Possible move to Belgium - any advice on kids education?

lrobert · Newbie Joined: Oct 29, 2008 Posts: 2 Location: Australia

We have the opportunity to move to Antwerp for my company, the only potential sticking point is cost for english speaking school.

I have seen the several intl schools and their fees. Are there any other options that are more reasonably priced? Is is even a possibiliity of going to local schools and get special tutoring? My kids are 11 and 13

Any advise or contacts would be very much appreciated. if a fireign language, we would prefer French

Cheers

Mr_Smith

Hello Robert,

Unfortunately sending your kids to a private international school is always going to be the most expensive option. Many companies as part of the Expatriate package offer to contribute / cover costs related to employees families as part of the package so perhaps you can enquire if they are willing to help you in any way.

Local schools are an option of course and the level of education is high throughout the country, but lessons will be taught in Flemish / French, so your children may find it hard at first. Giving the age of your children, they are still young enough probably be able to learn French / Flemish relatively quickly so hiring a tutor in combination with having them attend a local school is a good option.

Exclamation

Note that in the North of Belgium (Flanders) that Flemish is the widely accepted language & although French is also the official language, you will not be made too welcome in many places enquiring in French so stick to your English!

If you have not tried already, try giving the UK Commonwealth Office a call as they will be able to advise you on your options & legal commitments to registering your kids in a local school.
UK Commonwealth Office Belgium

Hope this helps!

Mr Smith Very Happy

BEIMMO · Newbie Joined: Dec 03, 2008 Posts: 7 Location: Brussels

Hi

I would use this as the chance to give your kids an advantage over those that are back in the UK. By this I mean send them to a Flemish school.

The state education system in Belgium is far superior to that of the UK, this is especially so in the Flemish sector. The Flemish eductaion minister is very serious about ensuring all children in Belgium get an euqal chance and that schools are properly funded. The etachers are respected and properly paid and as a result professional.

Another example, compare the average Flemsish school dinner to the UK equivalent, there is no comparison, the Flemish govenrment have spent bucket loads on ensuring the children get a proper balanced and healthy diet. They simply don' t do all this arguing with Jamie Oliver etc about the possibility of offering anything more than greasy cod and chips, they just get on and do it.

I would give your children a bonus - a foreign langauge.

Regards