Starting a New School in Brussels: How to Help Your Child Settle In

Starting a new school is a big step. For families moving to Brussels, that transition can bring even more change: a new city, new routines, new faces, and, for some children, learning in a new language.

At BJAB, we welcome families from more than 40 nationalities. 
We understand that settling into a new school is not only about adapting to a new classroom. It is about feeling known, supported and part of a community.

Give them time to find their place
Every child settles in differently. Some will quickly make friends and embrace new experiences. Others need more time to understand their surroundings and build confidence.
Small routines can help: knowing what to expect each day, having familiar moments at home and, most importantly, having people at school they can turn to.
BJAB's intentionally small scale helps make those relationships possible. With around 300 students and a personalised approach, teachers can understand each child's strengths, challenges and ambitions, giving them the individual attention they need.

Encourage connection beyond the classroom
Shared adventures are often where the strongest friendships begin.
Whether through sport, music, drama, leadership or one of BJAB's 20+ extracurricular activities, children have different opportunities to explore together, spark their curiosity, discover their interests and connect with others. Our emphasis on trips to the forest, museums and local events, as well as the fantastic and challenging Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, to name a few, allow our students to have a wonderful experience that completes their learning.
For an international child arriving in a new city, these connections can be an important first step towards feeling at home.

When English is not yet their language, BJAB becomes a safe hub for speaking and improving
For some families, language is one of the biggest concerns when joining an international school.
BJAB's international community includes children from a wide range of linguistic backgrounds. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is available for students who need extra help developing their English, with a specialist teacher working with them to build their language skills to enable them to fully access the curriculum.
The goal is not simply to improve language skills. It is to help every child participate, communicate and grow in confidence.

A new school can become a new beginning
Settling in takes time. What matters is giving children the right environment to grow into their new surroundings at their own pace.
At BJAB, our boutique scale means children are not simply another name on a register. They are known as individuals, supported by their teachers and welcomed into a close-knit international community.
From Early Years through Cambridge IGCSE and the IB Diploma pathway, BJAB offers families the opportunity to build a continuous educational journey in a school community that grows with their child.

Moving to Brussels with your family? Discover BJAB and find out how we can help your child feel at home.