GCSE and A Levels in Brussels: The British School of Brussels Guide

For British expat families — and any internationally-mobile family who wants their children to follow the UK qualification pathway — Brussels has a clear answer: The British School of Brussels (BSB) in Tervuren. It is the only school in Belgium that prepares students for IGCSE and A Level examinations, and it does so with a track record built over more than 50 years.

This guide explains what studying GCSE and A Levels at BSB looks like in practice, how it differs from its IB alternatives, and what families need to know about the practical logistics.

Why British Qualifications in Brussels?

Many internationally-mobile families are committed to the UK qualification pathway for straightforward reasons: they intend to return to the UK, their children's social and academic networks are UK-based, or they simply prefer the depth-of-study model that A Levels provide compared with the IB Diploma's breadth.

Brussels is an unusual posting city in that A-Level provision exists at all. In many major European capitals — Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Stockholm — British-curriculum secondary schooling is far more limited, and families often default to IB. Brussels's size and the sheer volume of internationally-mobile families has sustained BSB's A-Level programme at a genuinely high level.

The IGCSE Years (Ages 14–16, Years 10–11)

Students at BSB sit IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) examinations at the end of Year 11, typically at age 15–16. The IGCSE is a Cambridge International qualification and is the international counterpart to the GCSE taken in UK state schools. The two are treated as equivalent by UK universities.

Students typically sit eight to ten IGCSE subjects, covering:

• English Language and English Literature
• Mathematics
• Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics — separately or combined)
• Humanities (History, Geography)
• Modern Languages (French, Spanish, Dutch, German)
• Arts and technology electives

A second language is generally compulsory to a GCSE/IGCSE level, and French is typically the natural choice given Brussels's environment — many BSB students develop genuine conversational French during their time in Belgium.

Preparation in Lower Secondary (Years 7–9)

Lower secondary at BSB (Years 7–9) provides a broad curriculum preparation for the IGCSE years. Subject choice is made in Year 9, with students selecting their IGCSE options ready for the two-year examination course.

The Sixth Form (Ages 16–18, Years 12–13): Three Pathways

BSB's defining feature is its unique sixth-form offer. Students completing IGCSEs can choose between three distinct pre-university qualifications:

A Levels

The traditional British sixth form, A Levels involve studying three or four subjects in substantial depth over two years. BSB's A Level programme covers a broad range of disciplines. Students typically take three subjects (occasionally four), with examinations taken at the end of Year 13.

A Level grades translate directly to UCAS tariff points:

• A* = 56 points
• A = 48 points
• B = 40 points
• C = 32 points

Most UK universities publish typical offers in A Level grades (e.g., AAB or AAA). BSB students apply through UCAS in the standard way, with BSB staff experienced in supporting the process including Oxbridge and medicine applications.

A Levels at BSB follow Cambridge International and Pearson Edexcel examining boards, both of which are accepted by all UK universities. Examination fees are charged per subject on top of tuition.

IB Diploma Programme

BSB's sixth form also offers the full IB Diploma — including bilingual French-Dutch tracks — for families who want international portability rather than depth in a small number of subjects. See our IB schools in Brussels guide for detail on the IB Diploma structure.

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diplomas

BSB offers BTEC vocational qualifications in Sport, Business, and Hospitality — the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma is a two-year course equivalent in size to three A Levels and carrying comparable UCAS tariff points. BTEC students can apply to many UK universities via UCAS and are a strong option for students whose strengths lie in applied, project-based, and practically assessed work.

UCAS Applications from BSB

BSB's admissions and university counselling team has extensive experience supporting UCAS applications. The UCAS deadline of 15 January in S7 academic year applies (15 October for Oxford, Cambridge, and all UK medical, veterinary, and dental schools). Students receive personal statement coaching, predicted grade letters, and reference support from academic tutors.

BSB's position in continental Europe does not disadvantage students in the UCAS process. All Cambridge A Level and IGCSE results are held on the same UCAS system, and BSB's qualifications are recognised identically to UK school results.

How BSB Compares to IB at ISB or St. John's

The choice between A Levels at BSB and the IB Diploma at ISB or St. John's is genuinely substantive, not merely cosmetic.

Factor	A Levels (BSB)	IB Diploma (ISB / St. John's)
Breadth	Narrow depth (3–4 subjects)	Broad (6 subjects across disciplines)
Assessment	Primarily final examinations	Mix of exams and internal assessment
UK university recognition	Native — direct grade offers	Well established — conversion tables used
US university recognition	Accepted but less familiar	Preferred at many US schools
Mid-assignment transferability	Moderate	High (IB recognised in 100+ countries)
Additional requirements	None mandatory	TOK, Extended Essay, CAS components

If university destination is predominantly UK and your family is confident about remaining in Brussels for the full sixth-form period, A Levels at BSB are an excellent choice. If there is meaningful uncertainty about destination country or potential for a mid-secondary move, the IB Diploma's global recognition may be more prudent.

Fees at BSB

Annual tuition fees for secondary at BSB run from approximately €39,000–€44,015 per year for 2025/2026. Sixth-form fees sit at the upper end. IGCSE and A Level examination fees are charged separately (typically several hundred euros per examination series). School bus costs run approximately €2,000–€3,500 per year for a return pass.

For the full fee comparison across Brussels schools, see our international school fees guide.

Location and Commuting

BSB's Tervuren campus is approximately 20 minutes east of central Brussels by car, or accessible via a comprehensive school bus network from Woluwe, Ixelles, Etterbeek, and much of southern Brussels. Families committed to BSB typically live in Tervuren, Wezembeek-Oppem, Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, or Woluwe-Saint-Lambert. See best areas in Brussels near international schools for neighbourhood detail.

How Global Investments Can Help

British families arriving in Brussels for postings of four or more years, with secondary-age children, often find that BSB's combination of IGCSE, A Level, and IB provision makes it the natural choice. Property decisions in Tervuren and the Woluwe communes are closely tied to BSB's school community. Global Investments works with internationally-mobile families on property acquisition, rental planning, and broader financial structuring — whether you are arriving for a corporate posting, an EU role, or a longer-term relocation.

Contact our advisers to discuss your Brussels move, or explore our full international schools Brussels overview.

All fee figures are based on 2025/2026 published school data. A Level and IGCSE curricula and examination structures are subject to change by the examining bodies. Verify all details directly with BSB and relevant examining boards. This guide does not constitute financial or legal advice.