Education and Schools in Brussels

Education and schools in Brussels are governed by the Belgian education system, which offers a wide array of choices for expat children. Most expat parents will enrol their children in either a public school or one of several international schools in the city. The quality of education in Belgium, whether private or public, is generally excellent.

Public schools in Brussels

Public education in Brussels is known to be of a high standard. It's common for children to start going to school at age two and a half, although it isn't mandatory until age five. Before this age, most neighbourhoods offer daycare solutions for working parents. Compulsory schooling ends at age 18.

Expats will be able to find public schools in Brussels that offer tuition in either French or Dutch, though French is the predominant language of the region. Public schools are a good option for expat families who already speak a local language or want to immerse their younger children in the local language and culture. 

That said, expats planning to live in Brussels for a shorter period usually opt to send their children to one of the city’s many top-notch international schools instead.

See Education and Schools in Belgium for more on the national education system.

Private schools in Brussels

There are several private schools in Brussels. These are generally religious institutions that are subsidised to some degree by the Belgian government or schools with alternative curricula, such as the Montessori curriculum.

These schools offer a wider selection of extra-curricular activities and school outings than public schools. Overall, the quality of education in private schools in Brussels is similar to that of public schools. Like public schools, private schools often teach in French or Dutch. This rules them out as an option for some expats, despite private schools being cheaper than international schools.

International schools in Brussels

International schools in Brussels cater to the city's status as a nucleus of international activity, providing expat families with a diverse range of options. Some of these schools follow the International Baccalaureate curriculum, while others adhere to the national curricula of countries such as the UK, the US, France, the Netherlands, or Germany.

With a large expat community in Brussels, space at international schools can be difficult to secure. Parents should apply far in advance to get the best chance at placing their child at the preferred school. It's also worth mentioning that international school fees are typically high, so parents should ensure there is ample room in the budget for not only tuition but also extras such as uniforms, textbooks, school lunches, and extra-curriculars.

Best International Schools in Brussels

Special educational needs in Brussels

Special-needs education in Belgium focuses on inclusion and equality. The government is committed to ensuring each child exercises their right to education. Each language community has a respective Ministry of Education.

The ministry will first attempt to immerse a child into a mainstream school. If this is not possible or suitable, children would then be enrolled in a specialist school. There are various categories of specialist schools in Belgium. Some schools are focused on physical disabilities and others will focus on learning or behavioural difficulties.

Tutors in Brussels

Whether parents are looking to improve their child's language skills, boost their grades in a problem subject or get assistance in preparing for a big exam, expat families can make good use of the many high-quality tutors in Brussels. There are numerous large and small companies, as well as independent tutors, who can be hired to help. It can be particularly useful to ask fellow expats and the child's school for recommendations.

Useful links

• Popular tutoring services in Brussels include Preply, Apprentus and Teacheron.