Belgium, Brussels
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
British Junior Academy of Brussels (BJAB) is a centrally located international school in Etterbeek, providing a tailored British education from Early Years through to the Senior years. Following the National Curriculum for England, the school is currently expanding its secondary offering to include Year 12 and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) by September 2026. Known for its small class ratios and a "vertical tutoring" system in the Senior School, BJAB fosters a supportive community where students receive individual attention from specialist teachers. The curriculum includes Cambridge IGCSEs for Year 10 and 11, with a strong emphasis on both English and French proficiency, including preparation for local Belgian exams like the CEB. As a member of the Round Square network, the school prioritizes global citizenship and character development. Students benefit from diverse co-curricular activities ranging from the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to student-led drama productions and specialized annual STEAM fairs.