British Junior Academy of Brussels - Prep and Senior Campus vs Brussels International Catholic School - Pre-Primary
British Junior Academy of Brussels - Prep and Senior Campus and Brussels International Catholic School - Pre-Primary are both in Brussels, about 1 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge IGCSE programmes. British Junior Academy of Brussels - Prep and Senior Campus also offers IB and British, and Brussels International Catholic School - Pre-Primary also offers EYFS, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge A Levels and French. Published annual fees are €10,403 - 28,322 at British Junior Academy of Brussels - Prep and Senior Campus and €11,700 at Brussels International Catholic School - Pre-Primary, which puts British Junior Academy of Brussels - Prep and Senior Campus roughly 65% higher. British Junior Academy of Brussels - Prep and Senior Campus takes pupils from 9 to 18, and Brussels International Catholic School - Pre-Primary from 3 to 18.
EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, French Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
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Pupils
683
Typical class size
Typical class size
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Typical class size
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Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English, French
Opened
Opened
1992
Opened
2004
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
BJAB operates from two campuses in Brussels: the Lower School at 83 Boulevard Saint Michel, 1040 Etterbeek, and the Upper School at 101 Boulevard Louis Schmidt, 1040 Etterbeek. The two sites are in Etterbeek and are within a five-minute walk of each other. The school lies in the European Quarter, within easy reach of the European Commission, embassies, NATO and other business districts. Being located in Etterbeek, minutes away from central Brussels, the campuses are well situated for local transport and access.
Location
Brussels, Belgium; in the heart of Brussels near the European Institutions.
Stages
Stages
Early Years; Pre-Prep; Prep and Senior.
Stages
Pre-Primary, Primary, and Secondary; Pre-Primary is part of a bilingual English-French programme.
School type
School type
International English-speaking school in Brussels. Bespoke education in a nurturing environment for children from around the world. BJAB offers a British-style education.
School type
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Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
Pupils come from many nationalities and speak over 40 languages. The school provides English as an Additional Language (EAL) support for pupils not yet fluent in English. BJAB thrives on its diverse community.
Pupil nationality mix
132 students (Pre-Primary); 46 nationalities represented.
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided for pupils not yet fluent in English.
Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Belgium.
Country affiliation
Belgium
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
Catholic
School day structure
School day structure
Lower School (PreKindergarten–Year 4) starts around 8:00 and finishes between 12:00 (half day) and 3:30 (full day); Garderie is available until 6:00 pm. Years 5–11 start around 8:00–8:20 and finish around 3:45–4:00, with Garderie again available until 6:00 pm; Wednesdays have different collection times. A sample Day at Prep shows a typical timetable with classes through the afternoon and a 4:00 pm dismissal.
School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
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Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
*Application and one-time fees* - Registration fee (first child): EUR 500, payable upon enrolment and non-refundable. - Sibling registration fee (each subsequent child): EUR 250, payable upon enrolment and non-refundable. - Enrolment deposit: EUR 500, payable upon enrolment and fully refundable on departure provided there are no outstanding charges; any outstanding charges (for example damaged library books) will be deducted from the deposit. In exceptional circumstances the deposit may be withheld if written notice of departure is not provided within the required notice period.
*Tuition fees by year group (full year totals and three-instalment schedule — academic year 2025–2026)* - Full‑year tuition (total payable): - Kindergarten (half day): EUR 10,403. - Kindergarten (full day): EUR 17,800. - Reception class: EUR 18,780. - Years 1 and 2: EUR 21,795. - Years 3, 4, 5 and 6: EUR 24,197. - Years 7 and 8: EUR 26,777. - Years 9, 10 and 11: EUR 28,322.
- Three-instalment payment schedule (instalment dates and proportions for the full year total): - 1 May 2025 — 20% of the total. - 1 July 2025 — 40% of the total. - 1 January 2026 — 40% of the total.
- Instalment amounts by year group (three instalments shown in the order 20% | 40% | 40%): - Kindergarten (half day): EUR 2,081 | EUR 4,161 | EUR 4,161. - Kindergarten (full day): EUR 3,560 | EUR 7,120 | EUR 7,120. - Reception class: EUR 3,756 | EUR 7,512 | EUR 7,512. - Years 1 and 2: EUR 4,359 | EUR 8,718 | EUR 8,718. - Years 3–6: EUR 4,839 | EUR 9,679 | EUR 9,679. - Years 7 and 8: EUR 5,355 | EUR 10,711 | EUR 10,711. - Years 9–11: EUR 5,664 | EUR 11,329 | EUR 11,329.
*Billing schedule and payment terms* - When an employer/company is paying, tuition fees are payable for the whole school year. For parents paying privately, fees can be paid in the three instalments shown above. Monthly payments may be arranged only by request and at the discretion of the Headteacher. Pupils entering mid‑year receive a pro‑rata invoice before entry; payment is required within two weeks of invoicing. No student may be admitted or remain at the school unless payment arrangements have been made. Parents remain responsible for total sums due regardless of any employer subsidy.
*Boarding fees* - Boarding is not applicable. The British Junior Academy of Brussels is a day school and does not operate boarding facilities.
*Other costs and routine charges* - Annual residential week: An additional charge is applied for participation in the annual residential week for pupils in Years 2–11. - Duke of Edinburgh and Round Square: Additional charges apply from Year 9 to cover participation in the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme and Round Square activities. - Public examination fees: Standard charges levied by examination boards for public examinations are passed on to parents (for example Year 9 Cambridge Checkpoints and Year 11 Cambridge IGCSE). - Included within tuition: School fees cover books, use of school IT equipment up to Year 9, sports courses, swimming expenses and day visits. From Year 10 a Bring Your Own Device policy applies (device cost is borne by the family). - Uniform: Uniform must be purchased from the school supplier (Trutex) using the school code; standard home delivery is EUR 10 (free for orders over EUR 150) and returns are accepted provided items are unused and returned within 60 days. Refunds on returned items may take up to 14 days to process.
*Refund information and departure notice* - Enrolment deposit refund: The enrolment deposit (EUR 500) is fully refundable on departure provided there are no outstanding charges; outstanding charges will be deducted from the deposit. - Registration fee: Non‑refundable once paid. - Departure notice period: The school requires 90 days written notice of a pupils departure. In the absence of 90 days written notice, three months fees will be payable. Specific notice cut‑off dates are applied around term end dates.
*Fee payment options* - Credit and debit card payments: Card transactions (credit/debit) are processed using third‑party payment processors; the school does not itself store card account information. - Invoicing and payment timing: Invoices are issued according to the billing schedule described above and must be paid within the stated terms; parents pay the total sums due whether or not an employer contributes. Monthly payment plans are available only by request and at the Headteachers discretion.
*Notes for parents on variable costs* - Expect additional, itemised charges beyond the published tuition where the school passes on third‑party costs (residential trips, award schemes, public examination fees). Day trips, books and most educational resources are included in the tuition.
Fee details
Tuition fees (annual and per-term equivalents)
- Private registration: EUR 11,700 per annum. Equivalent per-term amount (even split into three academic terms): EUR 3,900 per term.
- Professional (employer-paid) registration: EUR 19,000 per annum. Equivalent per-term amount (even split into three academic terms): EUR 6,333.33 per term.
Application / admission fee
- A non‑reimbursable admission/confirmation fee of EUR 500 is payable when accepting an offer to secure a place. This fee is required to confirm enrolment.
Sibling discount
- Automatic reduction for private registrations: 10% reduction for the second child, 20% for the third child and 30% for the fourth child.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Tuition is stated as an annual charge; the per-term equivalents above are shown as equal one‑third splits of the annual amount for budgeting purposes. Banking details for payment by bank transfer are provided (BNP Paribas Fortis — IBAN: BE19 0018 4374 8112; BIC: GEBA BE BB). For billing procedures and the bursar contact, use the school bursar email provided.
Boarding fees
- The Pre‑Primary provision is a day school; no boarding fees apply.
Other costs and typical additional charges
- Uniforms: A uniform is required for Pre‑Primary pupils. The supplier and list of uniform items (polo, navy sweatshirt, grey skirt/pants, apron, optional navy coat and summer dress) are specified and items are bought from the named supplier. Parents should expect to purchase uniform items separately from the tuition.
- Meals and lunch arrangements: Kindergarten pupils eat in classrooms; Reception and Year 1 pupils use the canteen. Meal provision is part of daily organisation; specific meal charges (if any) are billed separately.
- After‑school care (Garderie) and extracurricular activities: An after‑school care service runs (16:00–18:00 weekdays; on Wednesdays the service runs 13:00–17:00). A list of extracurricular activities is provided at the start of the school year; any activity or care fees are separate from tuition.
Refund information
- The admission/confirmation fee of EUR 500 is non‑reimbursable.
Fee payment options
- Bank transfer to the school's account (BNP Paribas Fortis — IBAN: BE19 0018 4374 8112; BIC: GEBA BE BB) is provided as a payment route. The bursar's contact is provided for billing queries and payment arrangements. No other specific payment methods (credit card, direct debit, etc.) are listed in the published Pre‑Primary fee information.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
BJAB uses a responsive, future-focused curriculum designed to prepare pupils with the skills needed in a dynamic world. Literacy is developed through project-based learning, STEAM activities, and digital education to enhance problem-solving and creativity in real-world contexts. The curriculum is embedded with digital literacy from Early Years, with a coding progression from game-based learning in Early Years to block-based coding in Key Stage 1, and then to text-based coding and robotics in Key Stage 2. CENTURY provides personalized learning pathways from Year 3, with dashboards that help teachers tailor next steps. The school emphasises safe online practices and an ethical approach to technology, delivering cross-curricular projects and a strong focus on adapting to accelerating change. The overall aim is to equip students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes to thrive in the digital landscape of the future.
Curriculum details
BICS Pre-Primary is a bilingual English–French programme. All teachers are native English or French speakers. The Pre-Primary cohort numbers 132 students, and the school totals around 150 pupils. The school is a Cambridge University Examination Centre and is accredited by the European Council of International Schools; it is recognised by the Wallonia-Brussels Federation.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
BJAB uses a mix of teacher assessment and standardised testing to track progress and attainment, aiming for above age-related expectations (standardised scores of 110+). The Independent School Inspectorate rated BJAB as Excellent in all categories in 2019, and ISI accreditation is reviewed on a three-year cycle; the latest ISI report published in 2025 confirms continued high standards. In 2022, the median standardised scores in Mathematics and English were 118 and 113 respectively, indicating performance above expectations; data from 2022-23 and checkpoint data also show strong results.
Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
BJAB offers a secondary program that includes Cambridge IGCSE in Years 10-11 and, from Years 12-13, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). Pupils have progressed to prestigious schools and universities worldwide, including Eton College, Thomas's Battersea, St Paul's Girls' School and others; the curriculum supports success in environments ranging from IB and Cambridge to the Belgian school system.
Higher education progression
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Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
BJAB has a Challenge for All policy to provide challenge for higher attaining and more able learners. Higher attainers and more able pupils are defined by attainment data, and provision is tracked through baseline, mid-year and end-of-year assessments; Century AI is used to identify gaps and tailor pre- and post-learning tasks to extend learning.
Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
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Community
Community
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Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
BJAB offers rolling admissions with year‑round entry. Entry begins with a tour and interview with the Headteacher, Mr Retter; tours can be requested via the Enquiry Form, and video conference appointments are available for admission from abroad. After the tour, parents apply formally by submitting the application and medical information forms; the Admissions Officer confirms receipt and may issue a formal offer after agreement with the Headteacher. Some prospective pupils may undertake entrance assessments (these do not determine admission) and pupils may have a trial day. Admission decisions are made by the Headteacher and the Senior Leadership team; spaces are limited and waiting lists may occur. Applications from those requiring 1:1 learning support, financial aid or other special circumstances may take longer. Registration and payment follow the Schedule of Fees: the first invoice covers a 500€ Registration Fee and 500€ Deposit, securing the space; these fees are non-refundable if a place is not taken within the agreed period; further invoices for school fees follow; attendance certificates can be issued for employers. Start Your Journey: enter your child's date of birth to discover when they can start at BJAB.
Admissions
1. Book a visit to BICS Pre-Primary. Parents are welcome to book a visit and see the learning environment in action. The Headmaster invites families to observe the programme and meet staff. The school operates a bilingual English-French programme within a caring community. 2. Admissions subsections include Applying to BICS, Fees, Application Form, Uniforms, and FAQs. These items are listed under Admissions on the Pre-Primary page. The Headmaster's message notes the option to book a visit as part of the admissions process. 3. Fees are 11 700 € yearly. This is the annual fee for Pre-Primary. The admissions section lists the fee as part of enrollment information. The term 'yearly' indicates the fee is charged annually.
Scholarships
Scholarships
Discretionary financial assistance on school fees is available upon admission. Scholarships and bursaries are available for strong Sixth Form candidates through a Sixth Form assistance programme.