The Brussels secondary landscape
Brussels has around 18 international secondary schools and a further 4 European School secondary phases delivered across the EEB I to IV campuses. The qualification mix is broader than in any other European capital. A level and IGCSE are anchored by BSB, with St John's, ISB and several smaller British schools layering in. IB Diploma is the dominant route at ISB and St John's, alongside a handful of bilingual independents. European Baccalaureate is delivered at the four EEB campuses and is the default for the children of EU institution staff. French Baccalauréat runs at Lycée Jean Monnet and Lycée Molière, with full Parcoursup eligibility for French universities.
Counting language and qualification combinations together, Brussels offers around 22 distinct routes to a recognised university-entry qualification. That breadth gives families unusual flexibility, but also means the qualification choice carries genuine weight at the year 9 or year 10 stage. For curriculum-specific views see our French curriculum hub and our German curriculum hub, and the wider Brussels city hub.
Secondary capacity in Brussels is generally less tight than primary capacity, because the largest cohort enters in reception or year 1 and the schools size their year groups around that base. Year 7 and year 12 are the main external-entry points, with year 12 the most flexible because families relocating internationally often arrive at sixth form.
Qualifications, sixth form and university outcomes
The four major qualifications route to overlapping but distinct university destinations. A level from BSB or ISB places strongly into UK universities (Oxbridge, Russell Group), top-tier US universities, Hong Kong and Singapore. IB Diploma from ISB or St John's places into UK, US, continental Europe and a growing number of Asian universities, valued for the breadth of the qualification. European Baccalaureate from EEB I to IV places strongly into German, French, Italian, Dutch and Belgian universities under EU equivalence rules, plus a growing list of UK universities through individual equivalence. French Baccalauréat from Lycée Jean Monnet routes through Parcoursup into French universities and grandes écoles preparation.
BSB graduates over the last three years have routed into Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, UCL, McGill and a strong list of Russell Group destinations. ISB and St John's IB Diploma graduates have placed into NYU, Yale, McGill, KU Leuven, ETH Zürich, KCL and UCL. EEB graduates have anchored offers at LMU München, Paris-Saclay, Bocconi, Leiden, and rising numbers at UK universities. Use our compare tool to assess qualification options side by side and our fees tool to compare cost of place.
Which secondary qualification fits your child?
A level, IB, EB or French Bac. Our school finder shortlists three Brussels schools matched to your timeline, budget and target universities. Free, no obligation.
Illustrative example secondaries
The schools below illustrate the range of Brussels secondary provision. They are not a ranking.
British School of Brussels Secondary in Tervuren runs IGCSE in years 10 and 11, with a flexible sixth form offering both A level and IB Diploma. Around 700 pupils across years 7 to 13. Strong Oxbridge and Russell Group placement record. The senior leadership team has been stable for over a decade.
International School of Brussels Upper School in Watermael-Boitsfort delivers the IB Middle Years Programme through year 10 and the IB Diploma in years 11 and 12. Around 600 pupils. American-international community, with strong placement into US, UK and Canadian universities. Long-running mentor model in sixth form.
St John's International Upper School in Waterloo serves a mixed Catholic-international cohort with IB MYP and IB Diploma. Strong pastoral structure, smaller cohort than ISB or BSB, and consistent placement into Belgian, Dutch and UK universities.
Lycée Français Jean Monnet collège and lycée in Uccle delivers French collège (years 6 to 9) and lycée (years 10 to 12) culminating in the baccalauréat général. Strong specialités combinations in mathematics, physics-chemistry and economics-social sciences.
European School Brussels I secondary in Uccle is the largest secondary phase in Brussels by enrolment, with around 2,800 pupils across years 1 to 7 (the EB year-7 leaving cohort sits the European Baccalaureate at age 18 to 19).
Where secondary families live
Secondary-age families in Brussels split similarly to primary families but with longer-distance commutes accepted. Tervuren, Kraainem and Wezembeek-Oppem for BSB and iDSB. Watermael-Boitsfort, Uccle and Boitsfort for ISB, Lycée Jean Monnet and EEB1. Waterloo and Rhode-Saint-Genèse for St John's. Ixelles and Etterbeek for EEB3 and EEB4 families wanting walking access to the EU institutions.
By secondary, many families have settled long enough that home location is set, and the school becomes a function of the cluster they live in. School-bus networks for secondary are extensive, with BSB and ISB running over 50 routes between them. Sixth-form pupils more often use Brussels public transport (STIB, De Lijn) than the school buses. Use our neighbourhoods guide for the detailed walkthrough.
Admissions and transition windows
The main secondary entry windows in Brussels are year 7 (transition from primary) and year 12 (sixth-form entry). For September 2026 entry, both windows opened in October 2025. Tier 1 schools close year 7 lists by February 2026, with sixth form remaining more flexible into May for families relocating internationally. Mid-year transfers into years 8 to 11 are accepted on a rolling basis where places exist.
The European Schools' year 1 secondary (equivalent to year 7) is allocated through the EU institutional employer route, with Category III applications handled separately and subject to capacity. Sixth-form entry into the IB Diploma at ISB or St John's requires demonstrated academic record, typically including recent reports and predicted grades from the sending school. Browse curriculum options through our curriculum hub.
Frequently asked questions
How many secondary schools are there in Brussels?
Around 18 international secondary schools operate across the metropolitan area, plus four European School secondary phases. The qualification mix covers A level, IB Diploma, European Baccalaureate and French Baccalauréat.
Which is better, IB or A level in Brussels?
It depends on the child and the university target. A level suits depth specialists targeting UK Russell Group or specific Oxbridge courses. IB suits broader students targeting US, continental European and increasingly UK universities valuing breadth. BSB offers both side by side in sixth form, which lets families decide later.
How much do secondary schools in Brussels cost?
Premium English-medium independents charge EUR 24,000 to EUR 32,000 a year at sixth form. European Schools charge EUR 13,000 to EUR 18,000 in Category III. Lycée Jean Monnet lycée fees sit at EUR 8,000 to EUR 9,400. Belgian-state secondary is free for residents.
What is the European Baccalaureate?
The European Baccalaureate is the school-leaving qualification of the European Schools network, sat at age 18 to 19. It is recognised by all EU member-state universities under equivalence rules and by a growing list of UK and US institutions through direct equivalence agreements.
When should I apply for sixth form in Brussels?
For September 2026 sixth-form entry, applications opened October 2025. Tier 1 schools accept late applications through May 2026 for IB Diploma entry, subject to academic record and capacity. A level entry at BSB closes earlier, typically by February.
