Amsterdam International Community School - South Campus and International School Haarlem - Upper Primary Campus are both in Amsterdam, about 17 km apart. Both schools offer IB and IBCP programmes, and International School Haarlem - Upper Primary Campus also offers IPC and BTEC Qualification. Published annual fees are €6,025 - 9,168 at Amsterdam International Community School - South Campus and €5,330 - 6,740 at International School Haarlem - Upper Primary Campus, which puts Amsterdam International Community School - South Campus roughly 26% higher. Both take pupils from 4 to 18. Amsterdam International Community School - South Campus is the larger school, with around 725 pupils to International School Haarlem - Upper Primary Campus's 228. Both keep typical class sizes around 22.
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Amsterdam International Community School - South Campus
Amsterdam, Netherlands
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International School Haarlem - Upper Primary Campus
Amsterdam, Netherlands
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| Snapshot | Snapshot | |
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Fees / year
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Fees / year €6,025 - 9,168 | Fees / year €5,330 - 6,740 |
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Age range
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Age range 4 - 18 years | Age range 4 - 18 years |
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Type
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Type Co-educational | Type Co-educational |
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Curriculum
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Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme) | Curriculum IPC (International Primary Curriculum), IB (MYP), IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme), BTEC Qualification |
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Pupils
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Pupils 725 | Pupils 228 |
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Typical class size
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Typical class size 22 | Typical class size 22 |
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Instruction language
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Instruction language English | Instruction language English |
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Opened
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Opened 2022 | Opened 2017 |
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Bus service
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Bus service Yes | Bus service No |
| Essentials | Essentials | |
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Location
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Location The AICS operates two campuses in Amsterdam: South Campus at Arent Janszoon Ernststraat 1179, 1081 HL, Amsterdam, and Sandcastle (SE) Campus at Bijlmerplein 1000, 1102 MK Amsterdam. The two campuses form one Dutch international school, served by one team; the curriculum, school values and philosophy are the same across campuses. The Amsterdam International Community School offers international education in English. | Location Three campuses in Haarlem: Lower Primary at Buitenrustlaan 9; Upper Primary at Schreveliusstraat 27; MYP 1-5 and DP 1 at Junoplantsoen 58. All campuses are located in Haarlem, The Netherlands. |
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Stages
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Stages Primary and Secondary | Stages Lower Primary (Groups 1-3, ages 4-6); Upper Primary (Groups 4-7, ages 6-11); MYP 1-5 and DP 1 (ages 11-18). |
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School type
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School type The Amsterdam International Community School is a co-educational day school. It does not offer boarding facilities for any age groups, as it is designed to support international and local families residing in the Netherlands. | School type Day IB World School offering the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) in Primary and the Middle Years Programme (MYP), Career-related Programme (CP), and Diploma Programme (DP) in Secondary. |
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Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix The school serves students of all nationalities living in The Netherlands; international student body. | Pupil nationality mix Over 50 nationalities represented; over 35 languages spoken; English is the working language. |
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Additional learning support
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Additional learning support In-class student support led by teachers and mentors to meet diverse student needs. | Additional learning support Inclusive, personalised approach with support for diverse learning needs, including those with learning difficulties, disabilities or medical needs. A learning support structure with in-class support, 1-to-1 and small group interventions, and English as an Additional Language (EAL) support; resources and ICT to enhance curriculum accessibility. |
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Country affiliation
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Country affiliation The Netherlands (Dutch international school). | Country affiliation — |
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Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation — | Religious affiliation — |
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School day structure
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School day structure Primary day: Arrival 08:10; Registration and lessons start at 08:30; Story time and snack – 15 minutes; Morning break 30 minutes; Lunch break 30 minutes; Play time 30 minutes; End of day 15:15 (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri); 12:00 (Wed). Secondary timetable varies; all lessons on Thursdays start at 11:00; DP timetables differ by subject; students may be required to start at 10:15. | School day structure To allow travel between sites, start and end times are staggered by campus. Lower Primary (Buitenrustlaan): doors open 08:05, lessons begin 08:15, 10:15-10:30 break, 11:45-12:45 lunch, dismissal 14:30 (12:15 on Wednesdays). Upper Primary (Schreveliusstraat): doors open 08:25, lessons begin 08:30, 10:30-10:45 break, 11:45-12:45 lunch, dismissal 14:45 (12:30 on Wednesdays). MYP 1-5 and DP 1-2: doors open 08:45, registration 08:50, 11:00-11:20 break, 13:20-13:50 lunch, dismissal 15:50 (MYP) and 17:00 (DP) with occasional clubs 16:00-17:00; Wednesdays have earlier dismissal times (MYP 13:20; DP around 14:20). |
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Bus service details
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Bus service details The school offers a dedicated shuttle service to assist families with the daily commute to and from the South Campus. This service is operated by an external partner, Atlas Shuttle. Parents can contact the provider directly via phone or email to inquire about routes and arrange transportation for their children. | Bus service details — |
| Fees | Fees | |
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Fee details
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Fee details Application fees - Registration fee: EUR 200 per student. This fee is non-refundable and must be paid to process the application; payment is taken via a credit-card payment link during the application. Annual tuition and itemised charges (school year 2025–2026) For new students starting in August 2025 the annual school-fee totals and the component breakdowns are as follows (amounts shown in EUR): - Primary Group 1–5 — Total: EUR 6,025.00 - Tuition fee component: EUR 5,505.00 - Excursion & activities: EUR 138.00 - Lunch supervision: EUR 363.00 - Year book: EUR 19.00 - Examination fees: EUR 0.00 - Primary Group 6 — Total: EUR 6,309.00 - Tuition fee component: EUR 5,505.00 - Excursion & activities: EUR 422.00 - Lunch supervision: EUR 363.00 - Year book: EUR 19.00 - Examination fees: EUR 0.00 - Primary Group 7 — Total: EUR 6,230.00 - Tuition fee component: EUR 5,505.00 - Excursion & activities: EUR 343.00 - Lunch supervision: EUR 363.00 - Year book: EUR 19.00 - Examination fees: EUR 0.00 - Secondary MYP1–MYP4 — Total: EUR 7,178.00 - Tuition fee component: EUR 6,531.00 - Excursion & activities: EUR 628.00 - Lunch supervision: not applicable - Year book: EUR 19.00 - Examination fees: EUR 0.00 - Secondary MYP5 — Total: EUR 7,628.00 - Tuition fee component: EUR 6,531.00 - Excursion & activities: EUR 628.00 - Lunch supervision: not applicable - Year book: EUR 19.00 - Examination fees: EUR 450.00 (MYP assessment/exam charge) - DP1 & CP1 — Total: EUR 8,318.00 - Tuition fee component: EUR 7,671.00 - Excursion & activities: EUR 628.00 - Lunch supervision: not applicable - Year book: EUR 19.00 - Examination fees: EUR 0.00 - DP2 & CP2 — Total: EUR 9,168.00 - Tuition fee component: EUR 7,671.00 - Excursion & activities: EUR 628.00 - Lunch supervision: not applicable - Year book: EUR 19.00 - Examination fees: EUR 850.00 (IB examination charge) (These component totals produce the annual Total School Fees shown above.) Deposit and registration summary - Deposit: EUR 500 per student. The deposit is payable with the first instalment and is refundable subject to the school's withdrawal conditions. Billing schedule and payment terms - Invoicing: Families will receive invoices via the school's invoicing system (WIS Collect); the finance team issues one invoice at the latest by the beginning of June each school year. Parents/caregivers receive an email with a link to view and pay invoices. - Existing (returning) students payment schedule (2025–2026): - First instalment due by 1 July. - Second instalment due by 31 October. - The two instalments are equal halves of the full annual amount. A student may be excluded from school and transcripts withheld if fees remain unpaid. - New students starting in August/September 2025: the annual fee may be paid in two instalments (first instalment includes the EUR 500 deposit). New students starting in October or later are required to pay the prorated/full amount for their start month in full (no instalment option for October onwards). A detailed prorating schedule per starting month is applied. - Prorating (examples for new students starting after August 2025): - August: 100% of annual fee - September: 100% of annual fee - October: 90% of annual fee - November: 80% of annual fee - December: 70% of annual fee - January: 60% of annual fee - February: 50% of annual fee - March: 40% of annual fee - April: 30% of annual fee - May: 20% of annual fee - June: 10% of annual fee - July: 10% of annual fee. Refunds, cancellations and withdrawal - Cancellation for new students: If a new student cancels after acceptance and after payment of the deposit and first instalment, the family must give one month's notice (excluding school holidays). Without one month's notice the EUR 500 deposit is retained; the tuition fee itself will be refunded. - Withdrawal by enrolled families: A 30‑day written notice is required to receive a refund of remaining tuition, deposit and costs; a 60‑day notice applies for students leaving at the end of the academic year. Refund percentages are prorated by month (for example, August 75% refund; March 10%; April–July 0%) and the exact refund amount depends on the month of exit and full payment of fees. The deposit is refundable only when withdrawal conditions are met (notice given, fees paid in full, school property returned). Refund processing typically takes 4–6 weeks; if withdrawal occurs around winter or summer break it may take up to 10 weeks. The school also applies specific rules for students who withdraw within 30 days before the planned start date. Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable; the AICS operates as a day school and no boarding fees are listed. Other costs and incidental charges - IB / examination items excluded from the standard fee: IB exam retakes for CP2 & DP2, E‑Assessment retakes for MYP5, and remarks on request are excluded from the school fee and are payable separately. - MacBook provision (secondary students): MacBooks and chargers are loaned to secondary students; parents are financially responsible for negligence, maintenance, repairs, loss and theft. If a MacBook is not returned or is damaged, the replacement/repair cost will be charged and may be deducted from the deposit. - Locker card replacement: EUR 5 for a replacement secondary locker card. - School supplies / uniform: The school provides basic school materials and the first AICS T‑shirt is provided by the school for primary students; additional AICS T‑shirts may be purchased. Parents must supply certain personal items (book bag, lunch box, indoor gym shoes, specified stationery, graphic calculator for higher secondary levels, etc.). Fee payment options and practical payment details - Registration fee payment: taken via a credit‑card payment link during the OpenApply application process. - School fees payment: invoiced through WIS Collect; parents receive an email with a link to view invoices and to pay via the iDEAL payment link offered in WIS Collect. Companies/employers can be invoiced directly on request; company invoices carry 30‑day payment terms from the invoice date. Parents receive reminders from WIS Collect three days before payment due dates. - Instalment deadlines and consequences: first and second instalment due dates are indicated above; missed payment deadlines can result in delayed start, forfeiting the student place, referral to collection agencies and withholding of transcripts and reports. All costs from debt collection and legal proceedings are charged to the parent/caregiver. Summary - Annual Total School Fees 2025–2026 (new students starting August 2025): Primary Group 1–5 EUR 6,025; Primary Group 6 EUR 6,309; Primary Group 7 EUR 6,230; Secondary MYP1–MYP4 EUR 7,178; Secondary MYP5 EUR 7,628; DP1 & CP1 EUR 8,318; DP2 & CP2 EUR 9,168. Deposit EUR 500 (held with first instalment). Registration (application) fee EUR 200 non‑refundable (credit card). Payment is administered via WIS Collect (iDEAL link); instalment and prorating rules apply as described above. | Fee details Application / Registration fee - A one‑time non‑refundable registration (pre‑registration) fee of EUR 200 per student is charged at application. Deposit - A refundable deposit of EUR 500 per student is charged on the first invoice for new students. The deposit is refundable on withdrawal only if all school fees have been paid, correct notice has been given, and school property is returned in good condition; refunds may take up to 10 working weeks and any international transfer charges are applied to the recipient. Tuition fees — Primary (Groups 1–7) — academic year amount and month‑of‑start scale - Full annual tuition for Primary (Groups 1–7) is EUR 5,330 per year (100% for students enrolling in August/September). - If a child starts later in the academic year the tuition due is pro rata according to the month of enrolment as follows (amounts shown are the tuition charged for that month of enrolment): - August / September: EUR 5,330 (100%). - October: EUR 5,330 (100%). - November: EUR 4,799 (90%). - December: EUR 4,268 (80%). - January: EUR 3,737 (70%). - February: EUR 3,206 (60%). - March: EUR 2,675 (50%). - April: EUR 2,144 (40%). - May: EUR 1,613 (30%). - June / July: EUR 1,082 (20%). - An annual School Yearbook cost of EUR 20 is included in tuition and is not eligible for a late‑start discount. Tuition fees — Secondary (MYP / DP) — academic year amounts and month‑of‑start scale - MYP1–MYP4 (Middle Years Programme years 1–4): full annual tuition is EUR 6,660 (100% for August/September start). Field trip fee and the admin/deposit rules apply as below; pro rata tuition is applied by month of enrolment as listed. - August / September: EUR 6,660 (100%). - October: EUR 6,660 (100%). - November: EUR 5,996 (90%). - December: EUR 5,332 (80%). - January: EUR 4,668 (70%). - February: EUR 4,004 (60%). - March: EUR 3,340 (50%). - April: EUR 2,676 (40%). - May: EUR 2,012 (30%). - June / July: EUR 1,348 (20%). - MYP5 (final MYP year): full annual tuition is EUR 6,660 (100%), with separate E‑Assessment and field‑trip charges depending on enrolment timing as listed below. Pro rata tuition by month of enrolment follows the same percentage schedule as MYP1–4; the E‑Assessment fee is applied as shown. - MYP5 field trip fee (example values in fee schedule): typically EUR 540 (for August/September enrolments) and pro rata adjustments for later starts are listed in the fee table. MYP5 E‑Assessment fees are shown as EUR 415 (subject to the enrolment month schedule in the table). - DP1 (IB Diploma Programme year 1): full annual tuition is EUR 6,740 (100% for August/September start). Field trip fee is listed as EUR 540 and DP exam fees for DP1 in 2025–2026 are shown as EUR 0 for that year; deposit and admin fees apply as below. The last admission date for new DP1 students for the 2025–2026 year is specified as 30 September. - DP2 (IB Diploma Programme year 2, returning students only): full annual tuition is EUR 6,740 (100% for August/September start). A DP graduation fee of EUR 150 and DP exam fees of EUR 670 (for 2025–2026) are listed in the fee schedule for DP2. New DP2 transfer applications are not accepted. Additional / ancillary fees and typical charges - Field trip fees: charged per year group and vary by year and month of enrolment; amounts are listed in the fee schedules and cover transportation, entrance fees and occasionally accommodation. Example values: MYP1–4 field trip fee commonly EUR 320 (for early enrolment months) and EUR 280 for some later months; MYP5 and DP field trip fees listed as EUR 540 for August/September starts. - E‑Assessment / exam fees: MYP5 E‑Assessment fee listed as EUR 415; DP2 examination fees listed as EUR 670; DP1 exam fees are shown as EUR 0 for 2025–2026. - Yearbook: EUR 20 per student is included in tuition (no discount for late starts). - Laptop requirement for new Secondary students: new secondary students require a laptop provided via The Rent Company (details and timing communicated by the IT Team). The cost for laptop rental/purchase is arranged separately from tuition. - Company invoice fee: EUR 25 per invoice when an invoice is issued to an employer/third party or when paying in two instalments (admin fee). - Family discounts: the school applies fee reductions for large families — a 30% discount for the third (and youngest) child and a 40% discount for the fourth (and youngest) child attending the school concurrently; discounts apply to the specified child only. Billing schedule and payment terms - Invoices must be paid in advance to guarantee places. Payment options for the academic year include: (A) pay in full by the invoice date (or by 1 June for returning students), or (B) pay in two instalments (option available if enrolled before 1 October). When paying in two instalments the first instalment is 50% of tuition plus the EUR 25 admin fee (and EUR 500 deposit for new students) by 1 June (or within 14 days of invoice for new students); the remaining 50% is due by 31 October. New students starting after the year begins must usually pay the full invoice (including deposit) within 14 days of invoice date. - Payment method: payment can only be made by bank transfer to the school's account at Rabobank (IBAN: NL64 RABO 0316 370 223; BIC: RABONL2U). For international transfers the school requires the OUR instruction so that transfer charges are paid by the sender. Receipts are available via the school's Open Apply invoicing/account system. Boarding fees - The school's published materials list campus locations for Primary and Secondary and do not include any boarding provision or boarding charges; boarding fees are therefore not applicable. Refunds and withdrawal notice requirements - If a student is withdrawn before their scheduled start date, 90 days' written notice from the original start date is required to obtain a full refund of tuition and the deposit; failure to provide 90 days' notice will result in no refund. For withdrawal between August and March a 60‑day notice is required and refunds of the annual tuition are applied on a sliding scale depending on the month the student leaves. Example refund percentages (month of leaving) are as follows: - September–November: 50% refunded of the annual tuition. - December–January: 40% refunded. - February (Primary): 30% refunded; (Secondary schedule shows February–March at 20% refunded; check the relevant year‑group schedule for exact percentage). - March: 20% refunded (Primary); April–July: 0% refunded. - The deposit return is conditional on fee settlement, correct notice and return of school property; refunds can take up to 10 working weeks and international transfer charges for refunds are applied to the recipient. These notice and refund rules are stated separately for Primary and Secondary fee agreements. Consequences of non‑payment - Failure to pay invoices when due may result in a student being moved to the waiting list (placement no longer guaranteed), withholding of certificates/transcripts, suspension from participation in lessons, referral to debt‑collection, and denial of subsequent year placement until fees are cleared. Summary of key payment amounts (selected highlights) - Registration fee (one‑time, non‑refundable): EUR 200 per student. - Refundable deposit for new students: EUR 500 per student (applied to first invoice). - Primary (Groups 1–7) annual tuition (100%): EUR 5,330. - MYP (secondary) annual tuition (typical full year): EUR 6,660. - DP annual tuition (DP1 / DP2 full year): EUR 6,740. (End of fee overview.) |
| Diving deeper | Diving deeper | |
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Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements — | Boarding arrangements — |
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Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement — | Uniform requirement The school does not have a uniform; students do not wear a school uniform. |
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Food options
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Food options — | Food options The school does not operate a canteen. All students have snack and lunch at school. In Primary, parents can sign up for a paid warm lunch provided by Tommy Tomato. |
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House system
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House system — | House system — |
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Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership Partly state funded by the Dutch government. All Dutch International Schools are connected to a Dutch school board. The AICS was founded by and is part of the Esprit Scholen Group and is also part of the DIS (Dutch International Schools). | Governance and ownership The school is a Dutch subsidised international school established by TWijs and IRIS, supported by the City Council in Haarlem; it is governed by the TWijs and IRIS boards and is a member of the Dutch International Schools (DIS) group. |
| Academics | Academics | |
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Curriculum details
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Curriculum details The Primary Years Programme (PYP) has been implemented for students aged 4–11. It is a transdisciplinary, inquiry-based framework in which traditional subjects are taught in multi- or interdisciplinary units around six transdisciplinary themes: Who we are; Where we are in place and time; How we express ourselves; How the world works; How we organize ourselves; Sharing the planet. The PYP provides horizontal alignment across both campuses and vertical articulation with the Secondary School. The school has strengthened the arts in Primary and publishes the Programme of Inquiry for 2025/26. The Fireflies Programme supports learners with complex learning profiles, with differentiated curriculum and collaboration with Stichting Kolom and the samenwerkingsverband to support development of the programme and aligning Primary and Secondary. Specialist lessons include English Language Acquisition, Dutch Language Acquisition, Dutch Language and Literature, Physical & Health Education, and Performing Arts. Outdoor learning is part of the curriculum. AICS is an IB World School offering the full International Baccalaureate Programme. | Curriculum details International School Haarlem offers the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) in Primary and the Middle Years Programme (MYP), Career-Related Programme (CP), and Diploma Programme (DP) in Secondary. The school is authorized as an IB World School. |
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Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio — | Student teacher ratio — |
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Exam results
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Exam results Secondary School exam results (DP/CP): 2024–2025: DP pass rate 93% (133/143); CP pass rate 90% (18/20); All CP students will also receive their BTEC diplomas; highest DP score 43. 2023–2024: DP/CP pass rate 93%; one student achieved a DP high score of 45; CP students received BTEC diplomas. 2022–2023: DP pass rate 96% (87/91). | Exam results — |
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Higher education progression
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Higher education progression Graduates go on to universities in the Netherlands and internationally, including Leiden University (School of Law), University of Amsterdam, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Maastricht University, TU Delft (Architecture and Aerospace Engineering), Open University, and international institutions such as Parsons the New School for Design, Florida International University, University of Miami, University of Massachusetts Amherst, and University of Virginia School of Architecture. | Higher education progression The Next Steps Programme guides students after MYP5. In DP1 and DP2, academic counsellors support university applications, including arranging Go-Abroad Fair visits in Utrecht and providing information on university Open Days, transcripts, reference letters, and predicted grades. |
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Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented — | Gifted and talented Inclusivity is provided through Learning Support. The school supports English as an Additional Language, and students who are working at a significantly higher level than age-related expectations, or identified as gifted, may be placed on the Learning Support Register with a tailored plan. |
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Academic calendar
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Academic calendar — | Academic calendar — |
| Wellbeing & support | Wellbeing & support | |
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Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning Wellbeing and academic achievement are linked; a holistic approach nurtures students' emotional, social, and academic growth. The Wellbeing Programme comprises Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE), the KIVA anti-bullying programme, the Common Sense Digital Citizenship Programme, and the Community Safety Agreement (CSA) developed with staff, students and parents. The AICS Wellbeing framework emphasises student agency, parent school child partnership and a sense of belonging, supporting wellbeing and learning. Members of the safeguarding team include Lyndsay Gregory, Child Protection and Safeguarding Lead; Niké Yonkio, Primary Sandcastle Campus; and Sanne Zaadnoordijk, Primary South Campus. The Multisignal system connects professionals involved with a student to coordinate support and resolve issues quickly. | Social & emotional learning International School Haarlem is an inclusive school with a personalised approach to the diverse learning needs of students, including those with learning difficulties, disabilities or medical needs. A clear and responsive support structure exists where teachers, tutors and Student Support staff work together to identify and remove barriers to learning. Support provision is planned and regularly reviewed, taking into account the views of the individual student and their parents/guardians. The safeguarding team handles social‑emotional concerns for the school. The safeguarding team for social‑emotional concerns includes Janine Ric‑Hansen, Clare Peterkin, Hannah Mansbridge and Mirjam van den Berg. |
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN) The AICS uses an inclusive approach to learning and accepts students of average to above average ability, including those with English as an additional language and learners with learning diversity. Extra assistance is provided for a limited number of students. Speech and Language Team and Occupational Therapist services are available, and these services must be covered by health insurance. If capacity is reached, families may be placed on a waiting list until full support can be provided. | Special educational needs (SEN) International School Haarlem operates as a mainstream school with a personalised approach to learning diversity. Admission depends on the applicant's needs and the school's ability to meet them within a mainstream setting and to enable benefit from the MYP curriculum. Learning Support includes 1‑to‑1 and small group targeted interventions, resources and ICT to support curriculum accessibility, and in‑class support by skilled support assistants. Primary Inclusion focuses on enabling all children to achieve academically, emotionally and socially through high‑quality teaching, differentiation, strategies to support neurodiversity, and access to appropriate resources. English as an Additional Language is supported with small group EAL lessons taught by a specialised EAL teacher, access to texts and vocabulary prior to lessons, and resources to support curriculum accessibility. |
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English as an additional language
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English as an additional language The main language of instruction is English. English Language Acquisition support is provided for students learning English as a emerging language, including an extended English Language Acquisition Programme (ELAX). The school also recognises English Best Language and Language Acquisition as part of its language provision and supports developing Dutch as a best language as part of its Dutch international school framework. | English as an additional language English as an Additional Language is valued and teachers are skilled in welcoming and supporting students who are new to English. Students who are new to English or developing academic English receive support in small group EAL lessons with a specialised EAL teacher, have access to texts and vocabulary prior to lessons, and benefit from resources to support curriculum accessibility in the classroom. |
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Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing Wellbeing is central to the school approach; a holistic wellbeing programme supports emotional and social development and links to academic growth. It emphasizes student agency, a parent school child partnership, and a sense of belonging. The programme includes CSE, the KIVA anti-bullying programme, the Common Sense Digital Citizenship Programme, and the Community Safety Agreement to support mental wellbeing and safe online behaviour. | Mental wellbeing Wellbeing is addressed through a focus on promoting positive self‑esteem and enjoyment of learning. A safeguarding team is available to support social‑emotional concerns. Staff responsibilities include creating a safe and respectful learning environment and supporting student wellbeing. The school provides digital safeguarding guidelines and codes of conduct for ICT use, with guidance for both students and parents. Safeguarding policies include reporting procedures for safeguarding concerns, including cases of domestic violence and child abuse. |
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding Safeguarding is led by a safeguarding team with Lyndsay Gregory as Child Protection and Safeguarding Lead (Secondary), Niké Yonkio (Primary Sandcastle Campus) and Sanne Zaadnoordijk (Primary South Campus). The school uses MULTISignal to coordinate professionals involved with a student, ensuring a coherent plan. A Community Safety Agreement and other safeguarding measures underpin the protective framework. | Safeguarding The Wellbeing and Safeguarding Protocol establishes Codes of Conduct to safeguard against discrimination, sexual harassment and violence. A safeguarding team handles social‑emotional concerns and is responsible for safeguarding procedures. Digital safeguarding is addressed through an ICT code of conduct for students (and a signed agreement for parents), with disciplinary actions for breaches. The protocol provides reporting steps for suspected abuse and mandates reporting to authorities when required. Personal data handling follows GDPR guidance, with data access limited to what is legally required and necessary for safeguarding and education. Volunteers and staff are subject to background checks, including Certificates of Good Conduct (VOG) where applicable. |
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Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy — | Safeguarding policy — |
| Facilities | Facilities | |
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Facilities overview
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Facilities overview The Amsterdam International Community School has two campuses in Amsterdam: South Campus and Sandcastle (SE) Campus. The campuses form one Dutch international school served by one team, with the same curriculum, values and philosophy across both locations. The school offers international education in English and is an IB World School offering the full International Baccalaureate Programme. The school provides education for students aged 4 to 19. The AICS Library is part of the school and hosts weekly primary reading sessions with book borrowing. | Facilities overview The school operates across three Haarlem locations: Buitenrustlaan 9 for Lower Primary, Schreveliusstraat 27 for Upper Primary, and Junoplantsoen 58 for Secondary. The Libraries provide fiction and non-fiction, with magazines and a multilingual selection reflecting the international student body. The Libraries serve as learning hubs with magazines, online resources, and IT equipment such as printers, iPads, cameras, headphones, and Chromebooks, and staff assist with research and referencing. In Primary, the Oxford Reading Tree system supports literacy development and the library supports language development activities. ISH is an IB World School offering the International Primary Curriculum in Primary and the MYP, CP, and DP in Secondary. |
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Sports facilities
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Sports facilities Park Startbaan is a multi-sport facility that includes padel courts and offers competitive youth training. Frans Otten Stadion is a large recreation centre hosting padel clubs and sports facilities for junior programmes. The Frans Otten Stadion and nearby facilities provide venues for padel, football and other activities for students. AICS cooperates with local clubs and venues offering after-school sports and activities such as football, tennis and hockey for youth. | Sports facilities Every MYP student has a two-hour practical Physical & Health Education (PHE) lesson each week, with sessions taking place in the school hall or outside on the fields. Students need gym shoes with non-marking soles, appropriate clothing, a towel, and a gym bag for PHE/PE. The Extracurricular Programme includes Olympic Moves, where students compete against peers from other Dutch schools; in 2024 the basketball team performed very well. BSJ and Sports Days are organized to celebrate culture and share community involvement through sports activities. |
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Academic facilities
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Academic facilities The AICS is an IB World School offering the full International Baccalaureate Programme. The school teaches in English and serves students aged 4 to 19. The AICS Library provides weekly reading sessions for primary groups and book borrowing. The School is part of Esprit Scholen Group and affiliated with IB, enabling the full continuum including Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma programmes. | Academic facilities The school is an IB World School, offering IPC in Primary and the MYP, CP, and DP in Secondary. Primary literacy is supported by the Oxford Reading Tree system, with the library hosting language development activities. The Libraries offer magazines, online resources, and IT equipment (printers, iPads, cameras, headphones, Chromebooks) with staff guidance for research and referencing, providing a safe space to work or collaborate. The working language is English, with English Language Acquisition and support available as needed; DP language courses and language development initiatives are described in policy materials. Secondary students are required to bring a laptop to school, and Essential information for the student experience is published in ManageBac and the ISH School Guide available to families. |
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Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities Global Citizenship Day promotes understanding of the world and developing the skills to contribute to it. Model United Nations is offered as part of the secondary programme. Nieuw Vocaal Amsterdam is a co-curricular activity available at AICS. AICS is an IB World School offering the full IB Programme, and co-curricular activities are integrated with the IB framework. | Extra curricular facilities Secondary year groups go on residentials in the Netherlands and abroad, with team-building exercises to foster community. ISH hosts International Days and Sports Days to celebrate culture and sport. Students participate in Model United Nations (MUN) and Olympic Moves, with competitive events against other Dutch schools; in 2024 the basketball team performed exceptionally well. After-school clubs include language-focused activities, debate, newspaper clubs, bullet journaling, and more, all designed to support language development and diverse interests. |
| Parent experience | Parent experience | |
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History
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History — | History ISH opened its doors in September 2017 with a primary department. In 2018, its first cohort of secondary students began their learning journey in Haarlem. The school is an IB World School. It offers the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) in Primary and the Middle Years Programme (MYP), Career-related Programme (CP), and Diploma Programme (DP) for secondary students. |
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Community
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Community The AICS comprises two campuses, South Campus and Sandcastle (SE) Campus, forming one Dutch international school served by one team; the curriculum, values and philosophy are the same across campuses. The school is an IB World School offering the full International Baccalaureate Programme; the IB Primary Years Programme was authorised in September 2021 and the IB certificate programme was authorised in 2020. The AICS is part of Esprit Scholengroep, a large group of schools in Amsterdam, and Learning for life guides its approach, emphasising student agency, inquiry and community. Global Citizenship Day fosters understanding of the world and developing the skills to actively contribute to it, and the AICS Library supports weekly primary group reading and borrowing. | Community ISH aims to develop a community of caring, compassionate, honest, open-minded global citizens who engage with the world on local and global scales. The school provides dynamic, world-recognised teaching programmes with inquiry-based learning at the core and encourages participation in matters of worldwide interest and service activities. It emphasises positive personal and learning values, guides students to reach their potential as thinkers and lifelong learners, and maintains a welcoming and supportive environment for all members of the school community. |
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Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association The AICS Parents Society (APS) is a parent-led organisation with a mission to build and support an active community surrounding the school. It hosts coffee mornings, international breakfasts, and other social events. It organises clubs and activities around parents' interests. It plans staff-appreciation brunches and primary graduation celebrations. It runs popcorn sales, winter fairs, and other seasonal events. It offers support and community to incoming families, fosters constructive dialogue with the school, and connects parents to each other. | Parent teacher association The Parent Committee is a group of volunteer parents who contribute their time, talent and passion to make a difference in the school community. Current team: Chair – Mercedes Hualli; Secretary – Nada Wouters; Treasurer – Lydia Bruwer. The committee organizes events throughout the year to bring families together, including International Day, Bake Sales, Coffee Mornings, Seasonal Event Celebrations and the Summer Feest, and helps welcome new parents and foster belonging. The Committee relies on volunteers to run these events; to get involved contact ishparentcommittee@gmail.com. |
| Extra-curricular | Extra-curricular | |
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Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual Model United Nations (MUNAICS) is the official conference hosted by AICS that invites students to engage in diplomacy and global affairs. It is a student-led event bringing together delegates from diverse backgrounds to develop research, negotiation, and public-speaking skills. The conference uses themes and committees to challenge participants and foster collaboration. The 2025 edition, A World in Transition: The Future of Global Solidarity, takes place September 27-28, 2025 at the AICS South campus. | Academic & intellectual International School Haarlem offers the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) in Primary and the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Career-Related Programme (CP), and the Diploma Programme (DP) for secondary students. The school is authorized as an IB World School. The learning philosophy centers on high-quality, challenging international education and the development of global citizens. The curriculum emphasises inquiry-based learning and the ability to think critically and act with empathy about local and global issues. |
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Arts & creative
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Arts & creative Nieuw Vocaal Amsterdam is a co-curricular vocal program at AICS. | Arts & creative Art and music are integral to the curriculum. Expressive arts and design is a core area of learning in Early Years, and Art and Music feature prominently in the Primary IPC framework. Primary Music develops singing, music notation, creation and recording of music, and exploration of music from around the world, linking musical learning to IPC topics. Art and music are embedded in IPC themes across the Primary curriculum. |
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Cultural & language
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Cultural & language — | Cultural & language Language acquisition includes English, French, Spanish and Dutch. In Primary Years, English and Mathematics are taught using the English National Curriculum, while the IPC provides a thematic, multi-disciplinary approach to learning that nurtures internationally minded, globally competent citizens. The IPC aims to develop adaptability, empathy, ethics, resilience, respect, communication, collaboration and thinking across cultures. |
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Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies Global Citizenship Day 2025 featured creativity, collaboration, and inspiration with workshops focused on sustainability, equality, and innovation. Students across all year levels participated, and the day highlighted student voice and teamwork. | Social & hobbies The Extracurricular Programme includes International Days that celebrate culture and diversity, and Building Social Justice Days that bring in local and global communities to discuss societal issues. Students participate in Model United Nations (MUN) to practice dialogue and consensus, and in Olympic Moves to compete in various sports. Secondary students also undertake residential trips and team-building activities to develop teamwork and social skills. |
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Community & service
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Community & service Service as Action is an integral part of the Core curriculum in the MYP where students apply knowledge in real-world contexts to make a positive difference. It develops lifelong transferable skills and Learning Outcomes. Examples of student action include Global citizenship activity, Jugueton Maya Project, and Chewing gum meets Art. | Community & service International Days celebrate culture and diversity, reflecting the school's inclusive, international community. Building Social Justice Days engage local and global communities to address poverty, diversity and women's rights. Community engagement is a core component of the CP and is emphasized alongside other core CP elements such as language and culture studies. |
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Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional Student Council is a group of elected students from each year level in the Primary and Secondary Schools who represent the student body and voice. The council functions in advisory and policy-making capacity. An Eco-committee also leads school sustainability initiatives under the Eco-Schools programme, focusing on litter, energy conservation, waste recycling, water, biodiversity, transport, healthy living, and global perspective. | Leadership & professional The Career-Related Programme (CP) offers a broad, flexible education with a career-related study (Business) and a career-related core comprising personal and professional skills, the reflective project, community engagement and language and culture studies. CP aims to develop higher-order thinking, practical knowledge and employability. Academic counselling supports students with Next Steps planning, university visits, and application timelines after MYP5 and during the DP years. |
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing — | Lifestyle & wellbeing Health and Wellbeing is a named area within the Primary IPC framework. Physical Education is provided to all Primary students, with two hours per week of specialist time, covering Games, Athletics, Gymnastics, Health-Related Fitness and Dance. P.E. lessons are linked to IPC units to promote healthy, active lifestyles. The school also supports wellbeing through inclusive practices, including English as an Additional Language support where needed. |
| Language provision | Language provision | |
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Language provision
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Language provision The school teaches in English. It is a Dutch international primary and secondary school offering international education in English. It is an IB World School offering the full International Baccalaureate programme. | Language provision English is the language of instruction for all students. English Language Acquisition (EAL) support is provided for learners who start with little or no English, and all MYP students study English and Dutch. MYP Language Acquisition courses are offered in English, Dutch, French and Spanish, and all MYP students study French or Spanish as LA in addition to English and Dutch. In the Diploma Programme, Dutch is compulsory for DP students who hold only a Dutch passport; DP offers Dutch Language & Literature and English Language & Literature, with SSST Language A: Literature and additional language options including French and Spanish. |
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Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching — | Bilingual teaching — |
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Immersion programs
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Immersion programs — | Immersion programs — |
| Reputation | Reputation | |
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Awards
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Awards — | Awards — |
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Accreditations
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Accreditations — | Accreditations IB World School (authorized to offer the IB Middle Years Programme, Career-related Programme and Diploma Programme). |
| Admissions | Admissions | |
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Admissions
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Admissions 1. Verify Eligibility and Availability First, check the school's Open Apply page to see current availability for new students. You must also review the specific entry criteria to ensure your child qualifies, as the school primarily caters to students spending a temporary period in the Netherlands or returning Dutch students. 2. Gather Required Documentation Before applying, prepare mandatory documents including valid passport copies, a digital photograph, and school reports from the previous two years provided in English. Families must also upload a BRP document from their local municipality and proof of temporary residence or a statement of intent to relocate. 3. Submit Application and Registration Fee Submit your formal application through the school's online portal. To complete the submission and secure your place in the processing queue, you are required to pay a non-refundable registration fee. 4. Await Processing and Placement For mid-term starts where a place is available, the process takes a minimum of two weeks. For the upcoming academic year, place allocations begin in May, with the Head of Campus determining final grade placements primarily based on the student's age. | Admissions International School Haarlem offers primary and secondary education in an English-speaking environment and welcomes applications from students worldwide who need international education. Admission follows national regulations for the Dutch International School. A student is admitted if they meet at least one of these conditions: the student has a non-Dutch nationality and a parent working in the Netherlands for a limited time; the student has Dutch nationality and has attended an international school abroad for at least two years because a parent was stationed abroad; or Dutch nationality and a parent who will be stationed abroad within two years of admission for at least two years, confirmed in writing by the employer. Prospective families submit a pre-application via Open Apply; completing the pre-application is required before requesting a school visit. For 2025-2026, there are no spaces left in MYP and DP; there are some spaces in Primary. The school will respond within 10 working days if eligible for admission, and a start date and visit can be arranged. A school visit can be scheduled once the application is complete and the registration fee has been paid; visits are on Tuesday 9:00-11:00 (Primary and MYP1-5), Thursday 9:00-11:00 (Primary and MYP 1-5), and Friday 12:20-13:20 (CP/DP). School visits are available throughout the year, with a 2–3 week waiting time to book a visit. Phone bookings are not accepted. The school offers the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) in Primary and the Middle Years Programme (MYP), Career-Related Programme (CP) and Diploma Programme (DP) in secondary, and is IB World School authorized. |
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Scholarships
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Scholarships — | Scholarships — |
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Waitlist
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Waitlist — | Waitlist — |
| View full profile → | View full profile → | |
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