ADMISSIONS
ENQUIRY FORM
FEES
Our fee structure is flexible and depends on the age of the child and, for Nursery, the chosen schedule. There is a monthly payment scheme and special arrangements for children arriving or leaving during the academic year.
For further information on financial matters please contact bisbbursar@telenet.be
OUR FAQS
DO YOU ACCEPT CHILDREN DURING ANY TIME OF THE SCHOOL YEAR?
Families find themselves relocated to Brussels at all times of the year, and, as a small, family-centered school, we do our best to accommodate new children at any time of the year. Our academic year starts in September, and the majority of new children join at this point, but we pride ourselves on the welcome that we offer to all new families, whenever they arrive.
IS THERE A DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS?
No, we have an ongoing admissions policy. However, we would strongly encourage you to complete the application forms in full as soon as you receive them and to return them to school immediately, even if there is a delay before you actually arrive, as places are limited in each class.
HOW DO I GET TO BISB?
The school is on the eastern side of the city, 3km from the centre and well-situated half between NATO and the European Commission area.
The public transport system across Brussels is excellent, and the school is easily accessible via the 7, 25 or 62 tram lines and the the 12, 21, 28, 29, 63 and 79 bus routes.
Schaerbeek and the surrounding communes are all pleasant, peaceful and attractive areas to live and many children enjoy coming to school on foot or by bike.
DO YOU HAVE UNIFORMS FOR THE CHILDREN?
All children wear our uniform, which is attractive, practical and easy to wear and to wash. On timetabled PE days children wear a separate PE kit of jogging pants and a t-shirt, and there is also a distinctive school bag, designed to hold the school reading folders and with plenty of space for snacks, water bottle and packed lunch.
The uniform is a white polo shirt, green sweatshirt or cardigan and grey trousers or a grey skirt. Nursery children wear a green sweatshirt, white polo shirt and green jogging pants.
Uniform items and bags can be purchased from the school office.
WHAT IF MY CHILD DOES NOT SPEAK ENGLISH?
Children who are not native English speakers are welcomed into their class groups regardless of their language abilities, and very quickly adapt to the immersive environment. All our teachers and teaching assistants are experienced in adapting their teaching to cater for all levels of language and we have a specialist EAL teacher who provides carefully structured teaching programmes. These programmes are designed to support the children’s learning both in the classroom and through small group work, providing a framework for language learning as they gradually reach the level where they can participate fully in the mainstream curriculum.
WHAT ARE YOUR CLASS SIZES?
The classrooms in both of our buildings are light and airy, and class sizes average no more than 22 children per class.
The Acorn Department - Pre-Nursery, Nursery and KS1 (year 1 and 2) children is housed in a beautiful, homely Art-Nouveau building with a large walled garden and playground. The Oak Department, our KS2 children (years 3, 4, 5 & 6) are in a separate, large and well-equipped building in an adjacent street and have their own playground and sport facilities.
CAN I GET IN TOUCH WITH OTHER FAMILIES FROM THE SCHOOL?
We have a warm and vibrant community of families who have all experienced the ups and downs of arriving in a new country – all of whom are willing to reach out and welcome new members of our community. Given the ‘village’ nature of the local areas, new families very often find that they are living near another school family and contacts are quickly made, particularly between children of similar ages. Please let the school office know if you would like to be put in contact with existing parents.
HOW CAN I PAY THE APPLICATION AND SCHOOL FEES?
All payments are made by bank transfer to the school’s account. If you wish to pay school fees monthly this isdone by a direct debit (domiciliation) arrangement. The schedule for these payments is normally the ten months from May to February each year.
Can’t find the answer you are looking for? Please contact us for the information you need. We will be pleased to help.