At The British School of Brussels, we want every member of our community to feel like they truly belong. Whether it’s a family arriving from abroad, a student moving into a new year group, or meeting unfamiliar teachers, each moment of change is supported in ways that build and strengthen a sense of belonging.
In an international school, where moving is often part of family life, belonging matters even more. BSB has clear ways of helping students and parents feel connected from the start. From induction, buddy systems, our care guidance and support team, activities and Houses, to parent networks, belonging is woven into every day of the year.
Here are five ways it comes to life at the start of every school year.
The journey begins before lessons start: admissions staff arrange online meetings and tours to help families prepare, and the day before term begins, all new joiners and their parents are invited to New Families’ Day. This event brings newcomers together to meet one another and the staff who will guide them through their first days and year ahead.
The first day of school is set aside for activities to help the students connect and get to know their new environment. Orientation sessions and teachers introduce routines while also creating opportunities to form relationships that can anchor students in the community.
No student is left to figure things out alone. Primary children are paired with a class buddy who shows them where to line up, play, and eat. In Secondary, buddies give tours, explain timetables, and answer practical questions.
“My buddy Faisal has been a great help since I started and has helped me find my way around school,” said Jaelen in Year 6. “Now I know where I need to be, but I can always ask. Everyone is so kind and helpful.”
Parents are also linked with class representatives who answer questions and share updates, giving families an immediate support network.
At BSB, academic progress is important, but our care for a student’s social, emotional and physical wellbeing is also a visible part of daily life. Tutors, counsellors, Heads of Year, and nurses are available for advice and reassurance. Staff take time to get to know each student – their strengths, interests, and the things they might find difficult – so support grows out of real relationships.
“The teachers are amazing and so kind,” said Magdalena in Year 6. “On my first day, I got off the bus and didn’t know where to go. A teacher noticed and walked me to my classroom. Now I feel like I’ve been at BSB for ages.”
Support is also available through our English as an Additional Language (EAL) and Additional Educational Needs (AEN) departments, which include specialist teaching, individual mentoring and extracurricular clubs.
At BSB, everyone – including staff – is addressed by their first name. While this may feel unusual at first, it soon becomes second nature and helps create open, respectful relationships.
With nearly 250 clubs and activities, students have many opportunities to connect – from robotics and debating to performing arts and environmental projects. For newcomers, joining a familiar activity such as football, choir, or chess can provide continuity and help them feel more settled.
The House system adds another layer of belonging. Every student is placed in one of three Houses – Goodman, Pantlin, or Firman – on arrival. Houses bring together students of all ages, encouraging teamwork, healthy competition, and pride in a shared identity. Events and activities give students the chance to build bonds across year groups and be part of something larger than their class.
Families are central to school life. The Families of BSB (FoBSB) association, cultural celebrations, and informal gatherings give parents opportunities to meet, share experiences, and settle into life in Belgium. Coffee mornings, fairs, and parent-led activities help to create a network that extends well beyond the classroom.
Parents also have access to Cavell House, a dedicated building on campus where they can drop in at any time – to meet other parents, stay for a coffee, or even work. The space is theirs to use and has become a hub for friendship, support, and everyday connection.
Belonging at BSB also grows from everyday interactions – teachers greeting students by name, older students looking out for younger ones, and corridor conversations. Lessons include time to explore identity and culture, helping students appreciate different perspectives.
This sense of belonging is not an add-on but part of school life. Research shows that when students feel connected to their peers and teachers, they are more engaged, more motivated, and more resilient in their learning. At BSB, this means students can learn with confidence, and parents know their children are part of a community that values and supports them.
Belonging at BSB begins on the first day but continues throughout each student’s time at school. It develops through friendships, shared experiences, and trusted relationships that strengthen learning and wellbeing. Wherever their story takes them next, students and families carry with them not only memories of their time at BSB but also the lasting benefits of knowing they belonged.
Interested in joining the BSB community? Please contact our Admissions team for more details.