The British International School of Brussels
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$22K - US$27K
Curriculum: British
Age Range: 2-11
Students: ~150
Location: Diegem & North, Brussels
Updated April 2026
In Brief
BISB is an excellent primary school - but plan secondary before you enrol. Families who need continuity through to 18 will need a second school from age 11; that is not a weakness but it is the defining practical decision.
BISB is a primary-only school: ages 2 to 11, pre-nursery through Year 6. It is a deliberate choice - the school is not growing into secondary, and the focus is entirely on the 2-to-11 stage. The campus in Schaerbeek is genuinely central: equidistant between NATO in the north and the European Commission in the south, which makes it practical for the broad international family base in Brussels. COBIS accreditation and a 4.8-star rating across seven independent parent reviews published in 2024-2025 give meaningful external validation for a school that does not publicise its numbers widely.
The reviews are consistent in what they praise: a warm family atmosphere where teachers know children individually, strong EAL support for children joining with limited English, Friday nature outings built into the school week, termly swimming trips, and theatrical performances twice a year. LEGO, robotics, and football feature in the after-school club offer. For families arriving mid-posting with young children who need immediate, low-anxiety integration, BISB's size and character suit that transition well. Fees run from EUR 20,220 (Early Years) to EUR 24,990 (Year 6) - towards the top of the Brussels primary market, but below ISB and comparable to BEPS at the same stage.
The planning question for all BISB families is secondary. At age 11, children leave - there is no automatic progression. BSB, ISB, St. John's, Bogaerts, and the IB schools on this list all offer secondary places, but competition for Year 7 entry at the more popular schools can be significant. Families enrolling at BISB should have a secondary plan in mind from the start, or at least open conversations with admissions teams at secondary schools while their children are in the early primary years. The school's pastoral team can advise on common transition routes.
What parents value
- –4.8 stars across seven verified parent reviews in 2024-2025 - the highest rating of any school on this Brussels list. COBIS accredited.
- –Schaerbeek campus: equidistant between NATO and the EU Commission - the most practical location on this list for families spread across northern and central Brussels.
- –Warm family atmosphere, strong EAL support, Friday nature outings, swimming, drama productions, and robotics clubs - consistently praised in reviews for the quality of primary experience.
Points of consideration
- –Primary only - children leave at age 11 (end of Year 6). Plan secondary school early; competition for Year 7 places at popular Brussels international schools can be high.
- –Fees (EUR 20,220-24,990) are at the upper end of the Brussels primary market. No phone number is listed publicly; contact is via the [email protected] email.
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Early Years / Pre-Nursery (age 2-3) | 2 | 23,343 |
| Nursery to Reception (age 4-5) | 4 | 25,283 |
| Year 1 (age 5-6) | 5 | 25,976 |
| Year 2 (age 6-7) | 6 | 26,668 |
| Year 3 (age 7-8) | 7 | 27,015 |
| Year 4 (age 8-9) | 8 | 27,361 |
| Year 5 (age 9-10) | 9 | 27,938 |
| Year 6 (age 10-11) | 10 | 28,850 |
Fees converted from EUR. For the most up to date and accurate figures please double check with the school.
Additional Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Registration Fee (non-refundable) | 577 |
Academic Results
Academic results have not been made publicly available by this school.
Extra Curriculars
Contact the school for details on co-curricular activities and facilities. Ask what a normal week looks like outside lessons for your child's interests.
Inspections & Accreditations
Inspection
No published inspection details are currently available.
Accreditations
Accreditation details are not publicly listed.
Memberships
Membership details are not publicly listed.
Student Body
Brussels's international schools serve a highly diverse student body drawn from the EU institutions, NATO, multinational companies, and local families. Contact the school for current enrolment details.
Leadership
School leadership
Contact the school for details.