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BJAB

Belgium, Brussels

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· Reviewed by · Chief Marketing Officer

Independently researched by doris.
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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees €10,403 - 32,556
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 265
Type Co-educational
Opened 1992
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE
Taught languages French, Latin
Typical class size 16
Strengths STEM, Outdoor Education, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Middle School, High School, Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary
Introduction

British Junior Academy of Brussels (BJAB) is an international school operating from two centrally located campuses in Brussels — the Prep and Senior campus in Etterbeek and the Early Years and Pre-Prep campus in the European Quarter — delivering a British education from Early Years through the Senior years. The school follows the National Curriculum for England, with the Early Years and Pre-Prep campus also implementing the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. At the Early Years and Pre-Prep campus pupils receive daily French instruction from Reception and regular outdoor forest education sessions to build environmental awareness and problem-solving skills. That campus also features early and extensive technology integration: classrooms with interactive smartboards, iPads from Year 1 (moving to personal iPads in Year 3), use of hands-on STEAM resources such as Beebots and Lego Robotics, and a partnership with the CENTURY platform to generate AI-driven personalised learning pathways. The Prep and Senior campus is known for small class ratios and a “vertical tutoring” system in the Senior School, where specialist teachers provide individual attention. The senior curriculum includes Cambridge IGCSEs for Years 10 and 11, with a strong emphasis on English and French proficiency and preparation for local Belgian exams such as the CEB. The school is expanding its secondary offering and plans to introduce Year 12 and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) by September 2026. As a member of the Round Square network, BJAB places importance on global citizenship and character development and offers a broad co-curricular programme ranging from the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to student-led drama productions and annual STEAM fairs.

Bd Louis Schmidt 101, 1040 Etterbeek, Belgium

The Essentials

BJAB has 265 pupils, typical class sizes of 16, instruction in English.

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.

Stages
Early Years; Pre-Prep; Prep and Senior.

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.

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.

Additional learning support
English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided for pupils not yet fluent in English.

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.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The full uniform is compulsory from Reception onwards; it includes dark blue or black shoes. The uniform can be purchased online from Trutex using BJAB's code LEA000151TF; delivery to the school is free when the school is open.

Food Options
BJAB provides a hot lunch service on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, with Wednesdays served as a cold lunch. Packed lunches are permitted; the school is nut-free; monthly menus are available on the Parents Portal.

House System
There are four houses at BJAB: Montgomery, Hepburn, Schuman and Cavell.

Governance and Ownership
BJAB is privately owned by proprietor Ms Patricia De Maertelaere.
Fees

Annual tuition at BJAB ranges from EUR 10,403 to EUR 32,556 for 2026/27.

*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.
Academics

BJAB teaches IB (DP), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
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.

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.

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.

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.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school has a pastoral care program that aims to create a safe and secure environment where children become positive, responsible and increasingly independent members of the school community. The focus on positive reinforcement of good behaviour promotes a supportive and caring community, where everyone feels happy, safe and secure. The School Council and Student Parliament enable pupil voice in decision-making and events, with Head Pupils and Deputy Head Pupils serving as role models and leaders. Houses and House Captains promote teamwork, leadership and community involvement through projects, competitions and rewards. Values Education is woven through BJAB life, with monthly values introduced in assemblies and reflected in school activities to develop social, moral and cultural understanding.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
BJAB supports a small number of pupils with Special Educational Needs and can recommend external consultants to support education. Trained Learning Support Assistants provide targeted help to bridge gaps in learning, with the possibility of 1:1 support discussed during admissions. The school aims to be inclusive and to remove barriers to participation so that all pupils can access the curriculum. EAL provision is available within the same policy framework to support pupils with limited or no English. The school emphasises collaboration with families and flexibility in meeting individual needs.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school has a diverse community with pupils speaking over 40 languages and provides English as an Additional Language (EAL) support for pupils not yet familiar with English. The admissions process assesses English language ability, and a tailored EAL programme is offered to help pupils access the BJAB curriculum. EAL provision typically includes group timetabled lessons focused on developing English with a specialist teacher, sometimes in place of French lessons, while subject lessons are designed to remain accessible. BJAB's English language provision is delivered by UK-qualified teachers who support language development across the curriculum. The school's inclusive approach helps pupils progress in English while continuing to participate in core subjects.

Mental Wellbeing
Pastoral care aims to create a safe, secure environment and to help children become positive, responsible and increasingly independent. A focus on positive behaviour reinforces a supportive and caring community where pupils feel happy and safe. Values education supports social and moral development and fosters belonging, respect and kindness. The leadership opportunities, such as the School Council, Head Pupils, and House Captains, contribute to wellbeing by promoting engagement, responsibility and peer support. A monthly values program guides assemblies and activities, supporting emotional and social growth.

Safeguarding
The safeguarding policy confirms BJAB's commitment to safeguarding and promoting pupils' welfare, with all staff and volunteers required to act on concerns. The Designated Safeguarding Lead coordinates referrals, works with external agencies and ensures staff training and awareness. The policy establishes safeguarding roles, responsibilities and procedures, including annual reviews and contact details for the DSL and Deputy DSL. It references Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024 and Belgian legal requirements. A Designated Safeguarding Governor oversees safeguarding, with ongoing liaison with the Board and external partners.
Parent Experience

History
BJAB was acquired in 1992 by proprietor Ms Patricia De Maertelaere, with support from a group of parents seeking a high-quality British-style education in Brussels. It opened with a handful of students and quickly grew in size and reputation. In 2005 Marlowe House was acquired, and in 2019 BJAB opened its first Year 7 section and earned an excellent ISI inspection. A renovated building on Boulevard Louis Schmidt was inaugurated in 2020 to support the growing secondary section, and from 2023 BJAB added a third building for a Senior School, with Year 9–11 cohorts and plans for an IB Diploma launch in September 2026; first graduates are expected in June 2028.

Community
BJAB thrives on its diverse, international community. The school has a warm, supportive family atmosphere with strong relationships between pupils, parents and teaching staff. Friends of BJAB, the Parent Association, strengthens the BJAB family and hosts events that connect families with staff. Parent Partnership briefing events with the Headteacher and staff, and connected learning apps for Early Years, support ongoing parental involvement and dialogue through regular parent–teacher meetings.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Friends of BJAB is the Parent Association that strengthens the BJAB community. Parents participate in events and activities through Friends of BJAB, which fosters a sense of belonging and engagement. The association supports Parent Partnership briefing events with the Headteacher and staff. In the Early Years and Pre-Prep, connected learning apps allow parents to celebrate their child's achievements and stay informed. Regular parent–teacher meetings enable open dialogue about each child's school life.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school operates across two campuses, Boulevard Saint Michel (BSM) and Boulevard Louis Schmidt (BLS), within a five-minute walk of each other. Classrooms are modern and well-equipped, with a state-of-the-art smartboard in every room. Digital learning is central: iPads are used from Year 1, personal iPads from Year 3, and Microsoft 365 Education is the hub for materials and homework. BJAB has partnered with CENTURY to generate personalized learning pathways from Year 3, with data dashboards for teachers to tailor instruction. Beebots, Lego Robotics and Strawbees support hands-on STEAM learning, and outdoor learning is a core element with forest trips each term and use of Cinquantenaire Park facilities.

Sports Facilities
The school has access to nearby sports facilities including swimming, golf, and tennis. Regular use of Cinquantenaire Park's outdoor facilities supports sport and PE activities. Regular inter-school fixtures are organized, enabling students to compete against peers from around Belgium. Residential trips include sports tours.

Academic Facilities
Modern, well-equipped classrooms support creativity and concentration. State-of-the-art smartboards are in every classroom. iPads are integrated from Year 1, with personal iPads from Year 3, and Microsoft 365 Education is the hub for materials and homework. Beebots, Lego Robotics and Strawbees provide hands-on STEAM learning in the curriculum. CENTURY AI generates personalized learning pathways from Year 3, with dashboards to tailor instruction.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Extracurricular activities include Arts and Crafts, Chess, Coding, Debating, Drama, Eco Club, Fitness, French Conversation & Games, Football, Guitar, Gymbaroo, Hockey, Homework Club, Karate, Netball, Photography, Piano, Projects, Scottish Dancing, Ukulele, Violin and Yoga. Not every activity is offered each term.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
BJAB offers coding, debates and projects as part of its co-curricular activities, extending learning beyond the regular curriculum. In Prep, learning includes project-based work in Computing, Design Technology, Geography and History to connect classroom topics with real-world contexts. The curriculum policy notes enrichment through a diverse programme of curricular and cross-curricular activities, including intellectual, creative and sporting activities, as essential to the curriculum. In the Senior School, enrichment programmes include engineering, debate and journalism, alongside a personalised learning approach.

Arts & Creative
Arts and Crafts and Drama are among BJAB's co-curricular activities. Music options include Guitar, Piano, Violin and Ukulele, with Photography and Scottish Dancing also offered. In the Senior School, vibrant music and drama productions are frequently student-led. Yoga and other creative clubs are available as part of the Arts offerings.

Cultural & Language
French Conversation & Games is offered as a co-curricular activity. BJAB hosts a diverse community with pupils speaking over 40 languages. Residential trips and international journeys broaden cultural understanding. French is differentiated to meet language needs, with English as an Additional Language (EAL) support available when required.

Social & Hobbies
The co-curricular program includes a wide range of clubs, including Arts and Crafts, Chess, Coding, Debating, Drama, Eco Club, Fitness, French Conversation & Games, Football, Guitar, Gymbaroo, Hockey, Homework Club, Karate, Netball, Photography, Piano, Projects, Scottish Dancing, Ukulele, Violin and Yoga. Clubs change each term and sign-ups occur in the weeks before each term. Clubs help pupils make friends outside their year groups within BJAB's community. After-school activities, including Homework Club, are available to support learning outside the classroom.

Community & Service
Meaningful service opportunities enable BJAB students to engage in volunteer projects and make a positive impact in the local community. Residential trips and international journeys broaden pupils' perspectives and independence. Friends of BJAB and parent partnerships foster community involvement and connections within the BJAB family.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership roles such as House Captain and the Duke of Edinburgh programme are part of BJAB's co-curricular opportunities. A personalised learning experience and small class sizes support students in taking on leadership roles. Enrichment programmes include activities in engineering, debate and journalism that encourage student leadership and project collaboration.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Outdoor education is a key component, with forest trips at least once per term and day trips aligned with the curriculum. Regular inter-school fixtures and access to nearby facilities support sport and physical activity, including swimming, golf and tennis. The co-curricular program includes Fitness and Yoga, alongside a variety of sports such as netball, football and hockey. Residential trips for Year 2 and up help develop independence and well-being.
Languages

Language Provision
The core curriculum is taught in English by experienced UK-qualified teachers in Early Years and Pre-Prep. French language lessons are part of the curriculum, with English language support available if needed. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided for pupils not yet familiar with English, with a tailored program that can include group lessons with a specialist teacher, in lieu of some French lessons.
Reputation

Awards
ISI rated Excellent in 2019 across all categories.

Accreditations
The school is regularly inspected by the Independent School Inspectorate (ISI) and has Ofsted's British Schools Overseas (BSO) accreditation. It is a member of COBIS and IAPS. The latest ISI report is available (2025).
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.

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.

Waitlist
Spaces are limited and may involve waiting lists.
School Events
The school has not added events
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