British Schools in Brussels: BSB and British-Curriculum Education for Expat Families
For British families — and internationally-mobile families who value British educational traditions — Brussels offers a clear anchor in The British School of Brussels (BSB). Widely regarded as one of the strongest British-curriculum schools in continental Europe, BSB serves approximately 1,350 students from over 70 nationalities and is the only school in Belgium to offer IGCSEs, A Levels, the IB Diploma, and BTEC vocational qualifications under one roof.
About The British School of Brussels
BSB was founded in 1969 and occupies a 10-hectare campus in Tervuren, a leafy municipality about 20 kilometres east of central Brussels, adjacent to the Royal Museum of Central Africa and surrounded by the forest of Soignes. The campus is spacious by European standards, with purpose-built facilities for sport, performing arts, and the sciences.
The school runs from Early Years (age 2) through to Sixth Form (age 18), and its student body reflects Brussels's extraordinary international character — British, Belgian, American, South Asian, East Asian, and African families all find a home here.
Curriculum Structure
Early Years and Primary (Ages 2–11)
The Early Years and primary sections follow a broadly British-style curriculum, with strong foundations in English literacy and numeracy. From the Early Years Foundation Stage upwards, the curriculum is enriched by French language teaching, reflecting Belgium's linguistic environment.
Lower Secondary (Ages 11–14, Years 7–9)
Students follow a broad curriculum across core and elective subjects, preparing for the GCSE and IGCSE courses. The school uses a mix of UK national curriculum frameworks and Cambridge International programmes at this stage.
GCSE and IGCSE (Ages 14–16, Years 10–11)
BSB prepares students for both GCSE and IGCSE examinations — Cambridge International qualifications recognised worldwide. Students typically sit eight to ten subjects. Subject choices include all standard academic disciplines plus modern languages, the arts, and technology. See our companion guide on GCSE and A Levels in Brussels for the full picture on these qualifications.
Sixth Form: Three Pre-University Pathways (Ages 16–18)
This is what makes BSB genuinely distinctive. Sixth-form students choose between:
- A Levels — the traditional British pre-university qualification, recognised globally and the standard route to UK universities via UCAS. Most students take three or four A Level subjects.
- IB Diploma Programme — six subjects across three higher and three standard levels, plus the Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service components. BSB offers the IB Diploma in French-Dutch bilingual tracks as well as English. Recognised by universities worldwide.
- BTEC Level 3 Extended Diplomas — vocational qualifications in Sport, Business, or Hospitality, equivalent to three A Levels for university entry purposes. A strong pathway for students with practical or career-focused ambitions.
This breadth of sixth-form choice is rare in continental Europe and is one of BSB's key attractions for families uncertain whether they will return to the UK or move on to a third country.
Fees and Costs
Annual tuition fees at BSB for 2025/2026 range from approximately €34,400 to €44,015 depending on year group. These are among the higher fees in Brussels, reflecting the school's facilities, staffing levels, and reputation.
| Stage | Approximate Annual Fee (2025/26) |
|---|---|
| Early Years | €34,400–€36,000 |
| Primary | €36,000–€39,000 |
| Lower Secondary | €39,000–€42,000 |
| GCSE / IGCSE | €42,000–€44,000 |
| Sixth Form (A Level / IB / BTEC) | €43,000–€44,015 |
Additional costs include a registration or enrolment fee for new students, school bus service (optional, roughly €2,000–€3,500 per year depending on route), school trips, and exam fees at IGCSE and A Level. Always verify fees directly with the school before budgeting.
For a full comparison of school fees across Brussels, see our guide on international school fees in Brussels.
Admissions
BSB accepts applications throughout the year and aims to process files within a few weeks of receiving a complete application. Required documents typically include the last two years of school reports, a copy of the child's passport or birth certificate, and a reference from the current school.
Most year groups have some availability, though lower secondary and GCSE years can fill quickly mid-academic year. Sixth-form entry depends on subject availability and the applicant's prior academic record. See our applying to international schools in Brussels guide for the practical steps.
BSB's Position in the Brussels School Ecosystem
BSB sits alongside the European Schools and ISB as one of the three schools that most British expat families in Brussels consider. The key question is often which curriculum fits the child's likely trajectory:
- Staying in the UK system long-term: A Levels at BSB offer the most straightforward path to UK universities via UCAS, with established relationships with admissions tutors and a familiar grading structure.
- Possibly settling in continental Europe or North America: The IB Diploma at BSB, or ISB's full IB continuum, may offer broader international recognition.
- Working in the EU institutions: If there is a realistic prospect of qualifying for Category I or II at a European School, some families maintain a BSB place whilst waiting for a European School offer.
Transport and Location
BSB runs a comprehensive school bus network covering much of the Brussels metropolitan area, from Tervuren and Wezembeek-Oppem eastward, through Woluwe and Etterbeek, and across to Ixelles, Uccle, and parts of Waterloo. Bus fees run approximately €2,000–€3,500 per year for a return pass. Families driving directly typically find the journey from Woluwe-Saint-Pierre around 10–15 minutes; from Ixelles around 20–25 minutes; from central Brussels 20–30 minutes depending on traffic.
Many families living near BSB find Tervuren and Wezembeek-Oppem particularly convenient — see our guide on best areas in Brussels near international schools for neighbourhood detail including typical rental costs.
Extracurricular Life
BSB has a broad extracurricular offer including competitive sports, performing arts productions, Model United Nations, Duke of Edinburgh's Award, and a wide range of clubs and societies. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award (International Award) operates through BSB and is well recognised by UK university admissions processes.
How Global Investments Can Help
Placing children at BSB is typically a trigger for serious property decisions in the eastern Brussels suburbs — Tervuren, Wezembeek-Oppem, and the Woluwe communes are popular and competitively priced. Global Investments advises internationally-mobile families on property acquisition, rental strategy, and wealth planning in Brussels and across our international markets. Whether you are arriving on a two-year assignment or planning a longer stay, our advisers help ensure your property decisions align with your family's schooling and lifestyle needs.
Get in touch with our team to discuss your Brussels move, or explore our international schools hub for the full school landscape.
School fees, admissions criteria, and curricula are subject to change. Verify all details directly with the school. This guide does not constitute financial or legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Is BSB the only British-curriculum school in Brussels?
BSB is the principal provider of IGCSE and A Levels in Belgium. The European Schools offer a multilingual curriculum culminating in the European Baccalaureate, which is a distinct qualification. Other schools such as ISB and St. John's offer the IB Diploma but not A Levels.
What qualifications does BSB offer at sixth-form level?
BSB is unique in Belgium in offering three pre-university pathways: A Levels, the IB Diploma, and BTEC vocational qualifications in Sport, Business, and Hospitality. Students take GCSE and IGCSE examinations at age 16.
Do BSB students do well in UK university applications?
BSB has a strong track record with UCAS applications to UK universities and is well known to UK admissions offices. Students applying to Russell Group universities and Oxbridge do so via the standard UCAS process, with A Level or IB Diploma results.
How far is BSB from central Brussels and which areas do families live in?
BSB is in Tervuren, approximately 20 minutes east of central Brussels by car. Most families live in Tervuren, Wezembeek-Oppem, Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, or Woluwe-Saint-Lambert to reduce the commute.
This guide is for general information only and does not constitute financial, legal or tax advice. Rules, fees and regulations change frequently; verify current requirements with a qualified adviser before acting.