British Junior Academy of Brussels

Here’s a comprehensive introduction to the British Junior Academy of Brussels (BJAB), a dynamic and values-led British-curriculum school in the heart of Brussels:

🎓 School Overview

BJAB is a private English-speaking primary school located in Etterbeek, Brussels, serving children aged 2½ to 11 (Early Years through Prep), with senior school expanding through Year 11 by 2025 and full secondary to Year 13 by 2027
Total enrollment is around 280 students from 40+ nationalities, enabling very small class sizes (max 16 in Pre‑Prep and Prep)

📚 Curriculum & Academic Focus

BJAB follows the National Curriculum for England, tailored to their international context and enhanced in Prep with Cambridge and ISEB syllabi. French is integrated from Early Years, and Latin and Spanish are introduced in upper Prep. Children receive specialist EAL support as needed.
The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) rated BJAB “Excellent” in all categories in 2019. It holds BSO accreditation, is a COBIS and IAPS member, and is expanding into IGCSE and IB Diploma options by 2027.

🏛 Campus & Student Life

Situated in elegant Brussels town‑houses, BJAB features bright classrooms, garden and forest-based learning spaces, and carefully maintained small-site charm
Sporting and extracurricular offerings include: swimming, dance, drama, music, arts, chess, coding, eco‑club, and national/international Day trips and camps from Year 2 upwards

🌿 Ethos & Co‑Curricular Focus

BJAB’s ethos revolves around “Education for Life”, underpinned by values such as kindness, respect, integrity, tolerance, and joy. Student voice and leadership are embedded through School and Eco Councils.
BJAB is a candidate member of Round Square, the only such in the Benelux region, bringing global service, environment, leadership, and cultural exchange opportunities.

📈 Academic Outcomes & Progress

In 2022, median standardised assessment scores at the end of primary were significantly above expected levels: Maths median 118, English 113 (vs 100 standard).
Prep pupils consistently exceed age-related expectations in English, Maths, Science, and benefit from strong bilingual development in French.

💶 Fees & Admissions (2025/26)

Starting fee for Kindergarten (3-year-olds): €17,800 tuition, rising to €28,300 for Grade 9/10. Registration and deposit fees of €500 each apply in the first year
Admissions are non-academic but require good English fluency. With small class sizes, entry can be competitive—early application is recommended.

✅ Strengths & Considerations

✅ Strengths	⚠️ Considerations
Very small class sizes (≤16) and high staff:student support	Limited current senior provision; secondary phases still evolving
“Excellent” inspection rating with strong academic outcomes in primary	No boarding; central urban site (limited green space)
Strong bilingual English & French learning through integrated curriculum	Fees are premium compared to other Brussels primaries
Values-based, Round Square-linked ethos with student leadership	Travelling families may require private bus transport

📝 Final Thoughts

BJAB offers a unique, boutique British-style primary education in Brussels with high academic standards, exceptional personal care, dual-language learning, and a strong character-emphasis in a warm, international setting. As its senior school expands, it promises continuity through to IGCSE and eventually IB.