Rotterdam International Secondary School vs The International School of The Hague

	R Rotterdam International Secondary School Rotterdam, Netherlands	T The International School of The Hague Rotterdam, Netherlands
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €9,160 - 10,290	Fees / year €8,500 - 12,800
Age range	Age range 11 - 18 years	Age range 4 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), BTEC Qualification, Cambridge IGCSE	Curriculum IB (MYP), IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), Montessori Curriculum, Reggio Emilia Approach
Pupils	Pupils 300	Pupils 2,000
Typical class size	Typical class size 18	Typical class size 23
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Dutch	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened 1983
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Rotterdam International Secondary School operates on two campuses in Rotterdam, Netherlands. The Junior Campus is located at Bentincklaan 294, 3039 KK Rotterdam. The Senior Campus is located at Schimmelpenninckstraat 23, 3039 KS Rotterdam. Contact numbers are +31 (0) 10 890 7744 (Junior) and +31 (0) 10 890 7755 (Senior).	Location Wijndaelerweg 11, 2554 BZ Den Haag, The Netherlands. The postal address is The International School of The Hague, P.O. Box 52047, 2505 CA The Hague, The Netherlands. The visiting address is Wijndaelerweg 11, 2554 BZ Den Haag, The Netherlands.
Stages	Stages Foundation Years (Grades 6-8); Middle Years (Grades 9-10); Senior Years (Grades 11-12).	Stages Early Years, Primary and Secondary.
School type	School type The school is an international school offering the IB Diploma Programme and IB Career-related Programme.	School type Private international day school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix Over 100 nationalities represented.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Counselling services for students, including support for test anxiety, mood concerns, and navigating friendships.	Additional learning support Learning Support is provided in Primary and Secondary; English as an Additional Language (EAL) is offered.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation The Netherlands.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure The Early Years day starts at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m. The day includes morning carpet time, free-flow play, snack, specialist lessons (PE, Music, Library), lunch and outdoor time, followed by a second carpet time and story time.
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details Door-to-door bus service is provided by Achttax; routes cover Den Haag, Voorburg, Leidschendam, Ypenburg, Scheveningen, Rijswijk, Zoetermeer and Voorschoten. In Primary, staff supervise students during the bus journey; inquiries can be made via planning@achttax.nl.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application fees - There is no separate application fee to submit an application. Families are charged fees only after a student has been admitted and started attending school. Registration fee and security deposit - New student registration fee: € 250 (per student). This administration fee is charged after placement. - New student security deposit: € 500 (per student). The deposit is paid on acceptance of a placement and secures the student's place. The security deposit is not refundable if the student does not enter the school. The deposit is held while the student is enrolled and is fully refundable when the student leaves, provided there is no outstanding money owed and required proof of leaving documentation has been completed; outstanding debts will be deducted from the deposit. Tuition fees (annual) by year group - Grades 6–9: € 9,160 per year. - Grade 10: € 8,890 per year. - Grade 11: € 10,290 per year. (A Chromebook charge of € 400 is shown separately for Grade 11 new entrants.) - Grade 12: € 9,950 per year. - The published tuition figures include a capital fee (capital maintenance) of € 500 per child, the cost of the annual school trip for Grades 6–9 and Grade 11, the Grade 9 GDC contribution and a PTA contribution of € 20 per child; those included items are non-refundable if a student leaves during the school year. Instalment payment schedules (example breakdowns and dates for the 2025–2026 academic year) - Instalment option: the school offers payment in five instalments. An instalment-payment charge of € 60 per student is applied when choosing instalments. A single full payment avoids the € 60 instalment charge and receives a € 100 discount on the school fees. Payment option choices must be submitted using the school declaration form by the stated deadline. - Instalment dates (2025–2026 example): - 1st instalment due by 01/10/25 - 2nd instalment due by 01/11/25 - 3rd instalment due by 01/12/25 - 4th instalment due by 01/01/26 - 5th instalment due by 01/02/26 - Payments must be made without deduction within 14 days or before the stipulated due date on the invoice. - Instalment examples (showing new/returning and first/second child distinctions): - Grades 6–9 (school fee € 9,160): instalment totals and per-instalment amounts vary by first/second child and new/returning status; example instalment amounts when invoiced by instalments are listed in the school fee booklet under the Grade 6–9 section. Single-payment totals reflect the removal of the € 60 instalment charge and a € 100 discount. - Grade 10 (school fee € 8,890): five equal instalments of € 1,940 for a first child new-student instalment schedule are shown for 2025–2026; single-payment totals similarly show the € 100 discount applied. Exact instalment amounts by category are available in the detailed instalment tables. - Grade 11 (school fee € 10,290 plus Chromebook € 400): instalment schedules show five instalments of € 2,300 (first-child new-student example) for 2025–2026; totals for single payment remove the € 60 instalment-charge and include the € 100 discount. - Grade 12 (school fee € 9,950): instalment schedules show five instalments of € 2,152 (first-child new-student example) for 2025–2026; single-payment totals remove the instalment charge and include the € 100 discount. Billing schedule and payment terms - Invoices are issued by the central administration of the Wolfert van Borselen Schoolgroup. Payment details and the bank account number are supplied with the invoice. Invoices are sent by e-mail (WisCollect). Debtors can pay invoices using iDEAL or by manual bank transfer; when making manual transfers, the invoice number and student name must be given as the payment reference. Company payments must use the single-payment option. Payment option forms must be returned by the stated deadline. Payments must be made without deduction within 14 days or before the invoice due date. Late or outstanding payments are subject to collection procedures by the central administration. Boarding fees - Boarding is not offered at this school. Students must live with a parent or guardian in the Netherlands; boarding fees are therefore not applicable. Other costs and fees - Chromebook (Grade 11 new students): € 400 (charged separately in the Grade 11 fee breakdown). - Instalment payment charge: € 60 per student if paying by instalments (pro‑rata for families joining mid-year). Single full payment removes this charge. - Textbook replacement: unreturned textbooks are charged at € 25 per book to cover replacement costs. - Examination fees (additional, invoiced separately): approximate ranges apply and are charged by the external awarding bodies; approximate costs for 2025–2026 are shown as: - Grade 10 IGCSE (10 subjects): approximately € 850–€ 1,050. - Grade 12 IB Diploma: approximately € 850. - Grade 12 IB Career-related Programme: approximately € 850. Examination fees must be paid before registration; students will not be entered for exams if examination fees or other outstanding payments are unpaid. Additional late-registration charges or fees resulting from incorrect information are passed on to parents/guardians. - Field trips/day excursions and some optional or specialist trips (for example ski trips) may carry additional small charges; some day or weekend trips and certain external language assessments are excluded from the tuition fee and will be invoiced separately. Snacks/lunch, travel to/from school and library late fees are not included in the tuition fee. - A graphics calculator is supplied for all Grade 9 students and for new Grade 10 and 11 students; loss or damage requiring replacement is charged to the family. Refund information and leaving/entry pro rata rules - Capital fee, the annual school trip contributions for specified grades and the PTA contribution included in the tuition are non-refundable if a student leaves during the school year. The security deposit is refundable on leaving provided there are no outstanding debts and proof of leaving documentation is submitted; the security deposit is not refundable if the student never takes up the offered place. Textbook replacement charges may be deducted from the deposit where applicable. - Pro rata rules for fees due on entry and fees due on leaving are published as a monthly percentage table. Example percentages for fees due on leaving in the 2025–2026 schedule include: August 50%, September 50%, October 50%, November 50%, December 50%, January 60%, February 70%, March 80%, April 90%, May 100%, June 100%, July 100% (the booklet contains the full month-by-month entry and leaving percentages). Fee payment options - Payment by single full payment (preferred) or by instalments (five instalments) is available. Single full payment receives a € 100 per-student discount and avoids the € 60 instalment charge. Instalment payments are processed by the central administration and attract the € 60 instalment charge per student. Company payments must be completed by the single-payment option. Invoices are issued by the central administration; payment can be made via iDEAL or by manual bank transfer (use invoice number and student name as reference). Summary of the most common immediate costs to expect at admission - Registration fee: € 250 (new students). - Security deposit: € 500 (new students). - Annual tuition (by grade): Grades 6–9 € 9,160; Grade 10 € 8,890; Grade 11 € 10,290 (plus Chromebook € 400 shown separately); Grade 12 € 9,950. - Optional/additional: examination fees and trip charges as invoiced separately; textbook replacement at € 25 per book if required.	Fee details Application fees and deposit - Non-refundable application fee: EUR 300 payable upon application. - Acceptance deposit: EUR 1,000 payable on acceptance; the deposit is held to cover loss or damage to school property and is refundable when the student leaves the school after settlement of outstanding invoices. Tuition fees — Primary (annual) - Pre-Early Years / EY / EY1: EUR 8,500 per year - Year 2 – Year 4: EUR 9,000 per year - Year 5: EUR 9,100 per year - Year 6: EUR 9,200 per year Tuition fees — Secondary (annual) - Year 7 – Year 9: EUR 10,300 per year - Year 10: EUR 10,900 per year - Year 11: EUR 10,900 per year - Year 12 (Career-related Programme, CP): EUR 12,800 per year - Year 12 (Diploma Programme, DP): EUR 11,600 per year - Year 13 (CP): EUR 11,600 per year - Year 13 (DP): EUR 11,200 per year Billing schedule and payment terms - Invoicing and payment are processed via the WIS Collect online system. Parents/guardians receive payment instructions by email and must quote their school debtor number on correspondence to the finance inbox. - Payment must be made in advance either in full or in three equal instalments: first instalment no later than June 1; second instalment no later than November 1; third instalment no later than January 1. A monthly payment plan can be arranged in exceptional cases provided the final instalment is paid by January 1. - For admissions occurring after June 1, the full payment or the first instalment must be paid within 21 days of the invoice. For students joining during the school year fees are charged on the percentage scale published in the School Fee Agreement (for example: August/September/October = full amount; November = 90%; December = 80%; January = 70%; and subsequent months at lower percentages). Other costs and additional fees - Primary: there are no additional costs charged; all school activities for Primary are covered by the initial school fee. - Secondary: compulsory curriculum trips and activities that are integral to the curriculum are included in the annual fee; extra-curricular activities, optional trips and unforeseen activities may incur additional charges and will be invoiced separately. - IB examination fees (applicable to Year 13 candidates): IB-DP examination fees EUR 720 (typical for six subjects, including extended essay, TOK and administrative charges); IB-CP examination fees EUR 720 (charged at current IB rates for DP subjects / Career-related study). - Replacement parent badges and locker cards: EUR 10 each. - Special assistance: if a personal educational assistant is required, the cost is payable by parents/guardians. - IT device requirement: parents/guardians must provide an iPad for Years 7–9 and a laptop for Years 10–13 (minimum specifications listed annually). Refunds and cancellation charges - The acceptance deposit (EUR 1,000) is refundable when the student leaves the school after settlement of outstanding invoices; the deposit may be used to cover loss or damage to school property. - Deregistration for the next school year must be completed before 1 March. Deregistration after 1 March but before 1 August for the next school year triggers a percentage charge of the next year's fee (for example: in March before 1 April = 10% of next year's fee; in April before 1 May = 15%; in May before 1 June = 20%; in June/July before 1 August = 25%). - Termination during the school year (withdrawal) is subject to a sliding scale of fee liability based on the month of leaving (for example: August–December = 50% owed; January = 60%; February = 70%; March = 80%; April = 90%; May–July = 100% owed), as specified in the School Fee Agreement.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements The school does not offer boarding facilities.	Boarding arrangements No boarding facilities.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement PE uniform is required for Grades 6–9; the PE uniform is provided to each student and the initial cost is included in school fees, with replacement items not funded by the school. Dress code applies to all students; clothing should be appropriate and respectful for school, and hats or caps are not allowed in school.	Uniform requirement Students do not wear a uniform.
Food options	Food options RISS has a Junior Campus dining area (Aula) and roof terrace, and a Senior Campus canteen where snacks and drinks are available; healthy options and water are provided as part of a Healthy School policy. In class, only water may be consumed, and food must be eaten in designated areas.	Food options Secondary students have an on-site cafeteria. Primary students must bring their own packed lunch.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is part of the Wolfert van Borselen school group.	Governance and ownership ISH is part of the Rijnlands Lyceum Foundation, an educational organisation for primary and secondary education in The Hague and Leiden area. Eight Rijnlands Lyceum Foundation schools offer national and international programmes and are overseen by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Rijnlands, Arjan Kastelein; ISH operates as a partially subsidised school, with support from the Ministry of Education and in accordance with Dutch rules for Primary & Secondary education. Each Principal has a leadership team and the administration for both sections is under the supervision of the Senior Leadership Team, and the school has over 350 staff serving about 2,000 students.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Foundation Years (Grades 6–8); Middle Years (Grades 9–10); Senior Years (Grades 11–12). The Foundation Years include the RISS Rose Programme, an experiential learning track inspired by the Rose Report. The Middle Years include the RISS Reach course, an interdisciplinary middle-years subject that connects to IGCSE studies and prepares students for the IB Career-related Programme and IB Diploma Programme core. In the Senior Years, students pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) and the IB Career-related Programme (CP). The DP core components are Theory of Knowledge, Creativity, Activity and Service, and the Extended Essay. The CP combines a BTEC International Level 3 Diploma in Business with three IB DP subjects, and there is a curriculum scope and sequence for Grades 11 and 12 CP.	Curriculum details The ISH Primary Curriculum is IPC-based and centers on inquiry-based learning across age groups. The Curriculum includes Language Art, Mathematics, Units of Inquiry, Social and Emotional Learning, Physical Education, Information and Communication Technology, Music, Dutch, Art and Drama. Early Years uses a Reggio Emilia and Montessori-inspired approach with free-flow, child-centered learning and a transition into IPC; EY1 begins IPC content as students move into Primary Years. The school supports multilingual learners through English as an Additional Language (EAL) and a Home Language program, and over 80% of students are multilingual. In Secondary, ISH offers the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Years 7–11, and the IB Diploma Programme (DP) or Career-related Programme (CP) for Years 12–13; the DP and CP include subject groups and core components with a focus on preparing for higher education; in DP, students can study their home language as part of the IBDP, including SSST Language A. The Home Languages at ISH Secondary program supports home language development and allows continuation of home languages in DP.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio Group sizes are capped at 23 pupils per class.
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression The Diploma Programme (DP) is a rigorous two-year pathway designed to prepare students for higher education. The Career-related Programme (CP) provides a university- and employment-oriented route in the final years. ISH provides Careers Guidance and information for University Representatives to support university applications, and DP/CP are offered as the primary routes for post-secondary study. The DP and CP are supported by the school's IB framework and university-preparation resources. Home languages can be continued in the IBDP via SSST Language A, extending language study into the final years.
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 Pastoral Programme centers on supporting and exploring the social, emotional and physical well-being of students. The programme starts from the school's core values: relationships, courage, respect and responsibility, with tutors delivering the formal pastoral content and all teachers contributing to its consistent delivery. The International Personal, Social, Emotional and Health Programme of Study from Wayfarer Education is used in tutor classes, focusing on Health and Wellbeing, Identity, Relationships, Health, Society and the Wider World, Risk, Equality, Responsibility, Planning and Preparing for the Future, Change, Power and Future. The tutor mediates the curriculum by building relationships within the class and facilitating discussion, debate and projects. The tutor is the first point of contact for pastoral concerns and is supported by the Head of Section and the counsellor, with horizontal and vertical alignment of the programme across year levels.	Social & emotional learning The school prioritises physical, social and emotional wellbeing as essential to personal excellence. It nurtures wellbeing through a restorative approach to behaviour that emphasises relationships, accountability for actions and empathy. Through its programmes students learn that taking care of their own wellbeing supports learning and future success. The Student Charter protects a student's right to be treated with respect and to have wellbeing and personal safety supported. The Learning Support and Student Wellbeing teams collaborate to address social-emotional development, including restorative practices such as connection circles and social-emotional interventions. The school also supports wellbeing through Anti Bullying initiatives and the Health Office.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) The school uses a graduated, multi-tiered approach to Learning Support to remove barriers to progress. A dedicated Learning Support Team provides ongoing review and develops individual learning plans. Services cover academic, social-emotional and health supports, including executive functioning, study skills and literacy and numeracy interventions. There are in-class supports, parallel teaching and specialised workshops. The department collaborates with the Student Wellbeing and EAL teams to support academics, behaviour and social-emotional development. ISH embraces inclusion and aims for universal access to the curriculum. All residents in the Netherlands have the right to appropriate education and ISH operates a three-tiered intervention model. It is noted that ISH offers support for a range of needs, including dyslexia, ASD and ADHD, and ISH is not a dedicated SEN school.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language Two main EAL programmes operate within ISH. The Academic Language Programme (ALP) for Years 7-9 provides three extra English lessons per week focused on academic language. The Individual Learning Programme (ILP) for Years 10-13 offers additional language support when ALP is not offered. EAL accommodations for MYP phases include 25% extra time in assignments and access to dictionaries for some tasks. The EAL team includes Maria Ferraiuelo, Marta Galinska, Hanna Harmander (EAL Coordinator) and Julia Strohpagel, with contact through h.harmander@ishthehague.nl. The EAL department implements a whole-school language acquisition programme to enhance student learning and wellbeing.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Counselling is available to students facing difficulties such as test anxiety, low mood or navigating friendships. Sessions respect privacy, with confidentiality maintained except in cases of abuse, threats to self, or harm to others, which must be reported under Dutch law. Counselling aims to help students set and work toward personal goals, typically within six sessions, and if needed, assistance is provided to access longer-term Dutch mental health care. The process involves referrals via tutors and the Head of Section, with direct contact to the counsellors at cse@wolfert.nl. In emergencies, call 112; the Netherlands' suicide prevention hotline is 113; for suspected abuse or endangerment, contact Veilig House at 0800-2000 or the Rotterdam Crisis Intervention Team at 010 233 00 00.	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is integrated into ISH's wellbeing framework. The school recognises that students achieve personal excellence only if their physical, social and emotional wellbeing is supported and uses a restorative approach to emphasise relationships and empathy. The programmes help students understand how wellbeing supports their learning and future success, and the Student Charter reinforces the right to respectful treatment and personal safety. The Health Office and anti-bullying initiatives contribute to a safe, healthy environment for students. Learning Support and EAL provisions address social-emotional development and resilience as part of the holistic approach to education.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding RISS is committed to child safety and the well-being and protection of students and staff. It is part of the Wolfert van Borselen school group and serves students from over 50 countries, with safeguarding approaches that consider multicultural aspects and include safety awareness training as an integral part of curriculum delivery. A holistic safeguarding framework includes a comprehensive pastoral programme, a dedicated Student Protection Lead & team, ongoing professional development for teachers and staff, and coordination with local and national authorities who specialize in protecting youth. The school engages students, teachers, staff and parents to maintain a safe and approachable learning environment. For a comprehensive view of protocols, the Key Documents page contains policies and procedures governing child protection issues such as abuse, neglect, bullying (including online), safe hiring, emergency management, and the Dutch reporting code.	Safeguarding Safeguarding and child protection are a priority at ISH. The school states that every child has the right to develop physically, mentally and socially in a safe and secure environment. Staff have a responsibility to foster a safe, caring and supportive environment inside and outside the classroom. ISH follows up on any allegations or signs of abuse or neglect and may involve local or international law enforcement and Dutch child protection bodies. The welfare of children is the prime consideration in any response, and safeguarding measures include rigorous safe recruitment practices aligned with the International Task Force on Child Protection. The Safeguarding Policy is developed within the context of Rijnlands Lyceum regulations, national and international law and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Designated Safeguarding Leads include dsl@ishthehague.nl, with designated staff for Primary and Secondary and a safeguarding team.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The Rotterdam International Secondary School operates on two campuses in Rotterdam: the Junior Campus at Bentincklaan 294, 3039 KK Rotterdam, and the Senior Campus at Schimmelpenninckstraat 23, 3039 KS Rotterdam. The Senior Campus houses the RISS Library in the ORC. The library provides a growing collection of books, periodicals, and online resources to support students throughout their education as well as leisure reading for families. Students can borrow ebooks and audiobooks via Sora, and JSTOR and Britannica Schools are available alongside a New York Times subscription for staff and students. A librarian supports research, and the Aura Online Library Catalog provides catalog search access.	Facilities overview The school is located in Kijkduin; the original building was finished in 2007, and as the school has grown, additional classrooms and wings have been added to support activities both within the classroom and in extra curricular settings. Malcolm Davies Auditorium (MDA) is a 350-seat theatre used for lectures, assemblies and performances. There are two full-sized gyms that can be divided into four spaces by acoustic curtains, with floor markings for a variety of sports and a supporters area to view games from above. Science labs are equipped for the curriculum and allow safe experimentation. Art & Music facilities support visual arts, drama and music with art studios, rehearsal, exhibition and performance spaces, plus soundproof practice rooms for instrument practice. The location provides opportunities for outdoor learning through the playgrounds.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities Two full-sized gyms can be divided into four spaces using acoustic curtains, with floor markings for a variety of sports and a supporters area to view games from above.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The RISS Library is a center for learning, reading and research located in the ORC at the Senior Campus. It has a growing collection of books, periodicals, and online resources to support students throughout their education at RISS as well as providing leisure reading for students and their families. RISS provides access to digital resources including JSTOR and Britannica Schools. It has a school subscription to the New York Times for students with a school email address. The librarian, Ms. Bier, provides expert support for students and teachers; the Aura Online Library Catalog is available for searching the library collection.	Academic facilities Science labs are equipped with everything students need to perform experiments in the curricula and to do so safely. Art & Music facilities include art studios, rehearsal, exhibition and performance spaces, plus soundproof practice rooms for instrument practice.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities At RISS, students participate in a wide variety of extra-curricular clubs run by experienced teachers or coaches. Sporting clubs include Multi-sport, Floorball/Indoor Hockey, Jiu-jitsu, Tennis, Badminton and Basketball. Non-sporting clubs include Debate Club, Green (Eco School) Team, Gala Committee, Queer Spectrum Alliance, Tech Crew, Duke of Edinburgh International Award, Model United Nations, RISSUE Team (School Magazine), Music School, Student Leadership Team (StuLT), and Human Rights. The program includes numerous activities and trips planned throughout the school year.	Extra curricular facilities Malcolm Davies Auditorium seats 350 for lectures, assemblies and performances. Art & Music facilities support exhibitions and performances in addition to rehearsal spaces and instrument practice rooms.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History RISS is part of the Wolfert van Borselen School Group, with a Junior Campus at Bentincklaan 294 and a Senior Campus at Schimmelpenninckstraat 23 in Rotterdam. Foundation Years (Grades 6–8) lead into Middle Years (Grades 9–10) and Senior Years (Grades 11–12), with IB Diploma Programme and IB Career-related Programme available in the senior years. The RISS Rose Programme was phased in with Grade 6 in 2021. Leadership is provided by a Director/Executive Principal who has overall responsibility for the Wolfert van Borselen School Group. Evidence: Foundation Years structure and Rose Programme (Foundation Years; Rose Programme), IB DP/CP, campus locations, and Wolfert governance.	History The International School of The Hague began as Het Nederlands Lyceum, which opened the international stream in The Hague in 1983. IB Diploma Programme authorisation was achieved in 1986, with the most recent five-year evaluations completed in July 2016. In 1991 the school was taken over by Rijnlands Lyceum Wassenaar and renamed The International School of The Hague, continuing at the original The Hague campus as its international stream. ISH Primary was founded in 2002 at a separate location, and both primary and secondary grew rapidly. A new Kijkduin campus for both schools opened in January 2007 with support from the Municipality of The Hague, the Ministry of Education, and Shell.
Community	Community RISS emphasizes core values of Relationships, Courage, Respect and Responsibility. The school publicly shares leadership updates and events, including the appointment of a new permanent Principal on 13 February 2025; COMET Self-Image Training on 19 November 2024; and Anti-Bullying Week on 15 November 2024. The Events calendar shows active student life such as Ski Trips (February 2026), Grade 11 Trip to Kunsthal Rotterdam (9 March 2026), and events involving the Forze Hydrogen Racing Team, reflecting a vibrant calendar of activities. RISS Stories highlight staff perspectives from teachers.	Community ISH has an active and diverse community that includes Alumni, Connectors, and the Medezeggenschapsraad (MR). There are ISH Primary Parents' Association (PPA) and Secondary Parents Association, as well as a Student Council and Music Tutors who support student life. These groups organize events, support school activities, and facilitate parent involvement and community connections.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The PTA is a voluntary group of parents that builds a community and strengthens partnership between school, students and parents. The PTA meets once a month; meetings are open to all parents and staff; the PTA board includes roles such as Chair and Treasurer, and members are invited to engage in school projects and governance discussions.	Parent teacher association All Primary families are automatically members of the ISH Primary Parents' Association (PPA). The PPA organizes community-building events and supports school events and celebrations. It helps welcome and guide new expatriate families and promotes intercultural understanding, mutual respect, and inclusivity. The PPA is led by a Board of volunteer parents from ISH Primary, with roles including Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, Class Representative Coordinator, Events Coordinator, Communications Coordinator, and General Volunteer. PPA meetings are held regularly, and school representatives attend to ensure open communication and collaboration. Each year the PPA runs events such as the International Fair (in collaboration with the Secondary Parents' Association), Staff Appreciation Lunch, Spooky Spectacular, coffee mornings and community walks, and the Flowers Make People Happy initiative.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Foundation Years are Grades 6–8 (ages 11–14). The Rose Programme supports a smooth transition into secondary school with an inquiry-based, diverse core that includes pastoral and language opportunities. Middle Years are Grades 9–10 and combine the Cambridge IGCSE with RISS subjects, with regular Dutch language learning and a focus on wellbeing and community through the RISS Reach programme. Senior Years are Grades 11–12 and offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) or the IB Career-related Programme (CP), with a subject package that includes Higher and Standard Level options and the DP core (Theory of Knowledge, Creativity, Activity and Service, Extended Essay) or the CP core (Personal and Professional Skills, Community Engagement, Reflective Project, Language and Cultural Studies). Subject choices depend on student numbers and teacher availability.	Academic & intellectual ISH runs a broad menu of co-curricular clubs for Years 7–13, including Chess, Thought Fox, Robotics, the International Maths Tournament, Silverback Engineering, Photography, Scratch Programming, Dutch Conversation, and Game Design. In Secondary, ISH hosts MUNISH, the second-largest school-based Model United Nations in Europe, and the Global Initiatives Network (GIN), which enables students to address global issues. Many clubs are led by senior students as CAS activities. These clubs complement classroom learning with competition experience and practical inquiry.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Arts, Music and Physical Education are part of the curriculum, with the Arts emphasising creative and critical thinking across disciplines. The Music Department provides opportunities to create, perform and use technology, and supports participation in external examinations or competitions (e.g., AMIS or ABRSM). The Arts offer a platform for students to develop subject-specific knowledge and express themselves artistically through drama, music and visual arts.	Arts & creative ISH Co-Curricular Arts supports visual arts, drama and music, with art studios, rehearsal and exhibition spaces, and soundproof rooms for instrument practice. The Malcolm Davies Auditorium, a 350-seat theatre, hosts performances, assemblies and events. Students can participate in school musicals and other arts activities as part of the co-curricular arts programme.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The language department offers English Language, English as an Additional Language, Dutch, French, German, Spanish and Chinese. Heritage language options and two language electives are available to pupils, with opportunities to showcase languages during events such as International Language Day. International Language Day is celebrated in March, highlighting both mother-tongue languages and languages learned at school. The school represents more than 70 nationalities, reflecting its international character.	Cultural & language ISH supports mother tongue education through home language tutor groups and a Home Languages program for ISH Secondary. Translanguaging connects English with home languages, helping students transfer knowledge across languages. Dutch Conversation Club provides opportunities to practice Dutch in Years 10–11.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies A broad range of extra-curricular activities is offered, including Sporting Clubs (multi-sport, floorball/indoor hockey, jiu-jitsu, tennis, badminton, basketball) and Non-Sporting Clubs (Debate Club, Eco Team, Gala Committee, Queer Spectrum Alliance, Tech Crew, Duke of Edinburgh International Award, Model United Nations, RISSUE, Music School, Student Leadership Team and Human Rights). All clubs are led by experienced teachers or coaches and there are opportunities for trips and events throughout the year. These activities give students avenues to develop new skills, make friends and enjoy their time at school.	Social & hobbies ISH offers a wide range of social and hobby clubs, including Chess, Thought Fox, Robotics, Photography, Scratch Programming, Dutch Conversation Club and Game Design Club for Years 7–13. The school also provides extensive co-curricular sports pathways from Year 7 to Year 13, including Junior Varsity and Varsity levels. Students engage in activities beyond academics to build friendships and personal interests.
Community & service	Community & service The IB Career-related Programme includes a strong Community Engagement component and encourages students to undertake projects beyond the classroom. Students participate in community projects such as greenhouse gardening, anti-littering campaigns, volunteering and assisting at events like TEDx in Rotterdam. The Pastoral Programme and related curricula support social responsibility and community involvement within the school culture.	Community & service Service & Learning at ISH encompasses Service as Action (MYP), Creativity, Activity and Service (DP) and Service Learning (CP), with opportunities to volunteer and to complete projects that benefit local and global communities. The Global Issues Network invites students to explore and raise awareness of world issues. Students participate in community-service clubs such as EcoClub and Chickeneers as part of CAS and service-learning activities.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The school runs a Student Leadership Programme (StuLT) that fosters student voice and leadership through a structured Student Leadership Team. Careers & Higher Education Guidance provides individual guidance on career paths and university options, supported by tools like Unifrog and a programme of events including career fairs and alumni visits. Students and parents can access guidance through the Careers & HE team, with coordinators and contact details provided in the programme materials.	Leadership & professional The Student Council provides student leadership across Primary and Secondary, with elected representatives and regular meetings with school leadership. The school also runs Model United Nations (MUNISH) and the International Award, which include leadership development, service components and action projects. These programs help students develop professional skills and engage with wider communities.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The Pastoral Programme focuses on social, emotional and physical well-being, guided by the Wayfarer Education Personal, Social, Emotional and Health framework. Tutors deliver the pastoral curriculum, with training for teachers to recognise child safety and well-being needs and to address issues such as drug prevention through partnerships like YOUZ. Topics include health and wellbeing, identity, relationships, social media awareness and planning for the future, all aimed at supporting students' holistic development.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Wellbeing is central at ISH, with Wellbeing departments in Primary and Secondary supporting physical, social and emotional health. The Secondary Wellbeing Department offers FlourISH mentoring to develop social and emotional skills. The Health Office provides on-site nursing and safeguarding and anti-bullying measures protect all students. Safeguarding and other health and safety provisions are in place to support a safe learning environment.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision RISS offers EAL (English as Another Language), Dutch, French, German, Spanish and Chinese. Language Village takes place in May, and International Language Day is held in February. English Language, Literature & Society is taught, and in the IB Diploma Programme, English A: Language and Literature (SL and HL) is offered alongside English A: Literature (SL and HL).	Language provision ISH offers English-language instruction with English as an Additional Language (EAL) support. Two EAL programmes are offered: the Academic Language Programme (ALP) for Years 7–9 and the Individual Learning Programme (ILP) for Years 10–13. Home languages are valued; on Wednesday afternoons Years 7–11 can join home-language tutor groups, and additional home-language tutoring is available. In the IB Diploma Programme, students can continue studying their home language; SSST Language A: Literature is available as a school-supported option, with additional native-language options such as Chinese.
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Reputation	Reputation
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Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Step 1: Check eligibility criteria and begin the application via OpenApply. If your child meets the eligibility criteria, begin the application after reading the information on this page. The OpenApply system collects initial information about you and your child(ren) and guides you to the next steps. Step 2: Fill in the requested information about you and your child(ren). Provide accurate information; you can save progress and return later. If you need assistance, the Admissions Team can guide you through this step. Step 3: Submit your application. The Admissions Team can view your submission and guide you if needed. The Admissions Team begins reviewing only after all required documents are submitted. Once the review begins, you will be contacted with the next steps, including an interview with the Head of Years, attended by you and your child(ren). Step 4: Upload all required documents in the checklist. Upload all required documents in the OpenApply checklist and ensure they are complete. Use the OpenApply checklist as your guide for completing any remaining steps in the application. The Admissions Team can assist if you need help with documents. Step 5: Capacity and programme information. SCHOOL YEAR 2025-2026: Foundation Years (Grades 6-8) open for all grades; Middle Years (Grade 9-10) limited capacity for Grade 9 and Grade 10 is full; Senior Years (Grade 11-12) limited capacity for Grade 11; Grade 12 is full. SCHOOL YEAR 2026-2027: Foundation Years (Grades 6-8) open for all grades; Middle Years open for all grades; Senior Years open for both DP and CP programmes. RISS offers a Learning Diversity Programme, with availability dependent on students entering or leaving the programme. For Grades 10 and 12, admission requires prior study of IGCSE or IBDP/CP and subject alignment; provide details of current subjects and syllabus codes (IGCSE), or progress in CAS, EE and TOK (IBDP) during the application process for transfer assessment.	Admissions —
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Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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