International German School of Brussels vs The British International School of Brussels

	I International German School of Brussels Brussels, Belgium	T The British International School of Brussels Brussels, Belgium
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €13,900 - 20,660	Fees / year €8,660 - 24,990
Age range	Age range 0 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 11 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum, German Curriculum	Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum, British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils 120
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language German, English, French	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1803	Opened 2000
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location The iDSB campus is located in Wezembeek-Oppem, about 8 km east of Brussels, on extensive green grounds in a residential area near the E40 and the R0 motorway ring road. The address is Lange Eikstraat 71, B-1970 Wezembeek-Oppem. The school is easily accessible by private and public transport, with nearby routes connecting to Brussels.	Location The school is located centrally in Brussels, midway between NATO headquarters and the European Commission. The Acorn Department is at Avenue Emile Max 163, 1030 Brussels, Belgium.
Stages	Stages Bilingual Pre-school (ages 3 months to 6 years); Elementary School (four-year primary); Realschule (from grade 5 to around grade 9/10); Technical College (Fachoberschule, two years); Secondary School (Gymnasium) with the German International Abitur (DIAP).	Stages Two campus buildings: Emile Max hosts the Infant Department (ages 3–7); Avenue Emeraude hosts the Junior Department (ages 7–11).
School type	School type The school is an international German school in Brussels offering German curricula for students from kindergarten through final exams (DIAP).	School type The British International School of Brussels is a British Curriculum school for children aged 3–11.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support German as a Second/Foreign Language (DaZ/DaF) is offered as comprehensive support for children whose mother tongue is not German.	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Germany; German international school abroad (iDSB is described as a German school abroad and follows German curricula).	Country affiliation The school has a British affiliation (British Curriculum).
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure Classes begin at 8:00 a.m. and end at 1:15 p.m., 3:40 p.m., or 5:20 p.m., depending on subject choice. There is an all-day program with after-class activities and lunch (AG/MAG).	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details The school provides an independent taxi transport option through Taxi-Walter Zaventem; the transport contract is between parents and the taxi company; vehicles are Mercedes Vito/Viano; drivers speak English, French, and Dutch; registration is handled by contacting Taxi-Walter.	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Enrollment / Application fee - Enrollment fee (one-time): EUR 1,000 per student, reduced to EUR 500 from the third child attending the school. The enrollment fee is due upon signing the contract and is non-refundable. Tuition fees by school branch (annual and per school half‑year) - Crèche (bilingual Kindergarten with Preschool - Crèche): Annual EUR 20,660. Per school half‑year (annual ÷ 2): EUR 10,330. - KiBi1 (bilingual Kindergarten with Preschool): Annual EUR 17,077. Per school half‑year: EUR 8,538.50. - KiBi+ (extended kindergarten/preschool): Annual EUR 19,309. Per school half‑year: EUR 9,654.50. - Primary School (Grundschule): Annual EUR 13,900. Per school half‑year: EUR 6,950. - Primary School+ (extended): Annual EUR 15,782. Per school half‑year: EUR 7,891. - Secondary School (Sekundarschule): Annual EUR 15,343. Per school half‑year: EUR 7,671.50. - Secondary School (extended, up to grade 8): Annual EUR 17,164. Per school half‑year: EUR 8,582. (Note: the school defines and charges certain support and optional items on a per‑school half‑year basis; the per half‑year figures above are the annual amounts divided by two to show the equivalent half‑year value.) Language support and additional instructional fees - German as a foreign/second language (DaF/DaZ) – fee increase per additional weekly lesson, charged per school half‑year: - KiBi: EUR 400 per weekly lesson per half‑year. - Primary School: EUR 600 per weekly lesson per half‑year. - Secondary School: EUR 600 per weekly lesson per half‑year. - Intensive remedial teaching in English or French (if required in addition to included basic support): EUR 600 per weekly lesson per school half‑year. - Latin (as an additional third language, offered with four lessons per week): EUR 1,200 per school half‑year. Canteen (Mensa) / Lunch fees (per half term and per meal) - Meal of the day prices: - KiBi: EUR 5.20 per meal. - Primary School (GS): EUR 6.50 per meal. - Secondary School (Years 5 and 6) (OS Year 5 & 6): EUR 6.80 per meal. - Staggered registration and package prices (charged per half term): - 1 day/week: KiBi EUR 100; GS EUR 125; OS (Y5–6) EUR 130. - 2 days/week: KiBi EUR 200; GS EUR 250; OS EUR 260. - 3 days/week: KiBi EUR 295; GS EUR 370; OS EUR 380. - 4 days/week: KiBi EUR 395; GS EUR 495; OS EUR 515. - 5 days/week: KiBi EUR 495; GS EUR 615; OS EUR 645. - Booking for KiBi and Primary School is made at the beginning of a school term or for an entire school year via the parent portal; Years 5 and 6 have specific registration rules and payment‑card options as indicated. Discounts and fee reductions - Sibling discount: 25% for the second child and 45% for each additional child (applied to the lowest applicable school fees if siblings attend different branches). - Loyalty discount for primary and secondary students (applies progressively by years enrolled): Year 1 = 12.0%; Year 2 = 19.0%; Year 3 = 25.0%; Year 4 = 30.0%; Year 5 and subsequent years = 34.0%. - Hardship relief and other reductions may be granted in exceptional cases under separate school regulations. Discount applications must be submitted annually with employer confirmation where relevant. Billing schedule and payment terms - The full annual school‑fee amount is invoiced at the start of the school year and is generally payable 14 days after the invoice date. - Payment by instalments: self‑payers and partial self‑payers may pay in 10 equal monthly instalments (September to June) exclusively via direct debit. All other invoices are due 14 days after issue unless otherwise stated. - Bank account for payments: account holder Deutsche Schulverein Brüssel vzw/asbl at ING Bank, IBAN BE98 3100 3651 1593, BIC BBRUBEBB. - Late payment: reminders are issued; from the second reminder a late payment fee of 2% can be charged. Continued non‑payment may lead to debt collection, termination of school contracts for the family, and withholding of school reports/certificates until outstanding amounts are settled. Registrations, cancellations and leave of absence (refund / exemption rules) - Enrolment during the school year: if places are available, fees are charged from the first day of the month of enrolment. - Cancellation: written notice with a three‑month notice period to the end of the month is required. After publication of the new school fees (announced immediately after the General Assembly in May/June), there is a special right of termination of 4 weeks; cancellations must be received within 4 weeks after official communication of the new fees. The school fees remain payable until the cancellation becomes effective. Cancellation for the end of the school year must be submitted in writing by 31 May. The full annual fee must be paid for any year in which basic schooling is completed. - Leave of absence: an approved temporary deregistration (leave of absence) of three calendar months or more may result in an exemption from school fees for the period of absence. A leave of absence may be granted for a maximum of one school year. If a student does not return after leave, written termination must be given in due time. - Enrollment fee refund: the enrollment fee is explicitly non‑refundable. Boarding / residential accommodation - Boarding accommodation is not possible at this school; there are no boarding fees. Assistance may be provided to find a host family, but the school does not offer residential boarding. Other costs or fees - Additional instructional or incidental costs that can apply include language support (see amounts above), Latin lessons, mensa/canteen charges, and charges related to project groups or extracurricular offerings where applicable. Specific items such as excursions, teaching materials, examination fees or optional activities are charged separately where applicable. Mensa/canteen fees are published separately and apply in addition to tuition. Fee payment options - The published arrangements specify payment to the school bank account (IBAN and BIC above) and allow 10‑month direct‑debit instalments for eligible payers. The official fee schedule references direct debit and bank transfer details for payment processing. Summary statement - The school charges a one‑time non‑refundable enrolment fee and annual tuition according to the branch attended (Crèche, KiBi, Primary, Primary+, Secondary, Secondary extended). Mensa/canteen fees, language support, and certain optional subject fees are additional and are charged per half‑year or per half‑term as specified. Invoicing is annual, payable within 14 days, with a 10‑month direct‑debit instalment option for eligible payers; detailed discount, cancellation and leave‑of‑absence rules apply.	Fee details Application and registration fees - Non-refundable registration (application) fee: EUR 750. - Refundable deposit: EUR 600 (refundable on departure minus outstanding charges and subject to 90 days written notice). Any bank transfer charges for refunds to non-euro accounts are deducted from the deposit. Tuition fees by year group (full year, 10% on application, remaining balance) - Early Years 1/2 (mornings only): Full year EUR 11,560; 10% on application EUR 1,156; remaining EUR 10,404. - Early Years 1/2 (afternoons only — four afternoons, not including Wednesday afternoons): Full year EUR 8,660; 10% on application EUR 866; remaining EUR 7,794. - Early Years 1/2 (full days, not including Wednesday afternoons): Full year EUR 20,220; 10% on application EUR 2,022; remaining EUR 18,198. - Early Years 3 (not including Wednesday afternoons): Full year EUR 21,320; 10% on application EUR 2,132; remaining EUR 19,188. - Year 1 & Year 2 (including Wednesday afternoons): Full year EUR 23,850; 10% on application EUR 2,385; remaining EUR 21,465. - Years 3, 4, 5 & 6 (including Wednesday afternoons): Full year EUR 24,990; 10% on application EUR 2,499; remaining EUR 22,491. Per-term amounts (annual fee divided into three school terms — calculated amounts) - Early Years 1/2 (mornings only): approximately EUR 3,853.33 per term (EUR 11,560 ÷ 3). - Early Years 1/2 (afternoons only): approximately EUR 2,886.67 per term (EUR 8,660 ÷ 3). - Early Years 1/2 (full days): EUR 6,740.00 per term (EUR 20,220 ÷ 3). - Early Years 3: approximately EUR 7,106.67 per term (EUR 21,320 ÷ 3). - Year 1 & Year 2: EUR 7,950.00 per term (EUR 23,850 ÷ 3). - Years 3–6: approximately EUR 8,330.00 per term (EUR 24,990 ÷ 3). Billing schedule and payment terms - To secure a place the registration fee, deposit and a non-refundable 10% of the annual fees are required by the invoice date (or by May 3 if the child is already at the school). The remaining 90% of fees is due by mid-June (invoice specifies the exact date). - The school offers a monthly domiciliation (direct debit) payment scheme as an alternative to the single-balance payment. A completed Bank Mandate form must be returned before the child starts if paying by instalments. - For children joining after the start of the academic year, the payable proportion of the annual fee depends on the month of joining (the schedule in the fee documentation shows the percentage payable by joining month). For children leaving during the year the documentation shows the corresponding payment/refund percentages by leaving month. Monthly payment option (domiciliation) - The monthly option divides a full year into 10 equal monthly payments: the initial 10% is taken on application (or by May 3 if paid by direct debit), followed by 9 domiciliation payments from June 3 to February 3 (dates extend for children joining later as specified in the payment schedule). Refunds and deposit refund conditions - The refundable deposit (EUR 600) is returned on departure minus outstanding charges and only if the school receives 90 days written notice of the child's last day. Any bank transfer fees for refunds to non-euro accounts are deducted from the deposit. The school provides a month-by-month refund schedule showing the percentage refund or payment due depending on the month the child leaves. Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable for this school (the school serves children aged 3–11). There are no boarding fees. Other costs and additional fees - The published fee schedule does not list a mandatory uniform fee, exam fees, or other mandatory additional charges in the fee document. Any optional extras, trips, lunches or extracurricular charges are not specified in the published fee schedule and would be charged separately if applicable. Payment methods and bank details - Bank transfer (account name: British International School of Brussels asbl) using IBAN: BE77 0017 2460 6042 and BIC: GEBABEBB at BNP Paribas Fortis. When making a payment include the child's name and/or invoice number in the transfer communication. Transfers from foreign banks are accepted provided the remitter pays any handling charges. Domiciliation (direct debit) is used for monthly instalments. No credit-card payment method is specified in the published fee schedule.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Secondary education runs from grade 5 to grade 12 and leads to the German International Abitur Examination (DIAP). Teaching is based on the Thuringian Educational Plan, a high quality standard approved by German authorities, and the curriculum is aligned with German states to ensure transfers within German schools abroad and in Germany. The language program develops high language competence with English and French from grade 5, bilingual subjects from grade 6, and from grade 8 Spanish as a third foreign language; in grade 10 Dutch can also be chosen. The primary teaching language is German; bilingual instruction in English and/or French occurs in bilingual subjects from grade 6. The science section includes IT as an additional subject and practical work in the Science Lab. From grade 8, students choose between a language focus or a science focus, with Spanish added for the linguistic track; Latinum is available for pupils with prior language knowledge. Class sizes range from 16 to 24 students, with a maximum of 25, and there are two classes per grade level. Classes run from 8:00 am to 3:40 pm, with early dismissal at 1:10 pm on Wednesdays and Fridays for grades 5–9 and longer hours up to 5:20 pm for grades 10–12. The DIAP entitles students to study at any university worldwide. Our graduates have strong results with 2022 average Abitur grade 1.9 (33 graduates), 2023 average 1.9 (20 graduates), and 2024 average 1.8 (33 graduates).	Curriculum details British-based curriculum following the English National Curriculum from Early Years through to the end of Key Stage 2. Pre-Nursery to Reception form the Early Years Foundation Stage; from Reception onward, four French lessons per week. The Primary years are divided into Key Stage 1 (Years 1-2, ages 5-7) and Key Stage 2 (Years 3-6, ages 7-11). Teaching focuses on core subjects such as English, Mathematics and Science, complemented by cross-curricular topics; reading is central to the curriculum. The program is taught in English and French lessons are delivered from Reception to Year 6.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio Class sizes are between 16 and 24 students, with a maximum of 25. There are two classes per grade level.	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results The DIAP entitles students to study at any university worldwide. Graduation results include 2022 average Abitur grade 1.9 with 33 graduates, 2023 average 1.9 with 20 graduates, and 2024 average 1.8 with 33 graduates.	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression The German International Abitur Examination (DIAP) entitles students to study at any university worldwide.	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning —
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History —
Community	Community —	Community —
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Register your child by completing the online application form. The online form is accessible via the 'Register online now' link. Provide accurate information about your child and family. The form starts the admissions process. 2. Gather the required documents for registration: a copy of your child's birth certificate; a copy of the parents' passports; and the most recent report card (from 1st Grade). The documents listed are needed for registration. For future first-graders, a Confirmation of school readiness is additionally required. These documents are part of the registration materials. 3. For future first-graders, Confirmation of school readiness is additionally required. Include it with the registration materials. This is an additional document requested for those applicants. It accompanies the standard registration documents. 4. Register online now via the portal: use the 'Register online now' link to access the online registration. The online registration directs you to the portal (idsb.phidias.es). Submit the registration through the online portal. 5. There are no deadlines for registration; registrations during the year are possible. Registrations can be made year-round. You can register at any time.	Admissions 1. Submit an enquiry through BISB's enquiry form. The form collects the child's first name, last name, date of birth, anticipated start date, languages spoken at home, and contact details. You must check the BISB Data Handling Policy box to indicate you have read and understood it. BISB will contact you to arrange an appointment. 2. Attend BISB's Open Day to visit the school and meet staff. Open Day allows you to drop in during a 10:00–14:00 window to view the classrooms and speak with teachers. An online session is available at 14:00 for those who cannot attend in person. 3. Enrollment is accepted throughout the school year. BISB provides classes from Nursery to Year 6 and follows the British National Curriculum. The curriculum is taught in English and includes French lessons from Reception to Year 6. The school also offers specialist support for non-English speakers.
Scholarships	Scholarships Scholarships to attend the Fachoberschule (FOS) of the iDSB are offered. Applications are open to students of all school types in grade 10 (grade 11 in the school year of the scholarship) who are not yet members of the iDSB school community. Three two-year partial scholarships are offered, which cover the admission fee as well as 60% of the annual fee for the school education at the iDSB technical secondary school. The scholarship does not cover incidental expenses. The scholarship includes a school visit in our small FOS class, in an inviting school atmosphere with high quality teaching and a wide range of support opportunities, as well as a wide range of activities beyond the regular lessons. Boarding school accommodation is not possible at the iDSB, but assistance in finding a host family can be arranged if necessary. How to apply: Interested persons can apply by e-mail to our headmaster, Jochen Flohn, with the following documents: Letter of motivation from the student (approx. 1 DIN A4 page); Last school report; Proof of German language skills; Other certificates (optional). If you have any questions, please contact our Welcome Office. Admission contact: +32 (0)2 785 0135; aufnahme@idsb.eu. Selection criteria include high interest in a job-oriented education with a strong practical orientation; motivation, extracurricular ambitions and professional interest in the field of business & administration; social, civic or political commitment. Applications are open to students in grade 10 who are not yet members of the iDSB community and whose school fees are borne by a natural person. The level of German language skills must be sufficient to follow the lessons (at least level B2).	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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