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What it's like

Founded in 1967, it enjoys a 12-acre campus in a quiet neighbourhood in the suburbs and comprises five modern, well-equipped and comfortable buildings. It is a community centre for the expatriate community, and is well respected and active. Pupils are approximately 18% North American, 13% Indian, 10% British and the balance from 40 other nationalities. There is a favourable staff:pupil ratio of 1:10 which permits considerable individual attention. A traditional education is provided and includes preparation for the IGCSE and the International Baccalaureate. The academic programme meets the needs of those bound for university. Academic results are strong and the vast majority go on to universities in the UK, continental Europe or the USA. Art, music and drama are well established. There are plentiful extra-curricular activities, including a competitive athletic programme. Some 50% of pupils take part in non-compulsory sport and games. Field trips to European destinations are also organised and ample use is made of the cultural facilities of Antwerp.

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Total age range 3-18; 650 day pupils (330 boys, 320 girls). Entry at any stage. No entrance exam if previous school records are acceptable.

Scholarships & bursaries

Bursaries for 7% of pupils, 10%-35% of fees. Parents not expected to buy textbooks.

Parents

Mostly in industry.

Head & staff

Headmaster: Dr Thomas Walters, in post 2007. Teaching staff: 62 full time, 8 part time. Annual turnover 5%. Average age 38.

Exam results

IGCSE: On average, 30% of candidates gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects; 70% in 5-7 subjects. IB: 100% of candidates obtained the IB diploma.

University & college entrance

95% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course in Europe or the United States - 70% in the UK.

Curriculum

IGCSE and International Baccalaureate. 22 subjects offered. 17 subjects offered at different levels. Special provision: Learning specialists available. ESL programme. Languages: Dutch and French offered from age 8, Spanish from 14, German from 16; one language other than English is mandatory. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 150+ computers for pupil use (open all day), all networked and with email and internet access.

The arts

Music: Over 15% of pupils learn a musical instrument. Choirs throughout the school, performances in school theatre. Drama: Drama offered from age 11; theatre arts available in IB. Majority of pupils are involved in school productions. Group productions of musicals and plays. Art and design: IB visual arts which includes pottery, photography, computer aided design offered. Art history also offered.

Sports & activities

Sport: PE compulsory to 10th grade. North European Community of International Schools, and International Schools level in volleyball, soccer, basketball, softball, track and field, athletics, swimming, tennis. Activities: Community service compulsory. Some clubs, eg chess, science, yearbook, school newspapers.

School life

Uniform: No uniform. Houses and prefects: No competitive houses or prefects. Student Council, with class representatives. Religion: No religious worship during the school day. Social: Interscholastic speech and debate, mathematics, science, brain bowl, chess, orchestra, choir, drama and sports. Grades 5-12 take 3 to 5 day field trips in Europe; Model United Nations; week-long field trips for academic study and/or outdoor pursuits. Pupils allowed to bring own car, bike or motorbike to school. Lunch self-service. No alcohol, drugs or tobacco allowed.

Discipline

Drugs (including alcohol and tobacco), fighting and bullying not tolerated.