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Curriculum IPC (International Primary Curriculum), British Curriculum
Taught languages Dutch
Typical class size 18
Strengths Sport, Languages, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Primary School
Introduction
Harbour International Primary School sits in the heart of Rotterdam, offering an English-taught IPC-based program for ages 4 to 11. The curriculum blends the International Primary Curriculum with elements of the British curriculum, and literacy and numeracy are taught alongside IPC subjects, with English as an Additional Language (EAL) support for pupils who need it. The school serves a diverse community representing 69 nationalities, with around 280 pupils and small class sizes averaging 18. Dutch culture is woven into learning through All about the Netherlands activities, and the school is nut-free with snacks and lunches eaten in classrooms. The library is run by parent volunteers; there is a dedicated technology program and specialist music provision. A qualified gym teacher delivers PE to all pupils; younger children have PE on site, while older pupils walk to a local gym and Group 4–8 swim weekly. Co-curricular activities include coding, art, basketball, mindfulness, chess and music lessons; the Parents' Support Group coordinates volunteering and fundraising.
Harbour International Primary School has 280 pupils, typical class sizes of 18, instruction in English.
Location
Located in the centre of Rotterdam, a short walk from Rotterdam Central Station. The address is Graaf Florisstraat 56, 3021 CJ Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Stages
Primary school.
Type
International primary school.
Pupil Nationality Mix
Over 69 nationalities represented; 280 pupils.
Additional learning support
English as an Additional Language (EAL) program to support pupils who do not speak English.
Country affiliation
Netherlands; member of Dutch International Primary Schools and Stichting BOOR.
School day structure
School days: Monday and Tuesday 8:30–15:00; Wednesday 8:30–12:30; Thursday and Friday 8:30–15:00.
Fees
Annual tuition at Harbour International Primary School ranges from EUR 4,250 for 2026/27.
Application fee
- A non-refundable application fee of €200 is payable per child at the time of application. The application fee reserves the place for the child.
Tuition fees (single amount and instalment options)
- Annual tuition fee: €4,250 per student. This single annual fee applies equally across all year groups.
- Instalment / term-style payment options (exact instalment amounts and deadlines): - One payment: €4,250 due before 12 September 2025. - Two payments: €2,125 due before 12 September 2025 and €2,125 due before 31 January 2026. - Three payments: €1,500 due before 12 September 2025, €1,500 due before 19 December 2025, and €1,250 due before 31 March 2026.
Pro‑rata (entry during the year) and part‑year tuition amounts
- Tuition amounts for children starting partway through the year (first day of attendance): - €4,250 — Start in August/September/October. - €3,250 — Start in November/December. - €2,400 — Start in January/February. - €1,700 — Start in March/April/May.
- Tuition amounts for students leaving during the year (last day of attendance): - €1,000 — Last day in August/September/October. - €1,700 — Last day in November/December. - €2,400 — Last day in January/February. - €3,300 — Last day in March/April. - €4,250 — Last day in May/June/July.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- An invoice is issued to the parent(s)/guardian(s); it is the parent/guardian's responsibility to ensure payments are made on time. Fees are non-negotiable. - Parents must provide at least 30 days' written notice before withdrawing a student. Failure to provide written notice results in fees continuing to be charged; any refund will be calculated from the month after written notification. - Fees paid by a parent's employer/company must be paid in a single instalment. All payments should clearly display the student's name and group.
Boarding fees
- Boarding is not applicable. Harbour International is a day primary school; no boarding fees apply.
Other costs and what the tuition covers
- The annual tuition fee covers tuition, MR fees and lunchtime supervision. There are no routine additional school fees other than a camping trip for children in groups 6 and 7. Costs for speech therapy and other outside specialist services are the responsibility of the parents. The school does not operate a canteen. - There is no school uniform requirement; children may wear appropriate clothing.
Refund information and withdrawal
- The application fee (€200) is non-refundable. - For withdrawal during the school year, a minimum of 30 days' written notice is required. Refunds for overpaid fees are calculated from the month after the written notification and according to the pro‑rata table for last day of attendance.
Fee payment options and bank details
- Credit card payments are not accepted. Payments are accepted via internet banking (bank transfer) or cash. Fees paid by company sponsors must be made in one instalment. All payments should clearly state the student's name and group.
- Bank account details for transfers: - Bank: RABO BANK - Account holder: Stg BOOR inz Harbour International - IBAN: NL36 RABO 0112 8982 89 - BIC: RABONL2U.
Other practical notes about fees
- There is no sibling discount. The school's fee structure is the same for all pupils. Any specialist support outside of what the school provides is charged to parents.
Academics
Harbour International Primary School teaches IPC (International Primary Curriculum), British Curriculum for students aged 4 to 11.
Curriculum
The International Primary Curriculum (IPC) is used, combined with elements of the British curriculum. All lessons are taught in English. Dutch culture is integrated through All about the Netherlands activities.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Harbour International provides a safe, caring environment and a strong sense of community. The school emphasises individualised development and international mindedness. Pupils are taught in English by experienced teachers in a diverse, international community. The school is located in central Rotterdam and maintains small class sizes to support personalised learning (average around 18 students, never more than 22).
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
EAL teachers work with non-English-speaking children from groups 2–8 to support learning of English as an additional language, in small groups and in the classroom to help access the full curriculum.
Admissions
Admissions
1. Initial Enquiry and Eligibility Parents must confirm they meet the eligibility criteria of having a non-Dutch nationality and a temporary stay in the Netherlands. You then submit an admission enquiry form detailing your child's date of birth, arrival date, and any support needs. Accurate birth dates are essential, as the school places children strictly by age rather than academic level.
2. Application Review The school reviews applications within six weeks, though they may extend this by up to four weeks in rare cases. The admissions team evaluates any submitted school reports, learning support evaluations, and EAL assessments. For preschool-aged children without prior school records, parents will be asked to complete alternative intake forms.
3. The Intake Visit Because the school does not host general open days, prospective families are invited for an individual intake visit. This informal meeting allows staff to explain daily routines and guide you through the classrooms. It also provides an opportunity for the staff to interact with your child and help them become familiar with the new environment.
4. Securing the Placement Once the school confirms space in the appropriate age group, you must pay a one-time, non-refundable application fee to reserve the spot. The standard annual school fees are not due until your child officially starts attending classes. If the required age group is at capacity, your child will be placed on a waiting list.
5. Final Document Submission To finalize enrollment, you must submit a copy of your child’s passport showing their full name and date of birth. You are also required to provide proof of your temporary status in the Netherlands, such as an employment contract or a letter from your employer. Finally, a recommendation form from your child's previous school must be submitted if they are of school age.
Waitlist
All new applications are automatically placed on a waiting list; the admissions officer informs applicants of their waiting-list position.
FAQs
What age range does Harbour International serve?
Harbour International Primary School serves students aged 4 to 11 in central Rotterdam.
What curriculum does the school follow?
The school delivers the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) combined with elements of the British curriculum. Literacy and numeracy are taught alongside IPC subjects, all in English.
How much are the tuition fees?
Annual tuition is EUR 4,250 per student across all year groups. A non-refundable application fee of EUR 200 per child applies at the time of application.
How diverse is the student body?
Harbour has around 280 pupils representing 69 nationalities, reflecting Rotterdam's diverse international community.
What is the average class size?
Class sizes average around 18 students and never exceed 22, supporting personalised learning.
Is there EAL support?
Yes, English as an Additional Language teachers work with non-English-speaking children to develop their language skills alongside the regular curriculum.
What are the school hours?
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 8:30 to 15:00. Wednesday: 8:30 to 12:30.
Where is the school located?
Harbour is at Graaf Florisstraat 56, 3021 CJ Rotterdam, a short walk from Rotterdam Central Station.
Is Dutch taught?
Yes, Dutch culture is integrated through 'All about the Netherlands' activities alongside the IPC curriculum.
Is the school government-funded?
Yes, Harbour is a member of Dutch International Primary Schools and Stichting BOOR, operating as a subsidised international school.
When was the school founded?
Harbour International Primary School was founded in 1987 and has served Rotterdam's international community for nearly four decades.
How do I apply?
Submit an application with the EUR 200 non-refundable application fee, which reserves a place for your child.
