International School Hilversum Alberdingk Thijm vs IPS Hilversum

	I International School Hilversum Alberdingk Thijm Amsterdam, Netherlands	I IPS Hilversum Amsterdam, Netherlands
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €1,866 - 8,164	Fees / year €4,900
Age range	Age range 4 - 18 years	Age range 4 - 12 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Dutch Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP)
Pupils	Pupils 700	Pupils 400
Typical class size	Typical class size 22	Typical class size 18
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Dutch	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1982	Opened 1986
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Emmastraat 56, 1213 AL Hilversum, Netherlands. The campus is located on a single site and is conveniently situated between Amsterdam and Utrecht; it is easy to access by train.	Location Rembrandt location for Early Years to Group 4 (4-8 year olds); Rembrandtlaan 30, 1213 BH Hilversum. Mondrian location for Groups 5-8 (8-12 year olds); Minckeltersstraat 36, 1221 KH Hilversum. IPS Hilversum operates across two campuses in Hilversum.
Stages	Stages Primary Years Programme; Middle Years Programme; Diploma Programmes; Bilingual VWO stream; for ages 4 to 19.	Stages The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) is offered for 4-12 year olds. Rembrandt location serves Early Years to Group 4; Mondrian location serves Groups 5-8.
School type	School type IB World School offering PYP, MYP, DP and bilingual VWO; day school; coeducational.	School type IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme; instruction is in English with Dutch as the host country language.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix Over 45 nationalities represented; a diverse student body.	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school operates in the Netherlands.	Country affiliation Netherlands. It is a partially-subsidised Dutch International School governed by STIP Hilversum.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure Primary day: starts 8:30; doors open 8:20; finishes 14:45 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; finishes 12:30 on Wednesday. Secondary timetable runs 08:30–17:15 with a lunch break 12:35–13:15.	School day structure Mondrian school day: Monday–Friday 08:45–15:00 (Wednesday 12:45). Rembrandt school day: Monday–Friday 09:00–15:15 (Wednesday 13:00). Students should be at school five minutes before the start of lessons; playground supervision occurs before start.
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details International School Hilversum Alberdingk Thijm — School Fees (current academic year 2025–2026) Application / Registration fees - Initial administration / registration fee (one-off, non‑refundable): EUR 150.00. Deposit - Deposit charged to confirm place on acceptance: EUR 500.00 (one‑off). This deposit is invoiced at acceptance. Tuition and related charges — International Stream (Grades 6–12) — academic year 2025–2026 - Grade 6 - School Fee (annual): EUR 4,930.00. - Examination & moderation costs (where applicable): EUR 613.00 (applies for certain exam-related charges in lower secondary where listed). - Laptop contribution: EUR 425.00. - Total School Fee (annual): EUR 4,930.00. - Total Invoice at enrolment (School Fee + Registration Fee + Deposit): EUR 5,580.00. - Grade 7 - School Fee (annual): EUR 5,132.00. - Examination & moderation costs: EUR 613.00 (where applicable). - Laptop contribution: EUR 425.00. - Total School Fee (annual): EUR 5,557.00. - Total Invoice at enrolment: EUR 6,207.00. - Grade 8 - School Fee (annual): EUR 5,132.00. - Laptop contribution: EUR 425.00. - Total School Fee (annual): EUR 5,557.00. - Total Invoice at enrolment: EUR 6,207.00. - Grade 9 - School Fee (annual): EUR 5,132.00. - Laptop contribution: EUR 425.00. - Total School Fee (annual): EUR 5,557.00. - Total Invoice at enrolment: EUR 6,207.00. - Grade 10 - School Fee (annual): EUR 5,132.00. - Laptop contribution: EUR 425.00. - Total School Fee (annual): EUR 6,170.00. - Total Invoice at enrolment: EUR 6,820.00. - Grade 11 - School Fee (annual): EUR 5,745.00. - Examination & moderation costs (IB/DP): EUR 850.00 (where applicable for exam cohorts). - Laptop contribution: EUR 425.00. - Total School Fee (annual): EUR 6,170.00. - Total Invoice at enrolment: EUR 6,820.00. - Grade 12 - School Fee (annual): EUR 5,745.00. - Examination & moderation costs (IB/DP): EUR 850.00. - Laptop contribution: EUR 425.00. - Total School Fee (annual): EUR 7,020.00. - Total Invoice at enrolment: EUR 7,670.00. Tuition and related charges — Primary (KG1 / Grades 1–5) — academic year 2025–2026 - KG1 through Grade 5 (Primary) - School Fee (annual): EUR 4,030.00. - Registration fee (one‑off): EUR 150.00. - Total Invoice at enrolment: EUR 4,180.00. Internationaal Tweetalig VWO (Bilingual VWO) — selective VWO streams (2025–2026) - IT Grades 7–10 (typical VWO 1–4 years): components shown include a lower annual School Fee plus additional charges for laptop contribution and excursions; example totals published for IT7–IT10 range from approx. EUR 1,866.00 to EUR 2,479.00 (depending on year and items such as excursions/exam charges). - IT Grades 11–12 (VWO years 5–6): school fee levels for these years are shown with laptop contributions and examination/moderation charges; example totals published: IT11 total approx. EUR 2,790.00 and IT12 total approx. EUR 3,640.00 for the year depending on included exam charges. Other specified recurring or one‑off costs - Laptop contribution: EUR 425.00 per student where listed (applies across primary/secondary streams where specified). - Examination and moderation costs: published per year and higher for DP/upper‑secondary exam cohorts (examples: EUR 613.00 or EUR 850.00 depending on year). - Excursions (where applicable to a programme): example figure shown for certain VWO years (IT7–IT10) at EUR 442.00 (2025–2026 data) as part of programme costs. - Uniform: no fixed uniform fee or mandatory uniform price schedule is published together with the school's annual fee tables; uniform purchase/prices are not listed among the published fee items. Billing schedule and payment terms - An invoice for tuition is issued after acceptance; the acceptance process includes payment of the registration fee (EUR 150) and an enrolment deposit (EUR 500) to secure the place. - Proration for students who start or leave mid‑year is applied according to the month of starting/leaving. The proration percentages published for the academic year are as follows (percentage of the annual School Fee to be paid): - Start in August or September: 100%. - Start in October: 90%. - Start in November: 80%. - Start in December: 70%. - Start in January: 60%. - Start in February: 50%. - Start in March: 40%. - Start in April: 30%. - Start in May: 20%. - Start in June or July: 10%. - Leaving in August or September: 50%. - Leaving in October–December: 50% (October–December shown as 50% for leaving months in the published schedule). - Leaving in January: 60%. - Leaving in February: 70%. - Leaving in March: 80%. - Leaving in April: 90%. - Leaving in May, June or July: 100% (full year charged if leaving in May onward). Refund policy and special refund rules - For students leaving during the academic year, 50% of the total School Fee is non‑refundable (the school's published rule). - The initial registration fee (EUR 150) is non‑refundable. - Refund of examination costs after 15 December is not permitted for exam charges that have already been invoiced. Exam registration errors and November re‑takes incur additional surcharges where applicable. Boarding fees - No boarding programme or boarding fees are published for the International School Hilversum Alberdingk Thijm; the school's published materials and admissions documentation do not list boarding provision or boarding charges. Other costs and optional charges - Optional programme costs such as excursions, specific trip contributions, and examination/moderation charges appear as additional line items in the published fee schedules for particular streams and grades (amounts are shown above where published). Laptop contributions are listed as a separate charge (EUR 425). No single, school‑wide uniform price list or fixed uniform charge is published alongside the annual fee tables. Fee payment options - An invoice is issued after acceptance that sets out the amount due and the payment instructions. The school's published parent and PTA materials demonstrate use of bank transfer (SEPA / IBAN) for school‑related payments; payment details for tuition and the precise accepted payment methods are provided on the invoice / enrolment documentation. Example bank accounts used for PTA payments are shown in school PTA communications (Rabobank IBANs used for PTA contributions), indicating bank transfer is a standard payment channel for school‑related charges. Summary points for parents (concise) - Annual tuition varies by grade and stream; primary fees start at EUR 4,030 (PYP KG1–Grade 5) and international secondary totals vary by year, with published totals for 2025–2026 shown above per grade. Registration fee EUR 150 and deposit EUR 500 are invoiced on acceptance. Laptop, exam and excursion charges are additional line items where applicable. Proration is applied by month for mid‑year starters/leavers according to the published schedule. Fifty percent of the total school fee is non‑refundable for students leaving during the academic year; registration fees are non‑refundable and exam fees are non‑refundable after 15 December. An invoice is issued after acceptance and payment instructions (including bank details) are provided on that invoice.	Fee details Application fee - One-time, non-refundable application (admission) fee per student: EUR 350. Annual tuition fee (academic year 2025–2026) - Standard annual tuition per student: EUR 4,900. This amount applies across all year groups (Early Years through Group 8). Tuition by instalment / per-term arrangements - Full-year charge: EUR 4,900. - Two-instalment option: - Payment 1: EUR 2,450 due before 1 December 2025. - Payment 2: EUR 2,450 due before 1 May 2026. - Four-instalment option: - Two payments of EUR 1,225 before 1 December 2025. - Two payments of EUR 1,225 before 1 May 2026. - Eight-instalment option (only for enrolments starting in August): - 4 monthly payments of EUR 615 (September to 10 December 2025). - 4 monthly payments of EUR 610 (January to April 2026). - Final instalment must be received before 1 May 2026. Pro‑rata / partial‑attendance charges (entry or departure during the school year) - When a student starts or leaves mid-year, the tuition charged is pro‑rated according to the first day or final day of attendance as follows: - Entry 1 August–31 October: EUR 4,900. Departure up to 31 October: EUR 1,950. - Entry 1 November–31 December: EUR 4,300. Departure 1 November–31 December: EUR 3,100. - Entry 1 January–28 February: EUR 3,700. Departure 1 January–28 February: EUR 3,700. - Entry 1 March–30 April: EUR 3,100. Departure 1 March–30 April: EUR 4,300. - Entry after 30 April: EUR 1,950. Departure after 30 April: EUR 4,900. Billing schedule and payment terms - By enrolling a child, the parent/guardian accepts responsibility for payment of the annual tuition fee. Late payment does not relieve the payment obligation. Returning student places may be affected if previous-year fees are unpaid by the stated deadline. - Invoice options: invoice may be issued to parents/guardians or to a company (employer). If a company will pay, a completed Company Payment Form is required annually. Without that form, invoices will be sent to parents/guardians. - For enrolments with first school day on or before 31 October 2025, a minimum payment of 50% of the annual fee (EUR 2,450) must be made by 10 December 2025. For enrolments after 1 January 2026, full payment is due within 30 days of the invoice date. For enrolments between 1 November and 31 December 2025, a specified minimum payment is due within 30 days of invoice and the remainder may be placed on monthly instalments as described above. Additional costs and exclusions - There are no other compulsory school fees: the stated tuition covers tuition costs, field trips, activities, excursions and lunchtime supervision. - Fees do not include after-school activities (external providers) or childcare (BSO). Specialist learning-support therapies (e.g., speech or motor-skills therapy) are billed separately by the therapists and are not covered by school fees. Replacement school gym bags or reading folders are available for EUR 5. Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable. The school is a day primary school; there are no boarding fees. Refunds and withdrawal notice - A minimum of 30 days' written notice (Departure Form) is required before withdrawing a student. Failure to provide the required notice will result in continued charging of fees and any refund will be calculated from the month after written notification. - The application (admission) fee is non-refundable. Pro‑rata refunds or charges for partial attendance are handled according to the entry/departure schedule above. Fee payment options and bank details - Primary payment method: bank transfer. Bank details provided for school payments are: - Bank: RABOBANK - Account holder: STIP Hilversum - Account number: 0365818003 - IBAN: NL59 RABO 0365818003 - BIC: RABONL2U - Payment reference: Annual tuition fee, invoice number and family name. - Correspondence concerning fees and payment should quote the invoice number and family name and be directed to the school finance contact.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements The school has no boarding facilities; it is a day school.	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options The school canteen has been awarded the Gold plaque by Voedingscentrum (the Dutch Nutrition Centre). 80% of products are healthy choices; vending machines contain healthy snacks with little or no sugar; fruit and vegetables are offered; drinking water is encouraged.	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is government subsidised and part of Alberdingk Thijm Scholen; The board is responsible for the running of all the schools within Alberdingk Thijm Scholen.	Governance and ownership The school belongs to the local education board Stip Hilversum.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The school offers the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, Diploma Programme, and a bilingual Internationaal Tweetalig VWO stream. It is an International Baccalaureate World School and the language of instruction is English.	Curriculum details IPS Hilversum offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) for children aged 3–12. Instruction is in English, with Dutch taught as the host country language and home languages supported in learning. The PYP is taught through an inquiry-based, transdisciplinary approach that emphasizes the IB learner profile and Approaches to Learning (AtL) skills. Assessment is ongoing, including formative and summative methods, with standardised assessments for Groups 3–8 and regular conferences to review progress. IPS Hilversum operates on two campuses: Rembrandt for Early Years to Group 4 and Mondrian for Groups 5–8.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio Smaller classes. The school operates on two campuses to accommodate age-appropriate groupings: Rembrandt (Early Years to Group 4) and Mondrian (Groups 5–8).
Exam results	Exam results May 2025: 130 candidates registered; 124 passed the Diploma; average points 33; highest diploma points 43; average grade 5.33; pass rate 98%. Candidates who do not obtain the diploma can retake certain examinations in November or the following May.	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Graduates pursue higher education at universities and international master's programs. Sean Hofland, class of 2011, earned a PhD at the University of Zurich and works in Switzerland. Lena Grobusch, class of 2016, is pursuing an Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Degree in Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management with study in Vienna and Lund.	Higher education progression After Group 8, students may progress to secondary education, including International School Hilversum (MYP 11–16) or International School Laren (MYP 11–16), or to Dutch secondary education. An MYP certificate can be obtained after four years, followed by the Diploma Programme (DP) if accepted into that programme.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The school includes self-knowledge and social and emotional learning as part of the learning program, with reflection and collaboration central to how students learn; it teaches the Approaches to Learning skills to empower students on their learning journeys.	Social & emotional learning The PYP nurtures academic, social and emotional wellbeing alongside independent learning skills to foster agency. Approaches to Learning (AtL) include thinking, research, communication, social and self-management skills, with social skills and social-emotional intelligence emphasized. The learner profile attributes guide behavior toward caring, open-mindedness and respectful collaboration, supporting a caring and inclusive school community. The learning community strives for peaceful, constructive relationships and a culture of empathy and cooperation. SEL is embedded across units of inquiry, with explicit focus on developing self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, social awareness and relationship skills.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) Inclusion Policy supports teachers in accommodating each student's individual needs.	Special educational needs (SEN) IPS Hilversum serves a diverse learner population with a range of support needs including academic/learning support, neurodivergent learners, social, emotional and behavioral needs, multilingual learners, and English language acquisition needs. The Inclusion Team advocates a student-centered, needs-based approach that removes obstacles to learning and coordinates support. Support is provided through differentiated classroom instruction, additional class support, and, when needed, IP (intervention plan) or IEP (individual education plan) for more intensive support. If required, School Plus or external multidisciplinary support is arranged to meet individual needs. All student support records are confidential, progress is monitored, and parents are informed about goals and planned provisions.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The Language Policy supports students who experience a barrier to learning due to operating in a language other than their home language.	English as an additional language English is the language of instruction. English Language Acquisition (EAL) support is offered to students after Group 2 who have little or no English language skills, provided by a specialist language teacher. Support is offered on an individual basis or in small group settings, inside and outside the classroom, with goals and strategies evaluated in collaboration with the classroom teacher. The program aims to establish communication, security and progress to ensure equitable access to the curriculum. Home languages are supported and valued, and Dutch (host country language) is taught to connect students with the local culture.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Millie Scarborough 'Friends for Life' programme pairs Grade 6/7 students with older students to form friendships and lasting connections across the school; Rainbow Alliance is a student club focused on inclusion.	Mental wellbeing The IB Primary Years Programme at IPS Hilversum nurtures academic, social and emotional wellbeing as part of a holistic approach to learning. The curriculum emphasises balanced development across intellectual, physical and emotional domains to support wellbeing. Approaches to Learning include developing social-emotional intelligence and the ability to manage emotions, with components such as mindfulness, perseverance, emotional management, self-motivation and resilience. The learning community prioritises caring, collaboration and respectful communication to sustain a positive climate for wellbeing. SEL is embedded across learning, contributing to students' ability to function as internationally-minded global citizens with wellbeing at the core.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The School Mission describes a supportive and safe environment and healthy relationships within the school community; in accordance with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, all decisions are made in the best interests of the student.	Safeguarding IPS Hilversum follows a Safeguarding Reporting Protocol (Meldcode) to address suspected abuse and domestic violence, with a designated safeguarding officer coordinating steps and secure document storage. The protocol outlines steps for documenting warning signs, consulting professionals, and, when necessary, contacting Veilig Thuis or the police. Records are securely filed and can be reviewed by relevant school leaders as part of a structured process. The policy emphasizes that every child has the right to a safe environment and that adults must act promptly to protect children from neglect or abuse. The school also maintains an Anti-Bullying Policy and an Inclusion Policy to support safeguarding and a safe school climate.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The International School Hilversum Alberdingk Thijm is on a single campus at Emmastraat 56, Hilversum. The school offers the IB Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, Diploma Programme, and a bilingual VWO stream for students aged 4 to 19, all on one site. The campus supports a range of learning environments, including spaces for learning outside the classroom and the use of information and communication technology to support teaching and learning. The school's canteen has earned a Gold plaque from the Dutch Nutrition Centre for offering healthy options. The ISHilversum community comprises students from more than 45 nationalities and a wide array of student clubs and activities, including MUN, STEAM, and a Book Club.	Facilities overview IPS Hilversum is one school housed in two buildings, Rembrandt (1919) and Mondrian (1925), which are listed monuments. The Rembrandt building has 11 classrooms across two floors, a library, a gym, a PE changing room, a concierge office, and an Inclusion Team office, with piazzas designed for collaborative learning. The Mondrian building comprises 14 classrooms, two playgrounds, an administrative office, a gym, a library, a staff workroom, a wellness room and a lounge, plus a large outdoor inquiry garden. Every classroom has an interactive white board, and students have access to Chromebooks and iPads. The after-school care program, Bink Kinderopvang Hilversum, has exclusive use of three rooms inside the Rembrandt building. Mondrian students walk to a full-size municipal gymnasium across from the school for PE twice a week.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities Rembrandt has an on-site gym for PE and a PE changing room. Mondrian uses the full-size municipal gymnasium across from the school for PE, twice a week. There are two playgrounds across the IPS Hilversum campuses. There is a large outdoor inquiry garden used for learning activities.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities There is an on‑campus library that provides resources for study, research and classwork and is used by clubs such as the Book Club, which uses Kindle devices funded by the library. The curriculum is delivered across the IB Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme, with learning supported by a variety of spaces and integrated information and communication technology. STEAM projects combine science, technology, engineering, mathematics and the arts in hands‑on learning. The school emphasizes learning through diversity and inquiry, supported by a digital and physical learning environment on a single campus.	Academic facilities IPS Hilversum offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) for 4–12 year-olds, taught in English with Dutch as the host country language. Each classroom has an interactive white board, and students have access to Chromebooks and iPads. Both Rembrandt and Mondrian host libraries for student learning. IPS Hilversum is housed in two buildings, Rembrandt and Mondrian, supporting a modern, technology-enabled learning environment.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Extracurricular activities include Model United Nations (MUN) clubs with participation in conferences such as LMUNA Arnhem and other events; the MUN program has a leadership structure and regional engagement. The school supports a range of student clubs and activities such as STEAM, Book Club, Rainbow Alliance, Sustainability Committee and Student Council. Excursions and exchanges are part of the learning experience, including field trips and conferences. The Book Club uses ISHilversum library resources and provides Kindle access for members.	Extra curricular facilities After-school care is provided by Bink Kinderopvang Hilversum (BSO); IPS Hilversum is affiliated with BINK and they will pick up your child from whichever IPS location they attend, with placement decisions determined by BINK. The Rembrandt building hosts exclusive use of three rooms for after-school care. There are two IPS Hilversum playgrounds and a large outdoor inquiry garden that support after-school and flexible learning activities.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History The International School Hilversum ‘Alberdingk Thijm' is a long-standing, highly experienced International Baccalaureate World School offering the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, Diploma Programme, and a Bilingual VWO stream for ages 4 to 19. It is one of only a handful of schools in Northern Europe to offer the continuum of all three IB programmes, bringing the full IB experience to its students. The school operates on a single site as part of the Alberdingk Thijm Scholen consortium, with a clear mission and an internationally oriented education programme. It is located between Amsterdam and Utrecht and is easily accessible by train. The learning community includes over 45 nationalities and a diverse teaching staff.	History IPS Hilversum began in June 1986 when the City of Hilversum and the Dutch Government established an international department at Violenschool, which opened with fewer than ten students. Growth led to a northern location in 1991 to serve families in Naarden-Bussum, Huizen, Amsterdam and Almere, and in 2001 the Rembrandt location was opened after renovation, housing the International Department Main Office, after-school care and childcare along with the International Playgroup. The Rembrandt building was designed by the renowned Dutch architect Willem M. Dudok. In 2006 the Violenschool International Department was renamed Violenschool International Primary School, and a Mondrian location was added to support further growth. By December 2022 IPS Hilversum operated on two campuses with around 400 students, EY–G4 at Rembrandt and G5–G8 at Mondrian.
Community	Community The ISHilversum is a single-site learning community with a rich mix of cultures, represented by more than 45 nationalities among students and staff. Students participate in a variety of clubs and activities including a Student Council, Sustainability Committee, Rainbow Alliance, STEAM, MUN, a Book Club and the Alberdingk Times student newspaper. The school also runs world language initiatives such as Language of the Month Celebrations, OWL Day, and Mother Tongue Day to celebrate linguistic diversity.	Community IPS Hilversum is one school with two campuses. The School Council brings together parents and teachers from across both locations to approve policy documents and advise school leaders. The PTA organises events for children and families to build community and raises funds for students and others. Upcoming events are communicated via the Friday parent newsletter and PTA channels including WhatsApp, email groups and Instagram.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) has many parent volunteers who contribute to ISHilversum. The goals are to represent the interests of students and those of their parents or guardians and to promote contact between parents. The PTA advises the parent representation of the Deelmedezeggenschapsraad (DMR) of the ISHilversum, maintains contact with the Leadership Team, and organizes meetings for parents, students and teachers. The PTA also organises social events and fundraising activities in school; helps students and families new to the Netherlands settle in; and publishes the International Community Guide to Hilversum each year. The Welcome back to school BBQ is a highlight on the PTA calendar, and the PTA email is PTAISH.board@gmail.com.	Parent teacher association The main aim of the PTA is to organise fun events for children and families to enjoy. The PTA helps build the IPS Hilversum community by encouraging attendance, participation, planning and volunteering at events. PTA-sponsored activities benefit both students and parents. New members who would like to join the PTA, volunteer for events and/or become a class representative are always welcome. To join or get involved, email PTA@ipshilversum.nl. Information about upcoming events and dates is published in the Friday parent newsletter; volunteers and PTA members are included in WhatsApp and email groups, and the PTA maintains an Instagram presence.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school has a Model United Nations (MUN) club. ISH hosts its own ISHMUN conference and participates in other major MUN events such as THIMUN and MUNISH. The MUN club collaborates with the Baking Club, Photography Club, and the school's Technology/IT team during events.	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The school has a Photography Club and a Baking Club. The Student Newspaper: Alberdingk Times is a student-run publication. ISH Arts Week features a Music Showcase, highlighting student creativity.	Arts & creative Music is taught once a week by a music specialist. Students explore voice and instrumental performance, as well as music theory and understanding of local and world music. The program is integrated within the IB framework to support cross-disciplinary learning.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The MUN club fosters cross-cultural understanding and global citizenship. Rainbow Alliance is a student club focused on inclusion and diversity. Our World Languages (OWL) activities, including Language of the Month Celebrations and Mother Tongue Day, support linguistic and cultural diversity.	Cultural & language Home languages are encouraged and form an integral part of the learning landscape. Dutch is offered as the host country language; in the lower years Dutch is taught through play-based learning by native speakers, with progression to more formal language study as students advance. The school supports drawing on students' home languages to aid learning, and the library stocks books in many languages. After-school Dutch lessons are provided by external teachers.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies The school supports social and hobby-based clubs such as the Photography Club and Baking Club. The Alberdingk Times is the student newspaper. ISH Arts Week includes a Music Showcase. The Dutch International Schools 7x7 Football Tournament showcases student sports and teamwork.	Social & hobbies Newcomers' guide provides information about clubs and local traditions. The PTA is instrumental in organizing activities to raise funds for extracurricular activities not covered by school fees. There is a School Council and a Student Council that provide governance and student input. The community structure supports parent involvement through these bodies.
Community & service	Community & service The school donated €3,258.50 to CliniClowns as part of its King's Day Service as Action. A Sustainability Day produced petitions led by the Sustainability Committee to discuss youth well-being and environmental initiatives with local government. Millie Scarborough 'Friends for Life' and Rainbow Alliance programs promote inclusion and community engagement. The school encourages volunteering and building partnerships with local organizations through the Student Portal.	Community & service The PTA coordinates activities to raise funds for extracurriculars not covered by the school fees. The School Council and the Student Council provide governance and advisory input on school direction and policy. Parents, carers and students participate in community life through these governing and advisory bodies. Newcomers' guide also points to clubs and local community resources.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The school has a Student Council and a Sustainability Committee as formal student leadership bodies. Students lead and organize major activities, including ISHMUN and other student-led conferences. The school also joined the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award.	Leadership & professional There is a School Council and a Student Council that provide governance and student input on school life. The School Council approves prescribed school policy documents and budgets. The Student Council represents student voice and perspectives in school life.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The school demonstrates a focus on youth well-being, including petitions on outdoor spaces and mental health resources discussed with local officials. Buddy programs and cross-age peer activities connect younger and older students. Neighborhood walks with Grade 10 buddies foster community and social learning. The school also runs sports events such as a Dutch International Schools 7x7 Football Tournament.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Physical Education takes place twice a week, taught by class teachers. Group 7 and 8 go on a three-day school camp, cycling to the camp location with their teachers. School sports days are held, with activities such as dance, archery, chess, korfball and rugby. A Dutch walking tradition continues with four consecutive evenings of walking 5km with parents and classmates.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The school offers the Primary Years Programme, the Middle Years Programme and the Diploma Programme, and a Bilingual VWO stream, for ages 4 to 19.	Language provision The school uses English as the language of instruction; Dutch is the host country language and is integrated into the curriculum.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The school has a Bilingual VWO stream.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations IB World School — Accredited to offer the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP), taught entirely in English and enriched with Dutch as the host country language.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions The International School Hilversum provides an English-language international education for 4–19 year olds and welcomes applications from all genders, ethnicities and religions. Potential families should review the Admissions Policy and How to Apply sections before submitting an enquiry. Admissions to the International Stream (Secondary): 1. Enrolment is possible at any time during the school year if space is available. Applications are made online through Open Apply, and a school visit can be arranged by appointment with the Admissions Officer. An initial enquiry does not guarantee a place. Placement is based on space and alignment with programme requirements and families should review the policy and process before applying. 2. Conditions of entry include space availability, the school's ability to meet the student's needs, and the student's ability to fulfil programme requirements, with the Dutch Ministry of Education rules binding the process. Prioritisation places priority on certain categories of students, including those from our own PYP, international students needing a Dutch school, qualifying siblings, and other extenuating circumstances; entry is not guaranteed in strict chronological order. 3. Academic expectations require students who can profit from a challenging, English-language international education and the Diploma Programme; the programme is demanding and language-rich, and most graduates proceed to higher education. Inclusion is offered for students with learning challenges, with provisions evaluated against available facilities; families must report any diagnosed learning needs, and may be asked to provide relevant documents or undergo diagnostic testing as part of induction. 4. Age placement is governed by age with rare exceptions after careful evaluation; language requirements support international students, with English-language support (EAL) where needed in Grades 6–10. For the Diploma Programme, placement may require additional tests in Languages, Mathematics and Sciences; bilingual students may be admitted with specific criteria. 5. How to Apply: enrolment is online via Open Apply. Steps include an interest form, submission of two years of transcripts, a reference from the current school, a passport/ID, and possibly an entrance test and interview. A non-refundable administration fee is charged before any interview; upon acceptance, a €500 deposit secures the place, payable before the start date, and tuition invoices follow according to the current fee structure. New admissions are typically considered for September, January and April; admissions outside these times require prior agreement; the International Stream does not operate waiting lists. Admissions to Primary Years Programme (PYP): 1. Access to international primary education is available to students meeting space availability and programme readiness, with priority given to international families and those with English-language education outside the Netherlands; inclusion of Dutch nationals educated in English abroad is also considered. All PYP students are reassessed for eligibility to continue into secondary international education. Applications and placement follow a process similar to the international stream, with careful consideration of space and needs. 2. Prioritisation mirrors the international stream, with emphasis on emergency cases, international families needing a school in the Netherlands, qualifying siblings, and other extenuating circumstances. Age placement generally places students between ages 4 and 11, with Grade 1 requiring age 6 by October 1 of the admission year. 3. How to Apply: all primary applications are online via Open Apply; the administrator meets with families and potential students; an initial interest form does not guarantee a place; transcripts and two years of school records must be uploaded along with a passport/ID. Inclusion-related documents and questionnaires from the current school may be requested; an administration fee is charged upon definite entry; after acceptance, tuition invoices follow according to the fee structure. Toelating tot Internationaal Tweetalig VWO (Dutch content translated to English): Students who have a VWO recommendation from their primary school, hold a Dutch passport, speak Dutch fluently and have home language Dutch can apply to the Internationally Bilingual VWO program. The program is taught largely in English with Latin as an extra challenge; collaboration and self-management are important in the IB Middle Years Programme. If deemed necessary, an interview may be requested after enrolment. To be admitted to the Internationally Bilingual VWO program in the first year, students must meet the stated criteria and have an equivalent education (including Latin); to enter the Diploma Programme as a bilingual student, completion of at least VWO 4 is required, with minimum grades specified for higher-level subjects. Age placement is by age, with rare exceptions after careful evaluation by the Admissions Team. The usual enrolment procedure places ITW VWO students in the first year of secondary education (Grade 7, around 12 years old), with key dates for 2026/2027 published (open day, information evening, and formal enrollment window). All applications are online via Open Apply; the first enrollment does not guarantee a place; official primary-school advice and a valid passport/ID must be uploaded; interviews may follow enrollment; after admission, a invoice will be issued. Documents and links related to the 2026 enrollment are provided. Contact details are the same as the general admissions contacts.	Admissions IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) is offered for Early Years through Group 8. Instruction is in English, with Dutch as the host country language. IPS Hilversum has two campuses: Rembrandt for Early Years–Group 5 and Mondrian for Group 6–8. The school enrolls children aged 4 to 12 and accepts non-Dutch nationality for temporary residents in the region; Dutch children may be accepted if written proof shows future education abroad in another international or English-speaking school within one to two years, with extensions discussed with the Principal; Dutch nationality returning to the Netherlands after international or English-language education is also accepted. Applications are submitted through the online admissions portal. The admission process includes Step 1 First Contact, Step 2 Admission Application, Step 3 Application Review, and Step 4 Confirmation; if a place is offered, the application fee of €350 is invoiced and is non-refundable. IPS Hilversum is a partially subsidised Dutch International School; subsidies from the Dutch government cover part of the costs of running the international department. Tuition fees for 2025-2026 are published; for example, 1 August–31 October €4900, 1 November–31 December €4300, 1 January–28 February €3700, 1 March–30 April €3100, and after 30 April €1950, with final-day amounts corresponding. Group placement uses single-age grouping, with a possible exception after a three-week evaluation and conference with parents; a standard age-range table exists for Groups 2–8.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist The International School Hilversum does not operate a waiting list.	Waitlist —
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