Posted by A Brussels friend of mine — who works as a teacher in a French‑speaking school — recently told me a story that perfectly illustrates how complicated the Belgian school system can be.
Her daughter started daycare in a Dutch‑speaking crèche, just a few streets away from the French school where she teaches. Everything was convenient and close. But when her daughter turned 2.5 years old, it was time to move to pre‑primary school.
That’s when they discovered something completely unexpected:
👉 Dutch‑speaking and French‑speaking schools follow entirely different holiday calendars.
Different weeks off. Different carnival breaks. Different teacher training days. Different summer schedules.
And here’s the irony: The two schools are physically close to each other — but their calendars don’t align at all.
For most parents this is inconvenient. But for a teacher? It’s a deal‑breaker.
One of the biggest advantages of being a teacher is that you share the same holidays as your children. You can spend school breaks together without needing extra childcare. But that only works if your child is in a school that follows the same holiday schedule as your workplace.
So despite loving the Dutch‑speaking daycare, she had no choice but to switch her daughter to a French‑speaking school — purely to match the holiday calendar.
This is the kind of thing nobody tells you before moving to Belgium… but it matters more than you think.
If you’re moving to Belgium with children — or planning to start a family here — understanding the school system is essential. Belgium offers high‑quality education, but the structure, timelines, and expectations are very different from the UK, US, or Asia.
Here’s a clear, practical overview of how the system works and what parents should prepare for.
1. Belgium Has Three Official Education Systems
Belgium is divided into three language communities, and each runs its own education system:
- Flemish Community (Dutch)
- French Community
- German‑speaking Community
This means:
- Different school calendars
- Different rules
- Different teaching approaches
Where you live determines which system your child enters.
2. School Starts Early: 2.5 Years Old
One of the biggest surprises for internationals is how early children start school.
- Kleuteronderwijs / Maternelle (pre‑primary): starts at 2.5 years old
- Attendance is not mandatory, but almost all children go
- It’s free, full‑day, and part of the national education system
This early start dramatically reduces childcare costs compared to the UK or US.
3. Types of Schools: Free, Public, Private, International
Belgium offers several school types:
Public (Gemeenteschool / École Communale)
- Run by the local commune
- Free
- Local language only
Free Schools (Vrije School / École Libre)
- Often Catholic‑affiliated
- Also free
- Very common in Belgium
Private Schools
- Limited number
- Fees vary
International Schools
- English‑speaking or bilingual
- IB, British, American, or European curriculum
- Expensive (€10,000–€35,000/year)
Most Belgian families choose public or free schools, which are high quality and free.
4. Enrolment: Start Early and Expect Waiting Lists
School enrolment in Belgium is not as simple as “apply and get in.”
Key things to know:
- Popular schools have long waiting lists
- Some communes use priority rules (siblings, distance, social mix)
- Registration often opens months before the school year
- In Brussels and Antwerp, competition is intense
If you’re moving with young children, start researching schools before you arrive.
5. Language: The Biggest Adjustment for International Families
Even if you work in English, your child will be immersed in Dutch or French at school.
Important points:
- Children adapt quickly — especially before age 6
- Schools rarely offer bilingual instruction
- Communication with teachers is usually in the local language
- Parents may need to learn Dutch/French to stay involved
The good news: Language courses in Belgium are affordable and widely available.
7. School Hours & Holidays: Plan Your Life Around Them
Belgian school schedules may surprise you:
- School day: roughly 8:30–15:30
- Wednesday afternoons off (most schools end at 12:00)
- Long lunch breaks
- Many holidays (Carnival, Easter, All Saints, Christmas, summer)
- Dutch speaking and French speaking school follows different holiday schedules! Make sure you plan your family members around this
Most families rely on:
- After‑school care (garderie / opvang)
- Holiday camps (stages / kampen)
These are affordable but require planning.
8. Costs: Mostly Free, But Extras Add Up
Public education is free, but you still pay for:
- Hot meals
- School trips
- After‑school care
- Holiday camps
- Supplies
- Transport
Expect €50–€150/month depending on age and school.
International schools, of course, are much more expensive.
9. Not Many Playgrounds or Green Spaces Near Schools
If you’re coming from London or other big cities with parks everywhere, Belgium may feel different.
- Many neighbourhoods lack nearby playgrounds
- School playgrounds are often small
- Families rely on private gardens or driving to parks
This is a cultural difference that surprises many newcomers.
10. The Big Picture: High‑Quality, Stable, Predictable
Belgium’s school system may feel complex at first, but it offers:
- High academic standards
- Free early education
- Affordable childcare alternatives
- Strong community support
- A predictable, structured environment
It’s not flashy, but it’s reliable — and it gives children a solid foundation.
What About You?
If your children are already in Belgian schools:
- What surprised you the most?
- What do you wish you had known earlier?
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