British Junior Academy of Brussels - Prep and Senior Campus vs St. John's International School
British Junior Academy of Brussels - Prep and Senior Campus and St. John's International School are both in Brussels, about 14 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes. British Junior Academy of Brussels - Prep and Senior Campus also offers British and Cambridge IGCSE, and St. John's International School also offers Advanced Placement (AP). Published annual fees are €10,403 - 28,322 at British Junior Academy of Brussels - Prep and Senior Campus and €14,200 - 45,850 at St. John's International School, which puts St. John's International School roughly 55% higher. British Junior Academy of Brussels - Prep and Senior Campus takes pupils from 9 to 18, and St. John's International School from 1 to 18.
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
Waterloo, Belgium. Founded in 1964 in Waterloo, St. John's is located just 15 minutes south of Brussels in a quiet, tree-lined residential area of Waterloo. Many students live within walking distance, or in the surrounding suburbs of Ohain and Lasne, with easy access to Brussels via the Waterloo highway.
Stages
Stages
Early Years; Pre-Prep; Prep and Senior.
Stages
Kindergarten (Early Years 1–6), Primary School (6–11), Middle School (11–14), High School (16–18); IB Continuum (ages 3–18).
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
Private international school; An Inspired School; part of Inspired Education Group; offers boarding at Shannon House.
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
65+ 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
Learning Support Programme available for students who learn differently; English as an Additional Language support; small-group or in-class support; Speech, Language and Occupational Needs services offered (via freelance staffing).
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Belgium.
Country affiliation
Belgium
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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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
Door-to-door transport with SAM-Drive; 8-seat vans; extensive bus system serving Waterloo and the greater Brussels region; bus monitors for high schoolers; free bus from Waterloo train station at 8:00; also options to reach school by car or bike.
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
Enrolment and one-time fees - Enrolment (application) fee (new students only): EUR 1,000. - Campus Development Fee (new students only): EUR 700.
Tuition fees (annual and termly) — 2025/26 academic year - Early Years 1 (Day Care): Annual EUR 14,200 — Termly EUR 4,733 (annual ÷ 3). - Early Years 2 (Timbertops): Annual EUR 14,200 — Termly EUR 4,733 (annual ÷ 3). - Early Years 3 (Pre-K1): Annual EUR 19,500 — Termly EUR 6,500 (annual ÷ 3). - Early Years 4 (Pre-K2): Annual EUR 19,500 — Termly EUR 6,500 (annual ÷ 3). - Early Years 5 (Kindergarten): Annual EUR 27,800 — Termly EUR 9,267 (annual ÷ 3). - Grade 1: Annual EUR 36,700 — Termly EUR 12,233 (annual ÷ 3). - Grades 2–5: Annual EUR 37,300 — Termly EUR 12,433 (annual ÷ 3). - Grade 6: Annual EUR 39,800 — Termly EUR 13,267 (annual ÷ 3). - Grades 7–8: Annual EUR 42,200 — Termly EUR 14,067 (annual ÷ 3). - Grade 9: Annual EUR 42,900 — Termly EUR 14,300 (annual ÷ 3). - Grades 10–12: Annual EUR 44,600 — Termly EUR 14,867 (annual ÷ 3). (Note: the school year is organised in three terms; termly figures above are the annual fee divided by three. )
Boarding fees - Weekly boarding (Sunday night to Thursday night): EUR 16,200 per year. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. - Full boarding (Sunday night to Saturday night): EUR 18,340 per year. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. - Daily boarding / short-term exchanges: EUR 110 per day. - Refund for early departure during the first semester: 25% of the boarding fee paid (see refund policy below).
Other recurring or optional costs - Lunch / food and supervision (annual / termly / daily as applicable): - Early Years 2 – Early Years 4: Annual EUR 740 — Termly EUR 247 — Daily EUR 4.30. - Early Years 5 – Grade 2: Annual EUR 1,175 — Termly EUR 392 — Daily EUR 6.50. - Grade 3 – Grade 12: Annual EUR 1,550 — Termly EUR 517 — Daily EUR 8.60. - Cub Care (Extended hours) Early Years 1 – Grade 5: EUR 15 (frequency indicated in fee schedule). - Bus service: Round trip EUR 3,630 per year; one-way EUR 2,700 per year. Sibling discount of 10% for the second and each subsequent child using the bus. - Mandatory service / support fees: - Student support (EdTech AI fee) Grade 3–11: EUR 50 per year (mandatory). - EdTech VR fee Grade 7–12: EUR 50 per year (mandatory). - IB Diploma exams and support Grade 12: EUR 1,200 per year (mandatory). - Optional / activity fees: - Performing Arts show participation: EUR 150 per performance (termly). - NECIS tournament participation: EUR 150 per tournament (termly). - AP exams (Grade 10–12): EUR 135 per exam (optional). - Replacement student card: EUR 20 per replacement.
Billing schedule and payment terms - The full Tuition Fee is payable within 30 days of the invoice date. Termly (instalment) payment arrangements may be made with the Business Manager; choosing instalments incurs an annual administrative fee of EUR 750. If paying by instalments, all fees must be paid by 1 April of the current school year. Late payments incur interest and other charges; specific remedies for prolonged arrears are set out in the terms. - The school year is made up of three terms (Autumn, Spring, Summer); fees are charged on an annual basis and may be presented with termly instalments.
Refund and withdrawal policy (summary) - New-student cancellation: if the school is not notified in writing at least three months before the student's start date, a fixed indemnity equal to 10% of the Tuition Fees is due. - Current students withdrawing prior to the start of the new school year must notify the school in writing before 1 June; otherwise a fixed indemnity of 10% of the Tuition Fees applies. - Departure/withdrawal during the school year: - Notice received on or before October 15 of the school year: reimbursement of 25% of the annual Tuition Fee. - Notice received after October 15 (during or by the end of the first term): no reimbursement of the annual Tuition Fee. - Departure during the second semester: no reimbursement of the annual Tuition Fee. - Boarding-specific refund: early departure during the first semester entitles the payer to 25% refund of the boarding fee paid. - General statement in the terms: absent exceptional cases specified above, fees (including Tuition Fees) are treated as non-refundable; additional contractual provisions detail exceptions and indemnities.
Accepted payment methods and practical payment notes - Invoices can be paid via bank transfer; the invoice provides bank details. For payment plans the school uses Direct Debit / SEPA in specific cases; parents must provide bank details for SEPA. An administrative fee applies to instalment arrangements (EUR 750 per year). Overdue invoices incur interest (1% per month) and reminder costs (EUR 15 per reminder). Credit-card payment is not listed as a standard option in the school's fee documentation.
Other practical fee notes - All fees are expressed and payable in euros. Prices are reviewed annually. Additional services (bus, lunch, extra-curricular trips, private music lessons, therapy, tutoring, etc.) are invoiced separately and are not included in the Tuition Fee. Sibling discounts for the bus service and other specific discounts may apply where stated in the fee schedule. VAT and applicable taxes are included in the published figures.
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
St John's follows an all-through IB curriculum with PYP, MYP, and DP. Diploma students may also take Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and there are five graduation pathways that combine the IB Diploma, AP credits, and the St John's High School Diploma. The school runs a Dual Language Programme in French and English in Early Years and Primary to foster bilingualism and biliteracy. In Grades 6–8 students study two to three languages, and in Grades 9–10 there is a Mother Tongue Programme offering eight languages; Language A and Self-Taught Literature are part of the Diploma. The IB framework underpins a holistic, global education with tailored learning and a diverse international community.
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
2024 IB results show a 100% pass rate for the High School qualification. 54% of graduates earned the IB Bilingual Diploma. The average IBDP score was 33, with many students scoring 38 and above; the top IBDP score achieved was 43.
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
Graduates gain entry to top universities worldwide. The University Guidance team supports course selection, applications, interview preparation, and campus visits, coordinating opportunities such as college fairs and admissions interactions. Destinations include Oxford, Cambridge, MIT, Columbia, Yale, KU Leuven and Bocconi.
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. Contact Us: Complete a brief online form. The Admissions Office will contact you to discuss entry options. Please inform how you would like to be contacted when you submit the form. The team will guide you through the next steps.
2. Visit the School: We encourage you to visit to experience our facilities and community. You can book an on-site tour or view a virtual tour. Both options are available throughout the summer.
3. Interview: An interview is a normal part of the admissions process. The admissions team will try to accommodate your schedule. If you are not in the country within an acceptable timeframe, the interview can be arranged remotely.
4. Admissions Entry Criteria: St. John's is an IB World School. Admission is open year-round to students of all nationalities, faiths, and backgrounds. The final decision on acceptance and placement is based on the applicant's ability to benefit from the programmes and educational services available. English is the primary language of instruction; non-English-proficient applicants may be considered if they can develop sufficient English proficiency to enter the IB Diploma Programme, with Grade 8 as the last year for an absolute beginner English learner.
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.
Scholarships
The school offers 3 academic and 1 theatre art scholarship for entry into the final year of IBMYP (Grade 10) and the first year of the IBDP (Grade 11). Scholarships are open to high-achieving Belgian students currently in 3ème and 4ème Secondaire of the Belgian State Education System. Scholars will learn in an immersive English-language environment and follow the IBDP. Applications are open until 25 April 2025 and include fee reductions of up to 100%.
