A home away from home: welcoming new families to The British School of Brussels
At The British School of Brussels (BSB), we believe that settling into a new location should be more than just an adjustment – it should be the start of an enriching journey.
9 December 2024
This article is taken from the Winter 2024/25 issue of
Relocate Think Global People magazine
Click on the cover to access the digital edition.Visit The British School of Brussels' Featured School page
For international families, navigating the challenges of relocating to a new city or country, as well as adapting to a different language and culture, can be daunting. That’s why at BSB, we go beyond academics to create a warm, inclusive community where every family feels at home from the moment they arrive.
First impressions: where the journey begins
“When we first stepped onto the BSB campus, we were greeted with warmth and kindness,” shares a parent who recently joined the school. “It immediately felt like we belonged.” This welcoming ethos begins long before a family arrives. BSB’s admissions team ensures a smooth transition with informal meetings, online video calls, opportunities to find out about the curriculum and the school’s values, bespoke campus tours and introductions to key staff members.“Our mission is to ensure that every family feels part of our community from the start,” says Karen Ward, BSB’s head of admissions. From a personalised welcome to the buddy system, which pairs new students with established peers, BSB makes the first day of school a positive and exciting experience.Creating a community atmosphere
Settling into a new school can be challenging, but BSB’s initiatives ensure that students quickly feel part of the family. Getting involved in extracurricular activities, learning in safe, comfortable and creative spaces, as well as social gatherings, help new arrivals form connections, while welcome orientations and international events celebrate cultural diversity.
Support for families
BSB’s commitment to creating a community extends beyond students to their families. Through coffee mornings, international fairs and parent-led cultural events, families are encouraged to engage, build relationships and share their experiences.The Families of BSB (FoBSB) parent association plays a pivotal role, organising events that connect families from diverse backgrounds. “We felt so supported from the beginning,” reflects a new parent. “The FoBSB events gave us a chance to meet other parents and feel part of something bigger.”
Nurturing student wellbeing
BSB prioritises the wellbeing of every student, offering robust pastoral care, counselling services and mentoring programmes. These resources provide students with the tools they need to thrive emotionally, socially and academically.With an inclusive curriculum that emphasises global citizenship and intercultural understanding, BSB encourages empathy and respect among students, preparing them to engage thoughtfully with the world. Programmes like Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) allow the most senior students to apply these principles in real-world settings, fostering a deep sense of responsibility and leadership.Building lifelong connections
At BSB, friendships are formed that last a lifetime. Through collaborative projects, the house system and diverse enrichment opportunities, students build bonds that feel more like family. “BSB wasn’t just a school – it was my second home,” shares an alumnus, who still treasures the connections they made during their time at the school.
More than a school
For families taking the leap to a new country, BSB offers a safe and nurturing environment that makes all the difference. It’s not just a school; it’s a unique space where students and parents alike can thrive.“We came to Belgium feeling uncertain about the future,” says one parent, “but thanks to BSB, we found a community that welcomed us with open arms and made us feel like we truly belonged.”Whether you’re relocating to Belgium or simply looking for a place where your family can flourish, BSB is ready to welcome you with warmth, care and a commitment to making your journey a rewarding one.Discover your new home at The British School of Brussels.Visit The British School of Brussels' Featured School page
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