Brussels at short notice with kids, how doable?

[Exasperatedcroc]

I have the opportunity to apply for a two year post in Brussels which is something I would really be interested in. I have previously spent a year there but it was a long time ago pre kids. Anyway if I was to apply and get the job they would like the successful applicant to start in February which is very short notice. I have a 4 year old and a 9 year old. Does anyone currently in Brussels know whether I would have any chance of getting a school place for them? The 4 year old I would be willing to put into a local school but the older one wouldn't cope and would need bilingual at the least.

I know some people who had to move there due to Brexit - they have an English school there which their kids have gone to. I don't know much else as it was a relatively recent move. Worth checking it out though.

Are school fees included in your package? The international schools are VERY expensive. Whereabouts would you be working/want to live?

School fees are included but there may be a limit that I'm not aware of yet. The job is in Etterbeek. When I previously lived in Brussels it was in Ixelles but I would be open to living anywhere with good travel links really.

I have a poor opinion of the International School of Brussels as I have been very unimpressed with the academic standards achieved there by children of family friends.

There's the British School of Brussels in Tervuren that teaches a UK curriculum; it takes kids from reception to A2/IBAC. It is hellishly expensive though. The commute to Etterbeek from Tervuren is doable - dh used to catch the tram and metro in every day to work at the EU near Schuman.

My oldest child is at BSB in primary so happy to try to answer any questions. I work in Etterbeek and the commute from Tervuren by tram and metro is fine. Tervuren is a good place to live and easy to get into Brussels.

You must never base an opinion on a school based on the performance of 1 or 2 children. You do need to look at a school as a whole.

If you are going with FCO, I can tell you that your children would be paid for at BJAB or BISB which are very near to Etterbeek. Many FCO families live in the area near these schools and in WSL and WSP.

Your children will also be paid for at BSB but that is 15km from Etterbeek, though the majority of FCO and UK Forces children especially are there. You would not be funded for ISB.

It is super easy to find private school places at all the above schools, you do not need to worry in this respect.

Local schooling would work but would depend on your positive attitude and cooperation of your children, plus choosing the right school. My children's old primaire is as good as it gets really, but the 4 year old might not get a place, 9 year old would probably get a place. Otherwise, Ecole du Bonheur and la Retraite, not far from Etterbeek and the EU area are very welcoming of foreigners and often have places.

Absolutely don't do Ixelles.

PS BSB takes children from 1 years old and has done for 20 years.

A good option might be Agnes School in Etterbeek. It's private bilingual FR/EN or FR/NL. Catholic, but we aren't and that was ok. We only used it for a year of maternelle before we left, but friends have continued through primary and are happy. Fees are a LOT less than BSB and you won't have the commute to worry about. I've not idea about waiting lists etc but the school.

A word of caution, Agnes School is classed as a home school, it might cause you problems in the future.

Thanks everyone for all the advice. A lot to think about!

Life I forgot the Garderie - never needed to use it, as ds didn't start BSB til Year 6.

BSB has a creche for 1-3 year olds.
Then regular school starts from 3 years old - 18 years old.
BSB also has after school garderie for 3 - 11 year olds.

Note that BJAB is the closest you'll get to a private UK primary school. Currently 170 children V 1350 children at BSB. 1 class per year from 3-11 years old V 3 to 5 classes from 3-11 years old at BSB. It is also about to expand, it's bought another building near it's current one, to house the new year 7 and 8 classes, so that it goes up to age 13. Several of the children end up at UK private boarding schools that only start at age 13, that is what it says on their website.

BSB cannot be beaten for facilities, the only private school in Belgium with its own 25m competition pool and a full gymnastics hall. It also cannot be beaten for the after school activities which are all included in the price, except for tennis, music, hockey and Guides/Scouting. It is however a much more insular community and at 15km from work, you'd practically prefer to live in between, say in WSP near Madoux tram stop which is roughly half way.