The British School in The Netherlands - Senior School Leidschenveen vs The International School of The Hague
The British School in The Netherlands - Senior School Leidschenveen and The International School of The Hague are both in Rotterdam, about 12 km apart. Both schools offer IB and IBCP programmes. The British School in The Netherlands - Senior School Leidschenveen also offers British, Cambridge A Levels, BTEC Qualification and EYFS, and The International School of The Hague also offers IPC, Montessori and Reggio Emilia. Published annual fees are €6,780 - 28,014 at The British School in The Netherlands - Senior School Leidschenveen and €8,500 - 12,800 at The International School of The Hague, which puts The British School in The Netherlands - Senior School Leidschenveen roughly 63% higher. The British School in The Netherlands - Senior School Leidschenveen takes pupils from 11 to 18, and The International School of The Hague from 4 to 18. The two are similar in size, at around 2,100 and 2,000 pupils. Typical class sizes are 24 at The British School in The Netherlands - Senior School Leidschenveen and 23 at The International School of The Hague.
British Curriculum, IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme), Cambridge A Levels, BTEC Qualification, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Curriculum
IB (MYP), IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), Montessori Curriculum, Reggio Emilia Approach
Pupils
Pupils
2,100
Pupils
2,000
Typical class size
Typical class size
24
Typical class size
23
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
1931
Opened
1983
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
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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
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Stages
Early Years, Primary and Secondary.
School type
School type
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School type
Private international day school.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
Over 100 nationalities represented.
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
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Additional learning support
Learning Support is provided in Primary and Secondary; English as an Additional Language (EAL) is offered.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
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Country affiliation
The Netherlands.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
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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
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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
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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
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Boarding arrangements
No boarding facilities.
Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
Students do not wear a uniform.
Food options
Food options
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Food options
Secondary students have an on-site cafeteria. Primary students must bring their own packed lunch.
House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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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
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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
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Student teacher ratio
Group sizes are capped at 23 pupils per class.
Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
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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
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
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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)
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
