BSB’s strength lies in its extensive and dynamic partnerships across both Europe and the United Kingdom. These collaborations ensure that trainees benefit from rich, internationally informed experiences, blending best practice from multiple educational contexts.
A standout example is the continued success of Teaching Together in Europe, a collaborative initiative with The British School of Brussels, St. George’s Rome, and the English College in Prague. This partnership has continued to flourish, offering trainees a unique opportunity to teach and learn in diverse European settings as part of their UK ITT programmes.
This year, BSB welcomed six trainee teachers from both Nottinghamshire Torch SCITT and Embrace SCITT, who made valuable contributions across a variety of subject areas including Science, Physical Education, Geography, and the Primary School. Their presence enriched the learning environment and highlighted the impact of cross-cultural professional exchange.
BSB remains deeply committed to fostering strong ties with higher education institutions. The school’s partnership with Thomas More University of Applied Sciences in Mechelen continues to grow, with BSB contributing to their postgraduate teacher training programme through guest lectures and structured school visits. This collaboration ensures that theoretical understanding is anchored in real-world classroom practice.
In addition, exciting new partnerships have been established with KU Leuven and Queen’s University Belfast. This year, Nel Torfs joined BSB to support both the Mathematics and Science departments, while Amilie Viratham completed a Science placement before progressing to a temporary teaching contract starting in September – a clear testament to the strength of BSB’s training and recruitment pathways.
Both trainees have spoken warmly about their time at BSB:
“From my very first visit to the school I was welcomed with such warmth and openness that these nerves quickly disappeared, and I immediately felt at home. Throughout my internship, I always felt supported… At the same time, rather than being told exactly how things should be done, I was given the freedom to experiment, develop my own approach to teaching and find my own style in the classroom. This balance of support and autonomy allowed me to really grow and build confidence in my teaching abilities.” — Nel Torfs, KU Leuven
“What began as a short alternative placement quickly became a transformative step into my professional career… What stood out most about BSB’s teacher training environment was the richness and diversity of experiences it offered compared to my previous placements in the UK… Overall, my time at BSB not only enhanced my teaching practice but also accelerated my readiness to begin my career, offering a uniquely supportive and immersive environment that truly bridges the gap between training and professional teaching.” — Amelie Viratham, Queen’s University Belfast
Central to BSB’s ITT success is its robust mentoring programme, which continues to play a pivotal role in both trainee development and wider departmental growth. The school’s culture of reflective practice is further enhanced by the involvement of respected critical friends such as Haili Hughes, whose insights contribute to ongoing research engagement and pedagogical innovation.
This sustained focus ensures that teacher development at BSB is not only supportive but also intellectually rigorous, encouraging trainees and experienced staff alike to engage with cutting-edge educational thinking.
BSB continues to champion creative approaches to teacher development, fostering an environment where innovation, curiosity, and openness are key. The school actively promotes flexible thinking and encourages educators at all stages of their careers to explore new methodologies and perspectives, ensuring that teaching remains dynamic and responsive to the needs of learners.
The school’s long-standing partnership with Tes Institute remains a cornerstone of its ITT provision. This year, BSB celebrated the success of its latest graduates from the Straight to Teaching and Assessment Only (AO) routes–Guyroger Zoizo and Sarah Koninckx, both of whom were awarded their Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in May. Their achievements highlight the strength and effectiveness of these alternative certification pathways.
Looking ahead, BSB continues to invest in the progression of its educators beyond initial training. A key development this year is the introduction of the COBIS Early Career Teacher (ECT) Programme, which will be used for the first time in September to support newly qualified teachers. This initiative reflects BSB’s holistic approach to teacher development, ensuring continuity from trainee through to early career stages.
The 2025–2026 academic year has been one of growth, collaboration, and achievement for Initial Teacher Training at The British School of Brussels. Through its strong partnerships, innovative practices, and unwavering commitment to professional development, BSB continues to shape confident, capable, and reflective educators ready to make a meaningful impact in classrooms around the world.
As the programme continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: teacher development at BSB is not just thriving – it is leading the way.
Read more about BSB’s partnership with Tes here.
