, sandwiches, salad or to bring a packed lunch with them. All of our meals are freshly prepared on site and have a very healthy bias. We encourage fruit as snacks and do not sell fizzy drinks.

Do you have extra-curricular activities?

Yes, a significant choice for all ages including for our parents! We believe activities outside the classroom are at least as important as academic progress and are absolutely essential to personal development.

We offer a wide range of extra-curricular activities including sports, music, drama, environmental, public speaking clubs and many more. Please refer to our Clubs & Acitivities section of our website.

How much are the fees and how do we pay?

Fees are set each year in advance and are paid in full (or, by special arrangement, in instalments) at the start of the School Year in September.

For the year 2011/2012, annual tuition fees were set as follows:

  • Kindergarten (half day) - €7,100
  • Reception - €13,200
  • Years 1 and 2 - €21,450
  • Years 3-6 - €22,550
  • Years 7-9 - €26,700
  • Years 10-13 - €27,450

Parents with further questions should contact our Admissions Office.

Do you have an Assisted Places Scheme?

We promote diversity and inclusiveness wherever possible. Consequently, a limited number of Assisted Places are provided each year. If you think you may qualify, please contact the Johan Servranckx, Business Manager directly for further details.

What are the school's examination results?

Our examination results are outstanding.

  • In 2011, our IB results were outstanding—yet again—the best in Belgium in many categories, and a full third higher than the international average.
    (15.2% of students passed with the highest marks of 40 or over, compared to just 5.3% on average globally)
  • The 2011 pass rate for the IB Diploma was a superb 87.9%.
  • In 2011, close to 38% of students sitting A Level examinations scored 'A' grade or higher. An excellent statistic for a non-selective school.
  • The percentage of students achieving an A or A* grade at GCSE was an impressive 47.2%, in line with many top British independent schools, and over double the UK national average of 23.2%.
  • In 2011 in Primary School, 96% of children in Year 6 achieved Level 4 and above in Mathematics. 54% of the children achieved a Level 5 in English indicating attainment levels above the national average.

Where do students go to university?

All students at BSB go on to a university of their choice. Many students choose to go to a British university, however, due to our international status, a significant proportion of students choose to study elsewhere. Many students go on to top universities such as Oxford or Harvard, while a significant proportion of students choose vocational and creative courses at university.

Our expert careers and university advisors have experience of helping students choose a path that's right for them -- enabling them to go on to study anywhere in the world.

Is there a before/after-school childminding service?

We operate a supervised school bus service in the mornings for parents who are unable to take their children to school. The service operates many routes in the area.

For parents who are unable to collect their Primary School children from school immediately, we operate a fully supervised after school Garderie where students can socialise in a fun and structured environment while they wait to be collected.

Older students are invited to join in our range of after school extra-curricular activities, ranging from sports teams to language clubs.