Comparing 7 schools side by side in USD.
UStudy Academy@Watersley is located at Watersley 1, 6132 KA Sittard, The Netherlands, on the Watersley Sports & Talentpark in Sittard, Limburg. The campus sits in a green, purpose-built campus environment with on-site facilities and access to surrounding amenities. Free parking is available on campus. An optional shuttle service to and from Sittard train station is available for an additional fee.
Middle School and High School pathways are offered. The program is designed for students aged 12–20.
International secondary school offering blended learning with online coursework and on-site workshops; it operates as an American day and boarding school with optional on-campus housing for students aged 18+.
SEN support program is available for an additional fee.
Netherlands
Schedule is Monday–Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. No homework; learning happens during the day through projects and collaboration. Lunch is included.
Shuttle service to and from Sittard train station is available for an additional fee.
Boarding is offered as optional independent on-campus housing for students aged 18+ and for small families. Lunch is included as part of the on-campus program.
Lunch is provided on campus; a daily lunch buffet and fresh fruits are available in the classroom.
The Watersley campus offers Middle School and High School pathways with a blended curriculum of online coursework and hands-on workshops, outdoor activities, and community experiences. Learning runs Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM with no homework; projects and collaboration drive daily learning. Daily mentorship and reflection circles support wellbeing, teamwork and personal growth. Practical workshops include nutrition, cooking, music, fitness, yoga, chess and more, with lunch provided. An independent on‑campus housing option is available for 18+ students and small families. Students have 24/7 access to the learning platform, a personal academic adviser, and an online mentor; college counseling and a study-abroad high school program are offered. Tuition includes 3 course credits for January–June 2026 and 6 credits for September 2026–August 2027, with options to transfer credits or enroll in additional credits. The program leads to an Accredited Certificate, Diploma and Transcripts. English and Dutch are spoken on campus; Dutch language options and ESL support are available for an added fee.
College Counseling
The Watersley Campus emphasizes daily mentorship and reflection circles, with practical workshops in nutrition, cooking, music, fitness, yoga, chess, and outdoor activities, focusing on wellbeing, teamwork, and personal growth.
Dutch as a First Language, Dutch as a Second Language, and English as a Second Language are available for additional fees.
A healthy Body–Mind balance is part of campus learning, with daily lunch and activities designed for wellbeing and community.
1. Submit the Application
Parents begin by completing the online registration form available on the school's website. This initial form gathers basic student and parent details, as well as the child’s educational goals and background. There is no application fee or commitment required at this stage to submit the form.
2. Provide Supporting Documents
After submitting the form, parents must send the required supporting documentation as separate email attachments directly to the Watersley campus email address. The required documents include a copy of the student's passport and proof of English proficiency. The school requires a minimum B1 CEFR English level, and they accept results from free online tests like the EF SET or Cambridge English.
3. Attend an Intake Meeting
The school does not use entrance exams to assess students; instead, they require an individual intake meeting. This meeting is mandatory for all prospective students at the physical Watersley campus and can take place either in person or via Zoom. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the student's needs and begin designing a personalized learning pathway.
4. Review the Personalized Plan and Contract
Following the intake meeting, the admissions team will draft and send a tailored quote and an enrollment contract. Parents will also receive a personalized graduation plan outlining the student's academic track. Parents are encouraged to review these documents carefully to ensure the proposed educational pathway aligns with their expectations.
5. Confirm Enrollment
The final step is to sign the enrollment contract and complete the tuition payment. Submitting this payment officially confirms the student’s enrollment and secures their spot at the academy. The school also notes that parents can contact them to discuss flexible payment or enrollment options if needed.
UStudy Academy does not currently advertise any formal scholarship or financial aid programs.
UStudy Academy does not currently indicate that they operate a waitlist or pool system. They utilize an open, rolling enrollment policy, which allows families to apply and enroll at any time throughout the year. The school explicitly states that they do not rank students prior to entry, focusing instead on whether the student meets the basic English proficiency requirement and demonstrates a willingness to learn.
ASH operates on two campuses in Wassenaar, The Netherlands. The main campus is Rijksstraatweg 200, 2241 BX, Wassenaar. The Early Childhood Center is Deijlerweg 153, 2241 AE, Wassenaar. Both campuses are in the Dutch municipality of Wassenaar, within the The Hague region.
ASH offers Elementary School, Middle School, and High School for students ages 3 to 18.
International school day school.
More than 70 nationalities are represented among ASH students.
The Student Support Team includes Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, and Counselors. English as an Additional Language (EAL) is provided for Grades 1–12. The Special Education program offers individualized support in a small-class setting, and Learning Support uses a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) for Grades 1–12.
The school offers a flexible bus service with Area A (Within Wassenaar), Area B (Den Haag, Leiden, Leidschendam, Noordwijk, Nootdorp, Oegstgeest, Rijswijk, Voorburg, Voorschoten and immediate vicinities), and Area C (outside Areas A & B). The ECC bus serves Pre-Kindergarten 1 to Grade 2 in Areas A & B.
No uniforms; dress code requiring students to dress reasonably and in good taste.
ASH food services include bringing food from home or purchasing hot or cold meals and snacks from the school cafeteria; Eurest manages all ASH food services and follows the ASH Nutrition Policy.
The school is governed by a Board of Trustees; ASH is an independent, not-for-profit institution.
ASH delivers an American-style curriculum with English as the language of instruction, including the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) and the Advanced Placement (AP) program in High School. The IB Diploma Programme is a two-year, six-course program with the Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service core; the average IB Diploma score is 35 and the May 2025 session had a 100% pass rate, with 16% of students earning 40+ points. The AP program offers one-year courses with exams leading to college credit; ASH is the only school in the Netherlands offering AP, with 91% of exams earning a score of 3 or higher and 59% of exams earning a 4 or 5; AP credits are recognized by universities worldwide. The school uses Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) for Grades 3–8 to assess reading and math, with ASH students scoring above global averages. In Elementary School, the curriculum follows Common Core Standards, NEASC accreditation, and includes Dutch, art, library, music, and physical education; the Dutch-English Dual Language Pathway began in 2024, beginning instruction in Dutch with gradual introduction of English to develop proficiency in both languages.
IB Diploma Programme results include an average score of 35, a 100% pass rate in the May 2025 examination, and 16% of students earning 40+ points. The Advanced Placement (AP) program reports a 91% pass rate (scores of 3 or higher) and 59% of AP exams earning a 4 or 5. AP credits are recognized by universities worldwide.
The Class of 2024 received 273 acceptances to universities and colleges in 12 countries, with 129 students in the graduating class. Destinations included King's College London, Northwestern University, Universidad de Navarra, University of Amsterdam, and Eindhoven University of Technology. Netherlands accounted for 51% of college destinations, the United States 22%, the United Kingdom 7%, Canada 4%, and Spain 4%.
The school integrates social-emotional learning as a core part of the educational experience. The advisory program guides discussions on identity, goal-setting, and mental well-being. These initiatives cultivate resilience, empathy, and self-awareness, helping students navigate challenges and build meaningful connections. The schoolwide counseling team provides proactive and responsive support to students and families across all grade levels as part of a multidisciplinary Student Support Team. On-site health services, including qualified school nurses, address illnesses and health concerns to keep students safe and ready to learn.
The school provides exceptional support for all learners, including neurodivergent students. On-campus specialists work with each student to provide individualized support, aligned with a multidisciplinary Student Support Team. The approach enables participation in activities alongside peers whenever possible. The school emphasizes inclusive practices to ensure neurodivergent learners can access the curriculum and school life. ASH is committed to providing a safe and welcoming learning environment for all students.
The school does not require English for preschool through Grade 6; there is no English prerequisite. In Grades 7 and 8, Beginner to Intermediate English is required, and language support is available. In Grades 9 and 10, Intermediate to Advanced English is required, an English language assessment is required, and language support is not available. In Grades 11 and 12, Advanced English is required, an English language assessment is required, and language support is not available. Language support is available for admitted students in Kindergarten through Grade 8, and language support is limited at the high school level.
ASH is committed to supporting every student's social, emotional, and physical well-being. Social-emotional learning is integral to the educational experience, with advisory programs that support identity development, goal-setting, and mental well-being. The counseling team provides proactive and responsive support to students and families across all grade levels. Health services are on campus, with qualified school nurses addressing health concerns throughout the school day. Transition programs and orientation support help students and families navigate changes with confidence.
ASH has a Child Protection Policy. The school is committed to maintaining a safe, healthy, and inclusive environment for all students. The Student Well-Being team, including counselors and health professionals, supports safeguarding across grade levels.
1. Initial Inquiry and Application
The admissions process begins by scheduling a campus tour, contacting the admissions team, or starting the online application. This primary step establishes initial planning and helps applicants understand the institution's offerings.
2. Admissions Support
The Admissions Director and Admissions Officer assist applicants throughout the entire enrollment process. They provide navigational guidance and help identify specific academic or extracurricular opportunities relevant to the student's interests.
3. Application Timeline
Applications are accepted and evaluated on a continuous, year-round basis. Applicants must provide their anticipated transition timeline during this stage to ensure proper entry coordination and a smooth enrollment process.
4. English Proficiency Requirements
Language prerequisites are determined by the entering grade level. Preschool through Grade 6 have no English prerequisite. Grades 7 and 8 require Beginner to Intermediate English proficiency, with language support provided by the school. Grades 9 and 10 require Intermediate to Advanced English, with a potential assessment and no language support available. Grades 11 and 12 strictly mandate Advanced English, require a formal assessment, and offer no language support.
5. Placement Guidelines
Grade placement is strictly determined by the applicant's prior educational history and their exact age as of October 1st of the entry year. Standard placement guides and grade-level equivalents are utilized to establish the appropriate cohort for the incoming student.
6. Financials and Logistics
The institution operates as an independent, non-profit organization. Standard tuition and fee schedules apply to all students without any discount policies. Optional fee-based school transportation is available, with specific routes and pricing structures outlined in the school's transportation documentation.
ASH has no scholarship or discount program. Please refer to the Tuition and Fees page for a detailed overview of costs; there are no ASH-sponsored scholarships for general admission.
Brunssum, The Netherlands. Ferdinand Bolstraat 1, NL-6445 EE Brunssum. It is located in the Northwest Europe NATO community near JFC Brunssum and Geilenkirchen NATO base.
Kindergarten to High School.
international day school.
Speech and Language Therapy; Educational Psychology; an additional adult may be used to support learning; MOD ASSESSMENT OF SUPPORTABILITY OVERSEAS (MASO) is used to assess needs overseas; consent for Specialist Intervention and Support is required; the pupil's voice is heard in planning.
Sponsored by the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Germany.
School Bus Service; home-to-school routes provided by Jacobs and Taxi Ruijters; use is voluntary and available for students starting in Kindergarten; registration via the Bus Office; Bus Catchment Area covers the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium.
Meals are provided by Sodexo with a rotating four-week menu that includes vegetarian options. The Cafetaria serves fresh meals for students from Grade 1 and up; younger children have lunches delivered to their classrooms; snacks are available mid-morning for older students. A Shared Table invites students, teachers and staff to dine together.
AFNORTH has a House System with four houses: Eindhoven (Southern Netherlands), Leeuwarden (Northern Netherlands), Rotterdam (Western Netherlands) and Arnhem (Eastern Netherlands). Each house is color-coded to its city flag and aims to build cross-year relationships with house points awarded for various activities and displayed in the school entrance; older students mentor younger students and collaborate across sections.
AFNORTH International School is a Dutch Foundation sponsored by four nations: Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Germany. An International Directorate oversees international administration under a Board of Governors; each national section has its own Principal who reports to the Director and to its national education authority. The International Directorate handles staffing, the business office, security, transportation, catering, IT, and international admissions.
1. Initial Process: Determine entitlement and begin registration. Entitled students from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Germany register through their national section offices; there is no tuition for this group. Non-entitled students with military or commercial affiliation wishing to enrol begin by contacting the International Directorate Secretary and submitting a Non-Entitled Student Application Form. The national section determines whether a position will be offered to a non-entitled student according to the admission policy, based on program and space availability. The school offers places for 900+ students aged between 3 and 18 registered in four National Sections. 2. Academic Admission Decision: If academic admission is NOT approved, the National section informs the parents. If academic admission is approved, the Directorate Secretary sends an official AIS acceptance letter to the parents and the National Section. The original application form is handed over to the Finance Manager for invoicing to the responsible party listed on the non-entitled application form. The check list on page 3 is completed; the application is processed as a ‘Green Application Form' and distributed to the National Section. The National Section fills out the student number and returns the original non-entitled application form to the Directorate Secretary. The green form and the original non-entitled application form are handed to the Finance Manager to check for overpayment refunds and/or issue a credit note. 3. Administrative and Tuition Arrangements: Dutch Customs Authority statistics for the student population must be reported twice per year (April and October). Tuition fees payments may be made annually, bi-annually, or quarterly and must be paid in advance of the first day of attendance; exceptions may be considered in extreme circumstances only. Additional fees apply to co-curricular activities hosted by the US National Section for fee-paying students. Invoices are issued in Euros by the Directorate and are mailed within 5 working days of 1 July after currency exchange considerations; payment is due within 30 days. 4. Admission Criteria: Entitled students (US, Canadian, British sections) are not allowed to enroll in another English-language section if their own section can provide the program; Entitled US students may cross over to the German section; British entitled students needing to enroll in middle school may enroll in the Canadian section. Tuition-fee paying students are assigned to sections based on language and space availability (English-language education may be enrolled in British, Canadian, or US sections; middle/high school education in English may enroll in Canadian or US sections), with an aim to honour families' preferences where possible.
Asserring 93, 1187 SM Amstelveen, Netherlands. The school is located in the Westwijk area of Amstelveen and is currently operating from a temporary building in Westwijk while a purpose-built campus is developed on site. AIS is part of Onderwijsgroep Amstelland and aims to house both primary and secondary students on the same campus in Amstelveen.
Primary and secondary
International day school
AIS works with a speech therapist, an occupational therapist and a child psychologist to provide personalized support for students with learning needs.
Netherlands
School runs Monday to Friday. Doors open at 08:20; lessons begin at 08:45; afternoon pick-up is at 15:00 (Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri) and 13:00 (Wed).
Healthy Snack & Lunch: A healthy breakfast is encouraged. Parents provide a healthy snack and lunch to be brought to school in two clearly labeled containers for Snack and Lunch. We are a nut-free school; examples of healthy snacks include sliced fruits or vegetables, or cheese and crackers.
The school is part of Onderwijsgroep-Amstelland. It is a member of DIS, Dutch International (Primary and Secondary) Schools, which are partially funded by the Dutch government.
The school uses the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) and delivers learning through IPC units organized around themes. Project-based learning is used, and the IPC development of skills is central to AIS's approach. AIS fosters global citizenship values.
AIS prioritizes the well-being and safeguarding of all students. The safety and well-being of the children is the most important factor and all actions taken must ensure that the children are safe and secure at all times. AIS safeguards the physical, emotional, social and mental well-being of all individuals within the school community. The safeguarding criteria of the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the International Primary School (IPC) are integrated into AIS policies. AIS has an External Confidentiality Representative and Complaints Commission, with a named External Confidentiality Representative and internal confidential mechanisms for reporting concerns; the safeguarding team includes key staff such as the Director & Safety Officer and Deputy Director, who can be contacted for support.
Differentiation is a common practice in AIS teaching and learning, with a commitment to meeting the needs of all students. The school believes that children have special rights rather than special needs, reinforcing an inclusive approach. AIS welcomes children of all nationalities, beliefs and cultures, and maintains a dedicated student support framework to assist diverse learners. The AIS Student Support Team provides targeted assistance to students as part of the school's inclusive ethos. The AIS safeguarding policy, including internal and external training and procedures, supports the well-being and inclusion of learners with varying needs.
English is the main language of instruction at AIS, and two official languages for AIS Primary are English and Dutch. An English Language Acquisition (ELA) program exists with ESL curriculum based on Cambridge International standards, including translation of lesson instructions into students' native languages when necessary to ensure access. English lessons total four hours per week across the school, with upper primary students receiving an additional three hours of targeted phonics instruction. Dutch is taught as a second language with two official Dutch lesson blocks per week, plus Dutch culture and Dutch-language components; an Extended Dutch Programme supports long-term integration. The language program is strengthened by Cambridge International Curriculum resources, including literacy instruction using a six-language-module approach and phonics support such as Letterland.
AIS is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, which includes physical, emotional, social and mental well-being. The school's safeguarding framework emphasizes the mental well-being of students as part of its broader welfare responsibilities. The Student Well-Being & Safeguarding policy outlines structure for action, staff training, confidentiality, and safeguarding contacts to support mental health and well-being. AIS maintains a multi-tier safeguarding setup with defined roles and contact points for students and families.
AIS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, with safe recruitment practices and background checks prior to appointments. The school has a formal External Confidentiality Representative and Complaints Commission, and internally AIS follows a confidential reporting framework with designated staff and safety officers. The safeguarding criteria of CIS and IPC are embedded in AIS policies. The safeguarding team includes the Director & Safety Officer, Deputy Director, SST Coordinator, Staff Council Rep, Confidentiality Rep and other safeguarding contacts, with direct email and phone details available for reporting concerns. An External Confidentiality Representative is Pepita David, and the internal safeguarding procedures include staff, team leaders and the Director as points of contact.
1. Complete the Registration Of Interest (ROI) form and ensure all mandatory fields are filled. AIS is acknowledged and subsidised by the Dutch government and complies with national admissions regulations. Upload two most recent school reports from the current or previous school or day-care and copies of all family passports as part of the ROI submission. If applicants meet the Dutch government criteria, they will receive an invitation to visit AIS in the form of a Social Play Morning/Day.
2. After the Social Play Morning/Day, the team reviews the visit and the Director makes an admissions decision. Approved applications are followed by an overview of the school fee payment policy and a request to pay the first deposit to secure placement. Once the deposit is paid and all financial obligations are met, a welcome letter is issued and a start date is provided.
3. For students requiring additional support, ROI and application must be completed with accurate information; AIS reserves the right to deny applications that are deemed untruthful or incomplete. If there is a question or concern, the Director and the Internal Student Support Guide will follow up with parents immediately after the Social Play Morning/Day. For students entering with a diagnosis and an IEP, the relevant documents must be shared with the school within six weeks of starting.
4. Re-registration and start of the next school year: After spring break AIS issues a re-registration letter to confirm whether current students will return. April is the deadline to respond and the withdrawal deadline is April 12 if you decide to withdraw. From April 15, finances begin preparing invoices for the new academic year, and placement is secured only after the school fees are paid in full before the new year.
Gifted Minds International School, Opaallaan 1190-1196, Hoofddorp 2132 LN, Netherlands. The school is located in Hoofddorp, Noord-Holland. It offers gratuitous transportation as part of its services.
Preschool/ Early Years; Primary/ Elementary Years; Secondary Years
International school
Support for neuro-divergent learners (SEN).
Netherlands
Gratuitous transportation is provided.
GMIS provides gratuitous breakfast and lunch services for GMIS students. The meals are freshly prepared, warm international cuisine with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
Three learning pathways: Vermeer Learners, Rembrandt Learners, and Piet Mondrian Learner.
GMIS is governed by a Governing Body. The Governing Body oversees governance activities including vision and strategy, standards of teaching and learning, personnel and finances. The committee structure supports the principal and staff to deliver the school's vision and provide an outstanding learning environment.
Follows International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IBPYP). The teaching approaches follow a current, research-based curriculum.
The school has a personalised student-to-teacher ratio of 12:1.
The school emphasizes giftedness, stating that every child is a gifted mind; it nurtures this giftedness and offers three Learning Pathways: Vermeer Learners, Rembrandt Learners, and Piet Mondrian Learners.
The school addresses social and emotional development. Every class has a full-time homeroom tutor and specialist teachers, including EAL, to support students' social and emotional needs.
The school has an inclusive learning culture with differentiated instruction. It provides extra support for students with diverse abilities through the Green Room Special Needs Support and SMILE (Social, Motor, Intelligence, Language, Emotional) development.
The school uses English as the medium of instruction and provides Additional Languages (Dutch or French) taught twice weekly.
The school emphasizes mental wellbeing, reflected in the motto Healthy minds lead to healthy beings and safeguarding practices to support student welfare.
The school safeguards the wellbeing of students and staff; it complies with health, safety, security, and fire regulations and has security cameras and an entrance intercom.
GMIS offers three learning pathways: Vermeer Learner (Mainstream), Rembrandt Learner (Inclusive Support), and Piet Mondrian Learner (Intensive Support). GMIS provides education for preschool and primary students, with the age range 3–12 years. The medium of instruction is English, with additional language classes in Dutch or French taught twice weekly. Rembrandt Learner and Piet Mondrian Learner fall under Passend Onderwijs (Appropriate Education). The Admissions Process page directs to an Admission Form 2024-2025, which lists Academic Year of Entry options: 2024-2025, 2025-2026, Trio 1, Trio 2, Trio 3. The Admission Form requires the following documents: a completed application form; previous school reports; vaccination/immunization history; copies of passports; Learning Support Assessments; copies of the applicant's passport; copy of valid resident permit; copies of academic records in English; passport-sized photo. It also requires a €450 registration fee and includes consent and health information; an application will not be processed until all documents are received. The school's contact information is listed on the form for inquiries.
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.
Early Years, Primary and Secondary.
Private international day school.
Over 100 nationalities represented.
Learning Support is provided in Primary and Secondary; English as an Additional Language (EAL) is offered.
The Netherlands.
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.
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.
No boarding facilities.
Students do not wear a uniform.
Secondary students have an on-site cafeteria. Primary students must bring their own packed lunch.
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.
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.
Group sizes are capped at 23 pupils per class.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
