Cities / Brussels / The British International School of Brussels
The British International School of Brussels
Small British-curriculum primary school in Schaerbeek, centrally located midway between NATO and the European Commission, offering the British National Curriculum for children aged 2 to 11 (pre-nursery through Year 6). Fees run from EUR 20,220 (Early Years) to EUR 24,990…
In brief
BISB is the small British primary in central Ixelles, midway between NATO and the Commission. Around 150 children, ages 3 to 11, English National Curriculum.
Founded in 2000, BISB sits in a townhouse setting on Avenue Emile Max and trades on its size. Classes are small, the head and staff know every child by name, and families coming in mid-year find it an easier landing than the larger campuses out in Tervuren or Watermael.
Parents talk warmly about the EAL support, the speed at which non-English-speaking children become fluent, and the Friday outdoor programme in the woods. French is taught alongside, and the Ixelles location is genuinely convenient for EU and NATO commutes.
It only goes to Year 6. Families with secondary-age children move on to BSB, ISB, BJAB or one of the IB schools, and most parents plan that exit from the start. As a self-contained primary it is well-regarded; as a long-stay solution it is not the offer.
Fees
| Fee | Age | Type | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Years 1/2 (mornings only, age 2-3) | 2 | Annual | €11,560 |
| Early Years 1/2 (full days, age 2-3) | 2 | Annual | €20,220 |
| Early Years 3 (age 4) | 4 | Annual | €21,320 |
| Years 1-2 (ages 5-7) | 5 | Annual | €23,850 |
| Years 3-6 (ages 7-11) | 7 | Annual | €24,990 |
| Refundable Deposit | One-time | €600 | |
| Registration Fee (non-refundable) | One-time | €750 |
Reviews
- Small primary school for ages 3 to 11; signal online is sparse and mostly directory-based, with a small but consistently positive review pool.
- Parents pick BISB for the small-school experience: every teacher knows every child, and class sizes allow personalised attention.
- Bilingual angle highlighted by expat parents who want to keep an English curriculum while their children pick up French for life in Brussels.
- Friday outings into nature and weekly swimming sessions feature in multiple reviews as part of the school week.
- No secondary section, so families plan onward moves to schools like BSB Tervuren or ISB after Year 6.
Head of school
Mrs Helen Prescott
Mrs. Helen Prescott is the Headteacher of the British International School of Brussels, where she emphasizes a nurturing environment and a commitment to developing the whole child academically, socially, and emotionally. She is proud of the school's tradition of excellence and innovation, fostering strong relationships with students and parents alike.
Accreditations
- COBIS Patron's Accreditation and Compliance 01