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International School Groningen

Netherlands, Groningen

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees €7,800
Ages 11 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 140
Type Co-educational
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Taught languages Dutch, French, English
Typical class size 15
Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, STEM
Clubs Arts and Creative, Social and Hobbies, Leadership and Professional
Stages Middle School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

International School Groningen (ISG) is an IB World School offering the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP) for students aged 11 to 18. Instruction is in English, with Dutch language support to aid integration into society. The MYP provides a broad curriculum across language and literature, language acquisition (Dutch and French), individuals and societies, science, mathematics, physical and health education, arts, and design. After completing the MYP, students may transfer to the DP, a two-year pre-university programme conducted in English. The DP core includes Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and CAS, alongside six subject groups: language and literature; language acquisition (Dutch and English); economics/global politics/history; sciences; mathematics; and visual arts. ISG sits on campus in Haren near Groningen, sharing facilities with Maartenscollege. The school maintains IB accreditation, class sizes around 15, and plans a 2029 international campus expansion, including a new build and grounds, Villa Esserberg on site.

Hemmenlaan 2, 9751 NS Haren, Netherlands

The Essentials

International School Groningen has 140 pupils, typical class sizes of 15, instruction in English.

Location
Hemmenlaan 2, 9751 NS Haren, The Netherlands (Haren is a borough of Groningen).

Stages
Middle Years Programme (ages 11-16); Diploma Programme (ages 16-18); transferring to DP for Dutch havo-vwo students.

Type
IB World School offering the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme.

Additional learning support
English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided; Inclusion and Special Needs policy is in place.

Country affiliation
The Netherlands.

School day structure
School hours run from 08:20 to 16:50 with lessons 08:20–09:10; 09:10–10:00; 10:20–11:10; 11:10–12:00; 12:30–13:20; 13:20–14:10; 14:20–15:10; 15:10–16:00; 16:00–16:50; breaks 10:00–10:20; 12:00–12:30; 14:10–14:20.

Bus service
No arranged school transport; students usually travel by public transportation or bike. Buses 50 and 51 run regularly between ISG and Groningen city centre.
Diving Deeper

Governance and Ownership
The school is part of Stichting Carmelcollege.
Fees

Annual tuition at International School Groningen ranges from EUR 7,800 for 2026/27.

Application fees

- Registration / application fee (per child): € 300.00 (one-off, non‑refundable). This fee is payable with submission of the application form for registrations after 01/04/2025.

Tuition fees (annual; sibling discounts)

- Annual tuition (first child) for the 2025/26 school year: € 7,800.00 per year, payable over ten months.
- Sibling discounts (annual):
- 2nd child: € 6,200.00 per year.
- 3rd child: € 5,100.00 per year.
- 4th child: € 2,500.00 per year.

- Applicability: the stated annual tuition is the standard fee level applied to enrolled international school students (MYP and DP).

- Per-term and per-month breakdown (calculated from the annual fee):
- If the annual fee is divided into three school terms (September, January, April), the per-term amount is € 2,600.00 (annual fee ÷ 3). (This is a straightforward division of the published annual fee for convenience.)
- If paid in the 10 monthly instalments option (September–June), the per-month instalment is € 780.00 (annual fee ÷ 10). (This is a straightforward division of the published annual fee for convenience.)

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Invoicing: parents receive an invoice in mid‑September for the new school year; families who start during the school year will be invoiced in the first week the child starts. It is assumed full payment will be received at the beginning of the school year after receipt of the invoice, though the school accepts instalment options (see below).
- Payment frequency options accepted by the school (as stated in the published fee information):
- Per term payments: three term instalments (September, January, April).
- Monthly payments: ten monthly instalments (September–June).
- Proration and starters/leavers: the school charges prorated portions of the annual fee for students starting and leaving during the school year according to a published table of percentages by month (for example: starting in October = 90% of the annual fee; departing in October = 50% of the annual fee). Exact percentages are set out in the school's fee schedule.

Boarding fees

- Boarding: not applicable. The International School Groningen operates as a day school and does not publish boarding or residential fees.

Other costs and fees (additional to tuition)

- Schoolbooks: included in the annual tuition. If a school‑owned book is lost or damaged, an invoice will be issued for replacement.
- School trips (approximate):
- MYP1–3 school trip: approximately € 350.00 per trip.
- MYP4, MYP5 & DP1 trip: approximately € 650.00 per trip.
- Examination and IB related charges:
- DP2 (IB Diploma) exam fees: approximately € 700.00–€ 800.00.
- MYP5 IB Personal Project registration fee: € 60.00.
- ICT / device requirement: all MYP students are expected to have a laptop; these may be ordered through the school at admission or provided by parents. From August 2026 DP students are expected to have a personal laptop. Laptop purchase is an additional cost to families.
- Lockers: one‑off deposit € 25.00; annual locker hire € 10.00.
- Parents Support Group fee: voluntary contribution of € 25.00 per family per year.
- Social events, some trips and other extracurricular or incidental costs: not included in tuition and billed separately as required.

Refund information and withdrawal terms

- Registration / application fee: one‑off and non‑refundable; it will not be deducted from school fees should a place be offered.
- Examination fees: refund of IB examination costs is not possible once the student has been registered with the IB.
- Withdrawal notice: a minimum of 60 days notice in writing using the school withdrawal form is required before a student is withdrawn. Unless full notice is given in writing, fees will continue to be charged. The published starters/leavers proration table governs how much of the annual fee is payable when a student starts or departs mid‑year.

Fee payment options and currency

- Currency: fees and supplementary charges are published in euros (EUR).
- Timing and instalment options: payment is expected on receipt of the school invoice; the school allows payment in full at the start of the year, per term (September, January, April), or by 10 monthly instalments (September–June).
- Specific payment methods (for example: bank transfer, direct debit, credit/debit card) and the exact bank or account details are communicated on the school invoice and in school admissions correspondence. Parents should follow the payment instructions provided on the invoice they receive.
Academics

International School Groningen teaches IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 11 to 18.

Curriculum
ISG offers the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) for ages 11-16 and the IB Diploma Programme (DP) for ages 16-18. ISG is an IB World School with English-language instruction and Dutch language support; English is used for study at all levels and Dutch is taught as mother tongue and as a second language. The MYP provides a broad, balanced curriculum across language and literature; language acquisition (Dutch and French); individuals and societies; science; mathematics; physical and health education; arts; and design. After completing MYP, students may transfer to the Diploma Programme, a two-year pre-university IB programme offered at ISG. The Diploma Programme combines a DP Core (Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, CAS) with six subject groups: language and literature; language acquisition (Dutch and English); economics/global politics/history; sciences; mathematics; and visual arts. The DP studies are conducted in English; Dutch is taught as mother tongue and second language to support integration into Dutch society.

Student Teacher Ratio
The school has small classes.

Exam Results
The Diploma Programme has a 96% pass rate. The DP diploma opens doors to leading universities in the Netherlands and around the world.

Higher Education Progression
Graduates of the Diploma Programme study at internationally recognised universities around the world. The Diploma Programme opens doors to leading universities worldwide.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
ISG runs Rock and Water training to develop social and emotional skills in MYP1. Each student has a mentor who supports wellbeing and serves as the first point of contact for students and parents. Counselling is available when needed to support wellbeing. The school fosters a sense of belonging through a Parent Support Group, a Student Council, and an active alumni network. ISG aims to maintain a safe, inclusive environment where expression is encouraged and differences are respected.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
ISG provides a high-quality, inclusive international education with a formal SEN pathway. SEN means cognitive, social, emotional or physical difficulties that call for additional provision. A Mentor, the SENCO, and dedicated SEN support staff coordinate provision, with an EAL teacher providing language support. Counselling is available, and Rock and Water training supports social and emotional development. An individual education plan (IEP) is prepared with parental and student input, progress is monitored, and outside agencies may be involved; admission requires full disclosure of SEN and resources to meet needs.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
An EAL (English as a Second Language) teacher provides one-to-one lessons, small-group work, and in-lesson support. They work closely with the SENCO and hold regular meetings to discuss the progress of EAL students.

Mental Wellbeing
Counselling is available when a need is identified. Rock and Water training helps develop social and emotional skills. The Mentor and school leadership monitor wellbeing as part of creating a safe, inclusive environment. The Parent Support Group also organises events addressing social and health issues to support wellbeing.

Safeguarding
ISG aims to ensure every student feels safe and secure in the school environment. The SEN framework includes mentoring, SENCO oversight, and collaboration with outside agencies to safeguard and support students. Counselling is available to support safeguarding and welfare.
Parent Experience

History
ISG is the leading international school in the north of the Netherlands, located in the borough of Haren near Groningen's historic city centre. ISG offers the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme for students aged 11-18. The school maintains average class sizes of around 15 and holds IB World School accreditation. ISG is part of Stichting Carmelcollege, reflecting governance within a Dutch international schools network. The ISG community includes families and alumni who contribute to its intercultural learning environment.

Community
ISG has a tight-knit community of families and alumni contributing to its international character. It provides a safe, respectful environment for intercultural exchange. Students aged 11-18 participate in IB programmes (MYP and DP) with small class sizes and a focus on achievement. The campus is located in Haren, near Groningen's historic city centre, offering a conducive setting for learning and relationship-building.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Parent Support Group represents all ISG parents and guardians. Its main goal is to support teachers and students at ISG. The group organizes regular events at the start of each school year and around holidays to foster connections among students, parents and teachers. It advocates the parents' perspective and coordinates with management to address issues, while organizing Teacher Appreciation events and providing treats during exam periods. Volunteers are welcome to contribute ideas and serve as a link between teachers, students, leadership, and parents; contact isgparents@gmail.com.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
ISG is located in the green, historic borough of Haren, now part of Groningen. It shares facilities with Maartenscollege, allowing students from both schools to use campus amenities. In 2029 the school plans to expand its facilities as part of a new international campus development, involving a complete new build and renovation of existing buildings and grounds. The campus is easily accessible: it is a 10-minute drive from Groningen Central Station, buses 50 and 51 connect the campus with the city centre, and many students travel by bicycle with a supervised bike park on site. The grounds include Villa Esserberg, a protected monument on campus that continues to host school activities.

Sports Facilities
Three gymnasiums are available on site for physical education and sports. These spaces support physical education and team activities, fostering a balanced lifestyle and teamwork among students.

Academic Facilities
There are eleven life-sciences laboratories equipped with modern equipment and guided by safe work practices. Art and design studios support self-expression and hands-on learning. Villa Esserberg is a protected monument on the grounds and continues to accommodate school activities.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) for students aged 11-16. The Diploma Programme (DP) is a two-year IB pre-university curriculum for students aged 16-18. The MYP is internationally recognised and used in 100 countries, while the DP is used in more than 150 countries. There is a pathway for Dutch havo-vwo students to join the Diploma Programme, enabling a blended Dutch–international curriculum.

Arts & Creative
Art & design studios on campus activate students' self-expression, teach workshop skills, and promote problem-solving thinking through design. These facilities support creative work as part of ISG's learning environment.

Social & Hobbies
ISG emphasizes community and belonging as a core part of school life. The school fosters connection through a parent support group, a student council, and an active alumni group. These groups encourage collaboration and ongoing engagement among students, families and staff. This approach helps students develop in a supportive social environment.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership is encouraged through the student council, providing opportunities for student voice and governance. There is an active alumni network that supports ongoing professional connections and mentoring. The school promotes collaboration among students, parents, and teachers to foster leadership qualities and professional growth.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The campus includes three gymnasiums for physical education and sport. Students learn the importance of a balanced lifestyle, teamwork, and perseverance. The campus also features 11 laboratories for science learning and art & design studios that support hands-on, collaborative activities.
Languages

Language Provision
An English-first education with Dutch sensibility. The studies at ISG are conducted in English; English is offered at all levels; Dutch is taught as mother tongue and as a second language; in the Middle Years Programme language acquisition includes Dutch and French, and Dutch and English are the languages for language acquisition in DP.

Bilingual Teaching
The school conducts instruction in English; Dutch is taught as mother tongue and as a second language; in the Middle Years Programme Dutch and French are taught as language acquisition.
Reputation

Accreditations
IB World School since 31 March 1988 — English-language instruction; Diploma Programme (DP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP) offered.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Enquiry: Contact International School Groningen by submitting the enquiry form through the Open Apply portal to indicate interest in the school. The enquiry form is available through the Open Apply portal. A space is reserved only after the full application form has been completed and the registration fee has been received.

2. Application: When you decide to join ISG, fill in the application form through the OpenApply portal and prepare all relevant documents for this step (see documents listed on the page). Documents you'll need for Step 2 - Application include copies of the child's most recent and previous two years of school reports in English; for applications to the MYP, a letter confirming that at least one parent is working in the Netherlands or a letter from the parent or parent's employer stating that the family lived abroad due to work; a recent passport-sized picture of the child; and a copy of the child's passport. After completing the application form you will be invoiced a non-refundable application fee.

3. Verification: Before moving to the next step, ISG verifies the following: child successfully passed ISG's placement tests; completed application form was received; all the checklist items in OpenApply have been completed; registration fee has been paid. This verification ensures all required information is in place before processing.

4. Processing: After completion of all previous steps, the management team will consider the application and confirm or refuse enrolment via the admissions portal. If an application has been refused, an appointment can be made to discuss the reasons with the management team.
School Events
The school has not added events
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