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What it's like

Founded in 1969 as a co-educational school, it is situated in the commune of Tervuren, 25 minutes from the centre of Brussels. Its modern, purpose-built premises occupy a very attractive site in wooded surroundings near to the Royal Museum of Africa and Tervuren park. Approximately 60% of the students are UK passport holders and some 65 other nationalities are represented. The school follows the English national curriculum and offers the IB diploma in addition to A-levels. Academic standards are high and public examination results are very good. The arts play a major part in the life of the school: music, drama and dance thrive and public performances are held in the purpose-built theatre. There are good sports facilities (available out-of-school hours to families and friends) including playing fields, gymnasia, sports hall, squash and tennis courts and all-weather pitches. There are numerous extra-curricular activities and the school publishes its own newspaper and annual review. Local involvement with the school is vigorous and the campus is a focal point for community activities. It uses to advantage its European location for school journeys and fieldwork throughout the continent. Pupils take part in the Model United Nations in the Hague.

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Total age range 3-18; 1234 day pupils (664 boys, 570 girls). Senior (secondary) school 11-18, 653 pupils (353 boys, 300 girls). Also creche, caring for children from 1-3 years. Entrance: Entry is at any age. Comprehensive entry, all aptitudes welcomed.

Scholarships & bursaries

Some school assisted places.

Parents

British and international.

Head & staff

Principal: Roland S Chant, appointed 2003. Educated at Aldenham School and Cambridge University (English). Previously Principal of Bideford College, Devon, Head Teacher of Holyrood Community School, Somerset, and Vice Principal Portslade Community College, East Sussex. Also Chairman of Somerset Association of Secondary Heads, Chairman of County Community Education Executive Committee and Director of Somerset Careers. Teaching staff: 83 full time, 42 part time plus visiting instrumental teachers.

Exam results

GCSE: 80 in Year 11: 80% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects, 17% in 5+ subjects. A-levels: 73 in Year 13: 11% passed in 4 subjects; 88% in 3 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 285

University & college entrance

96% of sixth-form leavers go on to degree courses worldwide (2% after a gap year), 2% to Oxbridge. A few typically go on to HND or art foundation courses, followed by a degree.

Curriculum

GCSE, AS, A-levels (including vocational A-levels), International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. 24 AS/A-level subjects offered, 3 vocational A-levels (in business, ICT and travel and tourism). Follows the National Curriculum (England) to age 16 but with more emphasis on languages. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level (general studies taken at AS-level only).à Special provision: Learning support staff, EAL specialists, educational psychologist, counsellors. Languages: French (compulsory from age 5), German, Dutch, Spanish (Years 7-9), and all offered at GCSE. ICT: 600 computers, all networked and with internet access.

The arts

Music: Up to 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. 16 musical groups - wind bands, orchestras, chamber ensembles, individual groups. Drama: Drama offered to A-level. All encouraged to be involved in a variety of productions, on and off stage. Art and design: 22 take GCSE, 10 A-level. Specialisms eg fine art, 3D-design, ceramics, sculpture, graphic design, printmaking. Students regularly accepted at art colleges in UK, US and Europe.

Sports & activities

Sport: Range of team games, gymnastics, sports compulsory. BAGA exams may be taken, PE at GCSE and A-level. Regular success on the International Schools circuit, 1st place in many ISST championships over many years. Activities: Community service activities compulsory for 1-2 years at age 16+, within school and local community.

School life

Uniform: No uniform worn. Religion: No religious affiliation.