Choosing the right international school in Belgium is an important decision for students and parents looking for an English-medium education and internationally recognised qualifications. With several schools and curriculum options available, families may find it difficult to know which programme best matches a student’s academic background, interests, and future plans.
For families living in Antwerp and surrounding areas, searches such as international school Antwerp, international schools near me, schools in Antwerp, private schools Antwerp, and school near me can lead to a variety of educational options.
This guide explains what to consider when comparing international schools in Belgium and looks at some of the international education options available in and around Antwerp.
What Is an International School in Belgium?
An international school generally provides an education designed for students from different nationalities and educational backgrounds. Many international schools use English as the main language of instruction and offer curricula that can support students who may later continue their education in different countries.
However, not every international school follows the same curriculum.
Depending on the school, students may follow a British, American, IB, Cambridge, French, or another international curriculum. Therefore, parents should look beyond the term “international school” and understand the qualifications and academic pathway offered.
Important factors to compare include:
- Curriculum
- Language of instruction
- Class size
- Age and class levels
- Academic qualifications
- Subject choices
- University preparation
- Academic support
- Location
- Tuition fees
International Schools in Antwerp
Families searching for an international school in Antwerp have several options to consider.
Some of the schools that may appear during a search include:
- Owl Academy International School
- Antwerp International School (AIS)
- International School of Belgium (ISBe)
- BEPS International School
- Lycée Français International d’Anvers
These schools are not identical. They have different locations, curricula, educational approaches, age ranges, and qualification pathways.
Therefore, instead of asking only which school is the “best,” families should first determine which curriculum and learning environment are most appropriate for the student.
Owl Academy International School in Mortsel
Owl Academy International School is located in Mortsel, in the Antwerp area, and provides English-medium international education.
The school offers two main curriculum pathways:
British Curriculum
The British pathway provides a structured progression through:
Elementary School → Middle School → IGCSE → A Levels
Students can progress through different stages of education while developing their academic knowledge and independent learning skills.
The IGCSE and A Level qualifications are offered through Pearson/Edexcel and Oxford/AQA.
American Curriculum
Owl Academy also provides an American High School Diploma pathway for Classes 9–12.
Students can also explore Advanced Placement (AP) subjects through the College Board.
Having both British and American pathways gives families the opportunity to consider different academic routes according to a student’s previous education and future plans.
What About Antwerp International School?
Antwerp International School (AIS) is another established option for families searching for an international school in Antwerp.
AIS provides an international education pathway and is particularly relevant for families interested in an International Baccalaureate (IB) education.
Families comparing AIS with other schools should consider whether the IB pathway matches their child’s academic interests and future university plans.
For students and parents who prefer a British or American curriculum, Owl Academy offers those two specific pathways, including IGCSE, A Levels, and the American High School Diploma.
What About International School of Belgium?
The International School of Belgium (ISBe) is another school that families may encounter when searching for international schools in Belgium.
Located in Aartselaar, it can be a relevant option for families living south of Antwerp.
When comparing ISBe with other international schools, families should look at the curriculum, qualification system, class levels, location, tuition fees, and university progression.
The most suitable school depends on what the student needs rather than simply the school’s location or popularity.
What About BEPS International School?
BEPS International School is another option that may appear when searching for international education in Belgium.
Families considering BEPS International School alongside Owl Academy, AIS, or ISBe should compare the schools according to their curriculum, educational approach, location, age groups, academic support, and future progression.
This is particularly important for students transferring from another country or education system.
Choosing a School for Class 6
For students entering Class 6, the school should provide a strong foundation for secondary education.
Parents should consider:
- How the school handles students transferring from another curriculum
- What subjects are taught
- How students are assessed
- What academic support is available
- How the programme progresses after Class 8
- Whether the school offers internationally recognised qualifications
At Owl Academy, Classes 6–8 form the Middle School stage.
The programme provides students with greater academic depth while developing independent study habits, analytical thinking, and subject knowledge before they progress to IGCSE.
Choosing a School for Class 9
Class 9 can be an especially important stage because students may begin a formal secondary qualification pathway.
At Owl Academy, Class 9 is the beginning of the IGCSE programme for students following the British curriculum.
Students can work towards IGCSE qualifications through Pearson/Edexcel and Oxford/AQA.
Students entering Class 9 can also consider the American High School Diploma pathway, which continues through Classes 9–12.
This provides an opportunity for families to compare the British and American routes before choosing the most suitable option.
British or American Curriculum?
The best curriculum depends on the student’s academic background and future plans.
The British pathway at Owl Academy follows:
British National Curriculum → IGCSE → A Levels → University
The American pathway follows:
American High School Diploma → AP opportunities → University
Students should consider their intended university destination, preferred subjects, previous curriculum, and learning style when deciding between the two.
There is no single curriculum that is best for every student.
Why Class Size Matters
Class size is another important factor when comparing international schools in Belgium.
A smaller class can allow teachers to provide more individual attention and understand a student’s strengths and areas for improvement.
It can also encourage students to participate more actively, ask questions, receive feedback, and develop greater confidence.
Owl Academy follows a small-class approach, with personalised academic support forming part of its educational environment.
International Schools Near Me: Does Location Matter?
When searching for international schools near me or school near me, location can be an important practical consideration.
Families should consider:
- Daily travel time
- Public transport
- Accessibility
- School schedule
- Distance from home
- Location relative to work or other family commitments
Owl Academy is located in Mortsel, within the Antwerp area, making it an option for families looking for an international school around Antwerp.
Families can also compare schools in areas such as Aartselaar, Ekeren, Edegem, Hove, Kontich, Berchem, and Antwerp depending on their location.
Academic Support and University Preparation
A good international school should prepare students not only for examinations but also for their next stage of education.
Academic counselling can help students understand subject choices, qualifications, university requirements, and future pathways.
At Owl Academy, academic counselling and university guidance form part of the support available to students.
For students following the British pathway, IGCSE provides the foundation for A Levels, while A Levels allow students to specialise before university.
The American pathway provides another route through the American High School Diploma and AP opportunities.
International School Fees in Belgium
Tuition fees can vary significantly between international schools.
Owl Academy’s published 2026–27 fees include:
- Elementary School, Classes 1–5: €10,500
- Middle School, Classes 6–8: €15,900
- IGCSE, Classes 9–10: €16,000
- A Levels, Classes 11–12: €18,500
- American High School Diploma, Classes 9–10: €16,000
- American High School Diploma, Classes 11–12: €18,500
A €1,000 non-refundable registration fee is payable on application, while examination fees may be charged separately.
Families should always confirm the latest fees and additional costs directly with the school.
