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International Primary School Groningen

Netherlands, Groningen

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees €4,004 - 4,953
Ages 3 - 11 years
Pupil numbers 135
Type Co-educational
Opened 1986
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, IPC (International Primary Curriculum)
Taught languages Dutch
Typical class size 20
Strengths Visual and Creative Arts, Outdoor Education, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Preschool, Early Years, Primary School
Introduction

International Primary School Groningen (IPSG) is a publicly funded international primary school in the Netherlands, serving children aged 3 to 11. It teaches the English National Curriculum for literacy and numeracy and follows IPC (International Primary Curriculum) with a thematic approach and learning goals in academic, personal and international development, with a global outlook. Dutch language and culture are taught two hours weekly. Specialist subjects include Music, Physical Education and ICT. IPSG offers English as an Additional Language, learning support and inclusive practices to all pupils. IPSG is part of Groningse Schoolvereniging (GSV), providing opportunities in Groningen since 1910. The KiVa program supports empathy and respectful communication. The curriculum emphasises critical thinking and intercultural understanding, with creativity through art, music and gardening. After-school clubs cover arts, language activities and wellbeing; a gardening program enhances learning. The day ends at 15:00, with Wednesdays at 12:30; after-school care runs until 18:00 today.

Sweelincklaan 4, 9722 JV Groningen, Netherlands

The Essentials

International Primary School Groningen has 135 pupils, typical class sizes of 20, instruction in English.

Location
Rijksstraatweg 24, 9752 AE Haren. It sits on a green campus in Haren, just outside Groningen. Since 2020, IPSG resides on this campus. In 2029, the site will be expanded to become The International Campus for the city of Groningen, a center for international community life in the northern Netherlands.

Stages
IPS G serves primary-age children. English is the primary language of instruction, with students also introduced to Dutch and local cultural activities.

Type
Publicly funded international primary school.

Pupil Nationality Mix
30 nationalities represented.

Additional learning support
Small class sizes. KiVa program supports social-emotional development. GSV Hoogbegaafd provides a Dutch-language gifted program.

Country affiliation
Netherlands
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
There is no uniform; children wear their own clothes.

Food Options
Water bottle; sinks in all classrooms to refill with water. Morning snack; lunch is eaten in classrooms on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; please pack something simple and healthy.

Governance and Ownership
The school is part of Groningen School Association (GSV), the Groningse Schoolvereniging.
Fees

Annual tuition at International Primary School Groningen ranges from EUR 4,004 to EUR 4,953 for 2026/27.

Application fees

- No separate application or registration fee is charged; parents are required to pay an annual, income-dependent parental contribution (the school fee) for pupils in the International Primary School Groningen (IPSG).

Tuition (school) fees — 2025–2026 (annual and instalment breakdown)

- The IPSG school fee is income-dependent and charged per family, with different amounts for the first child and for additional children in the same family. Families are initially placed in the highest fee category until income documentation is provided.

- Scale 1 — Combined income < EUR 22,142:
- Annual fee (1st child): EUR 4,004.
- Annual fee (additional child(ren)): EUR 3,004.
- If paid in 10 monthly instalments (October–July): 1st child EUR 400.40 per month; additional child EUR 300.40 per month.

- Scale 2 — Combined income EUR 22,142 – EUR 41,572:
- Annual fee (1st child): EUR 4,626.
- Annual fee (additional child(ren)): EUR 3,469.
- If paid in 10 monthly instalments (October–July): 1st child EUR 462.60 per month; additional child EUR 346.90 per month.

- Scale 3 — Combined income > EUR 41,572:
- Annual fee (1st child): EUR 4,953.
- Annual fee (additional child(ren)): EUR 3,715.
- If paid in 10 monthly instalments (October–July): 1st child EUR 495.30 per month; additional child EUR 371.50 per month.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Payment options available:
- Single annual payment in October (the full annual fee).
- Ten monthly instalments from October through July (equal instalments).
- Fees are adjusted in the event of enrolment later in the school year (pro rata as required). Families are placed in the highest income category by default until they supply required income documentation.

Fee payment method

- Payments are processed via iDEAL through the WIS-Collect system; parents receive instructions for using that system. No alternative payment methods (credit-card or bank-transfer options) are specified in the published school-fee document.

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not applicable. IPSG is a day primary school with a standard school day (doors open in the morning and the day ends at 15:00 on most days, earlier on Wednesday), and pupils stay at school for lunch under teacher supervision. There are no boarding-place charges for primary pupils.

Other costs and routine charges

- Uniform: There is no school uniform; children wear their own clothes. Gym clothes (named gym shoes and a change of shorts/t-shirt) are required for older children and should be labelled. A soft cloth library bag is recommended.

- Books and stationery: Classroom books and basic stationery are provided by the school (no separate charge listed for standard books and stationery).

- Lunchtime supervision: Supervision at lunch is provided and the payment for this supervision is taken from the school fees. There is no school-provided lunch; children bring their own food.

- Afterschool care and clubs: Afterschool care (BSO) is offered on site by an external partner (Kids International by SKSG) and is billed separately by that provider; rotating afterschool clubs are offered on a term basis and may carry separate charges depending on the provider and activity.

Refunds and adjustments

- Adjustments: The published school-fee schedule allows the fee to be adjusted for pupils who enrol later in the school year (pro rata adjustment). The fee document provides this adjustment mechanism as the stated approach to mid-year starts.
Academics

International Primary School Groningen teaches British Curriculum, IPC (International Primary Curriculum) for students aged 3 to 11.

Curriculum
The school uses the English National Curriculum for literacy and numeracy. The IPC features include a thematic approach, learning goals in academic, personal and international development, and a global outlook. Dutch Language and Culture is taught two hours per week; Music, Physical Education, and Information and Communication Technology are taught as specialist subjects. English as an Additional Language (EAL), learning support, and inclusive practices are available to all pupils.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
KiVa Program is central to our approach to social-emotional learning. Regular, engaging lessons teach empathy, kindness, respect, and effective communication, and foster a strong group identity where pupils look out for one another. Our mission centers on developing internationally minded citizens who take responsibility for their wellbeing. We recognize diverse language and cultural backgrounds and work with families to navigate links between Dutch culture and other cultures. The education emphasizes learning in English at a pace that fits pupils' experiences and aligns with the English National Curriculum. Our pastoral and support team is led by Sue Beattie, and offers counselling while coordinating with external agencies to support all students.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Learning support is provided for pupils with learning differences. Inclusive practices foster an environment where every pupil feels valued. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is available for non-native English speakers. Our dedicated team works closely with families to nurture each child's academic and personal development. Inclusive education is a consistent focus across IPSG to ensure participation by all learners.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English is the primary language of instruction. Literacy and numeracy are grounded in the English National Curriculum. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided for non-native English speakers. The curriculum integrates language development within core subjects and the IPC. Inclusive practices ensure all students participate fully in learning.

Mental Wellbeing
KiVa supports mental wellbeing by promoting empathy, kindness, respect, and effective communication through regular lessons. It helps pupils develop a strong group identity and look out for one another. Our pastoral and support team, led by Sue Beattie, offers counselling and coordinates with other agencies to support students. If you have concerns about your child, speak with the class teacher or Mrs. Beattie. Wellbeing is integrated with the school's international curriculum and language support.

Safeguarding
KiVa helps address bullying and promotes a safe school environment. Our pastoral and support team provides counselling and coordinates with external agencies to safeguard students' wellbeing. If your child feels unfairly treated, speak with their class teacher; we are here to listen and support. The safeguarding approach is embedded in our social-emotional work and supports student welfare.
Parent Experience

History
IPSG is part of Groningse Schoolvereniging (GSV), which has provided educational opportunities in Groningen since 1910. The GSV leadership is headed by Executive Director Gerdien Wassenaar, who leads all three learning environments of GSV. The leadership team is supported and held accountable by a supervisory board (Raad van Toezicht, or RvT) formed of external advisors and parents from the school. IPSG has its own Team Leader within the GSV structure. IPSG is the longest-standing international primary school in the province of Groningen.

Community
IPSG is a community of international minds with 30 nationalities on site, 40 home languages spoken, and 15 international celebrations. The school fosters a lively and close-knit community on an evergreen campus, where pupils grow to be self-confident and resourceful. Learning experiences blend local Dutch traditions with international perspectives.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
GSV parent/carer meetings organize parent involvement, and IPSG has its own Team Leader, Miffy Lawrence. The governance includes a General Meeting of Members (ALV), an annual meeting where budget, financial statements, and parental contributions are discussed (conducted in Dutch). An English-language IPSG Parent Meeting is held for IPSG parents. The Participation Council (MR) brings staff and parents together, and IPSG has its own parent representative on the MR. At the start of the school year, Class Parent Meetings invite parents to assist with transportation, support sports days, help in the school gardens, and participate in musicals; updates are shared through the school newsletter. For more information contact IPSG's Team Leader.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
We are the longest-standing international primary school in the province of Groningen. We foster a lively and close-knit community on our evergreen campus. The learning approach is based on the English National Curriculum and is flexible and responsive, helping children thrive in English while preparing for future learning in the Netherlands or abroad. The school implements the KiVa social-emotional development program to teach empathy, respect and communication. The curriculum emphasises critical thinking with creative outlets like music, art and gardening.

Academic Facilities
The learning approach is based on the English National Curriculum and is flexible and responsive, helping children thrive in English while preparing for future learning in the Netherlands or abroad. We focus on critical thinking and global awareness, with creativity integrated through music, art and gardening. The school emphasises social-emotional development and intercultural understanding as part of academic learning.

Extra Curricular Facilities
A gardening program operated by NDE two kilometres from IPSG involves planting, tending and harvesting vegetables. Pupils explore Groningen with trips to the Drentse forest, the Sprookjesbos and Paterswoldsemeer, with an overnight camp in Year 6. Art is central, with workshops, collaborations with professional artists and an in-house kiln, and many pupils' works adorn the walls. International Day is celebrated with ISG, sharing food, music, dress, dance and stories. The Dutch language curriculum includes national celebrations such as Sinterklaas, Kerst, Koningsspelen and Bevrijdingsdag, and home language lunches are hosted by cultural groups.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Arts & Creative
IPS Groningen offers after-school clubs at IPS itself, including violin, sculpture, origami, and art and crafts. These clubs run each term and depend on the providers and demand. An after-school care program, Kids International, run by SKSG, is housed in Building B on the IPS premises, with sessions until 6pm, and pick-up times at 3pm or 12:30pm on Wednesdays. Other private providers are available to families.

Cultural & Language
Home Language Lunches give attention to languages and cultures; parents are invited to share lunchtime in school with children who belong to the same home language group.

Social & Hobbies
After-school clubs provide opportunities for social engagement and personal interests. Examples include yoga. Clubs run each term and depend on providers and demand.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Yoga is offered as an after-school club, supporting mindfulness and physical wellbeing. The school day ends at 15:00 on most days and at 12:30 on Wednesdays, with a lunch break from 12:00–13:00. The after-school care program, Kids International run by SKSG and housed on the IPS premises, runs until 6pm.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction for literacy and numeracy, based on the English National Curriculum. The International Primary Curriculum guides other subjects and learning with an international focus. Dutch Language and Culture is taught for two hours per week, and English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is available for non-native English speakers. The school serves a multinational student body with about 40 home languages.
Admissions

Admissions
Step 1: Enquiry about a place. Enquiries can be made in person, by phone, or by email. Admissions staff or school staff will share the eligibility criteria with parents and check this. Families are welcome to schedule a visit at IPSG or have an online tour, and you will be accompanied by the Team Leader or another senior member of staff to introduce you to school life. The school is supervised and subsidised by the Dutch government, with a required financial contribution from parents.

Step 2: Meeting. The school meets with the family to discuss their needs and determine whether the school can meet them. This meeting helps establish whether IPSG can meet the child's needs.

Step 3: Confirmation. A registration form is completed, and a place is confirmed. The confirmation reserves a place for the child at IPSG.

Step 4: Starting school. For younger children or those entering lower grade groups mid-year, IPSG may invite your child to attend a half-day trial session to help transition into school.
School Events
The school has not added events
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