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International School Hilversum Alberdingk Thijm

Netherlands, Amsterdam

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Dutch
Fees €1,866 - 8,164
Ages 4 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 700
Type Co-educational
Opened 1982
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Dutch Curriculum
Taught languages English, Dutch, French, Spanish, Latin
Typical class size 22
Strengths STEM, Languages, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Preschool, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

The International School Hilversum Alberdingk Thijm is a long‑standing IB World School on a single campus in Hilversum, between Amsterdam and Utrecht. The language of instruction is English, and the school offers the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme, plus a bilingual Internationaal Tweetalig VWO stream for ages 4 to 18. The community gathers students and staff from more than 45 nationalities, creating an internationally oriented campus environment. Facilities on Emmastraat 56 include an on‑site library with Kindle access for clubs, ICT‑driven learning spaces and dedicated STEAM areas, and a canteen awarded a Gold plaque by the Dutch Nutrition Centre for healthy options. The curriculum emphasizes inquiry and diversity, with extensive co‑curriculars such as Model United Nations (ISHMUN and THIMUN), STEAM projects and a Book Club. Student life features a Student Council, Sustainability Committee, and clubs including Rainbow Alliance, Photography and Baking, plus Arts Week and a music showcase.

Emmastraat 56, 1213 AL Hilversum, Netherlands

The Essentials

International School Hilversum Alberdingk Thijm has 700 pupils, typical class sizes of 22, instruction in English, Dutch.

Location
Emmastraat 56, 1213 AL Hilversum, Netherlands. The campus is located on a single site and is conveniently situated between Amsterdam and Utrecht; it is easy to access by train.

Stages
Primary Years Programme; Middle Years Programme; Diploma Programmes; Bilingual VWO stream; for ages 4 to 19.

Type
IB World School offering PYP, MYP, DP and bilingual VWO; day school; coeducational.

Pupil Nationality Mix
Over 45 nationalities represented; a diverse student body.

Country affiliation
The school operates in the Netherlands.

School day structure
Primary day: starts 8:30; doors open 8:20; finishes 14:45 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; finishes 12:30 on Wednesday. Secondary timetable runs 08:30–17:15 with a lunch break 12:35–13:15.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
The school has no boarding facilities; it is a day school.

Food Options
The school canteen has been awarded the Gold plaque by Voedingscentrum (the Dutch Nutrition Centre). 80% of products are healthy choices; vending machines contain healthy snacks with little or no sugar; fruit and vegetables are offered; drinking water is encouraged.

Governance and Ownership
The school is government subsidised and part of Alberdingk Thijm Scholen; The board is responsible for the running of all the schools within Alberdingk Thijm Scholen.
Fees

Annual tuition at International School Hilversum Alberdingk Thijm ranges from EUR 1,866 to EUR 8,164 for 2026/27.

International School Hilversum Alberdingk Thijm — School Fees (current academic year 2025–2026)

Application / Registration fees
- Initial administration / registration fee (one-off, non‑refundable): EUR 150.00.

Deposit
- Deposit charged to confirm place on acceptance: EUR 500.00 (one‑off). This deposit is invoiced at acceptance.

Tuition and related charges — International Stream (Grades 6–12) — academic year 2025–2026
- Grade 6
- School Fee (annual): EUR 4,930.00.
- Examination & moderation costs (where applicable): EUR 613.00 (applies for certain exam-related charges in lower secondary where listed).
- Laptop contribution: EUR 425.00.
- Total School Fee (annual): EUR 4,930.00.
- Total Invoice at enrolment (School Fee + Registration Fee + Deposit): EUR 5,580.00.

- Grade 7
- School Fee (annual): EUR 5,132.00.
- Examination & moderation costs: EUR 613.00 (where applicable).
- Laptop contribution: EUR 425.00.
- Total School Fee (annual): EUR 5,557.00.
- Total Invoice at enrolment: EUR 6,207.00.

- Grade 8
- School Fee (annual): EUR 5,132.00.
- Laptop contribution: EUR 425.00.
- Total School Fee (annual): EUR 5,557.00.
- Total Invoice at enrolment: EUR 6,207.00.

- Grade 9
- School Fee (annual): EUR 5,132.00.
- Laptop contribution: EUR 425.00.
- Total School Fee (annual): EUR 5,557.00.
- Total Invoice at enrolment: EUR 6,207.00.

- Grade 10
- School Fee (annual): EUR 5,132.00.
- Laptop contribution: EUR 425.00.
- Total School Fee (annual): EUR 6,170.00.
- Total Invoice at enrolment: EUR 6,820.00.

- Grade 11
- School Fee (annual): EUR 5,745.00.
- Examination & moderation costs (IB/DP): EUR 850.00 (where applicable for exam cohorts).
- Laptop contribution: EUR 425.00.
- Total School Fee (annual): EUR 6,170.00.
- Total Invoice at enrolment: EUR 6,820.00.

- Grade 12
- School Fee (annual): EUR 5,745.00.
- Examination & moderation costs (IB/DP): EUR 850.00.
- Laptop contribution: EUR 425.00.
- Total School Fee (annual): EUR 7,020.00.
- Total Invoice at enrolment: EUR 7,670.00.

Tuition and related charges — Primary (KG1 / Grades 1–5) — academic year 2025–2026
- KG1 through Grade 5 (Primary)
- School Fee (annual): EUR 4,030.00.
- Registration fee (one‑off): EUR 150.00.
- Total Invoice at enrolment: EUR 4,180.00.

Internationaal Tweetalig VWO (Bilingual VWO) — selective VWO streams (2025–2026)
- IT Grades 7–10 (typical VWO 1–4 years): components shown include a lower annual School Fee plus additional charges for laptop contribution and excursions; example totals published for IT7–IT10 range from approx. EUR 1,866.00 to EUR 2,479.00 (depending on year and items such as excursions/exam charges).

- IT Grades 11–12 (VWO years 5–6): school fee levels for these years are shown with laptop contributions and examination/moderation charges; example totals published: IT11 total approx. EUR 2,790.00 and IT12 total approx. EUR 3,640.00 for the year depending on included exam charges.

Other specified recurring or one‑off costs
- Laptop contribution: EUR 425.00 per student where listed (applies across primary/secondary streams where specified).
- Examination and moderation costs: published per year and higher for DP/upper‑secondary exam cohorts (examples: EUR 613.00 or EUR 850.00 depending on year).
- Excursions (where applicable to a programme): example figure shown for certain VWO years (IT7–IT10) at EUR 442.00 (2025–2026 data) as part of programme costs.
- Uniform: no fixed uniform fee or mandatory uniform price schedule is published together with the school's annual fee tables; uniform purchase/prices are not listed among the published fee items.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- An invoice for tuition is issued after acceptance; the acceptance process includes payment of the registration fee (EUR 150) and an enrolment deposit (EUR 500) to secure the place.
- Proration for students who start or leave mid‑year is applied according to the month of starting/leaving. The proration percentages published for the academic year are as follows (percentage of the annual School Fee to be paid):
- Start in August or September: 100%.
- Start in October: 90%.
- Start in November: 80%.
- Start in December: 70%.
- Start in January: 60%.
- Start in February: 50%.
- Start in March: 40%.
- Start in April: 30%.
- Start in May: 20%.
- Start in June or July: 10%.
- Leaving in August or September: 50%.
- Leaving in October–December: 50% (October–December shown as 50% for leaving months in the published schedule).
- Leaving in January: 60%.
- Leaving in February: 70%.
- Leaving in March: 80%.
- Leaving in April: 90%.
- Leaving in May, June or July: 100% (full year charged if leaving in May onward).

Refund policy and special refund rules
- For students leaving during the academic year, 50% of the total School Fee is non‑refundable (the school's published rule).
- The initial registration fee (EUR 150) is non‑refundable.
- Refund of examination costs after 15 December is not permitted for exam charges that have already been invoiced. Exam registration errors and November re‑takes incur additional surcharges where applicable.

Boarding fees
- No boarding programme or boarding fees are published for the International School Hilversum Alberdingk Thijm; the school's published materials and admissions documentation do not list boarding provision or boarding charges.

Other costs and optional charges
- Optional programme costs such as excursions, specific trip contributions, and examination/moderation charges appear as additional line items in the published fee schedules for particular streams and grades (amounts are shown above where published). Laptop contributions are listed as a separate charge (EUR 425). No single, school‑wide uniform price list or fixed uniform charge is published alongside the annual fee tables.

Fee payment options
- An invoice is issued after acceptance that sets out the amount due and the payment instructions. The school's published parent and PTA materials demonstrate use of bank transfer (SEPA / IBAN) for school‑related payments; payment details for tuition and the precise accepted payment methods are provided on the invoice / enrolment documentation. Example bank accounts used for PTA payments are shown in school PTA communications (Rabobank IBANs used for PTA contributions), indicating bank transfer is a standard payment channel for school‑related charges.

Summary points for parents (concise)
- Annual tuition varies by grade and stream; primary fees start at EUR 4,030 (PYP KG1–Grade 5) and international secondary totals vary by year, with published totals for 2025–2026 shown above per grade. Registration fee EUR 150 and deposit EUR 500 are invoiced on acceptance. Laptop, exam and excursion charges are additional line items where applicable. Proration is applied by month for mid‑year starters/leavers according to the published schedule. Fifty percent of the total school fee is non‑refundable for students leaving during the academic year; registration fees are non‑refundable and exam fees are non‑refundable after 15 December. An invoice is issued after acceptance and payment instructions (including bank details) are provided on that invoice.
Academics

International School Hilversum Alberdingk Thijm teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Dutch Curriculum for students aged 4 to 18.

Curriculum
The school offers the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, Diploma Programme, and a bilingual Internationaal Tweetalig VWO stream. It is an International Baccalaureate World School and the language of instruction is English.

Exam Results
May 2025: 130 candidates registered; 124 passed the Diploma; average points 33; highest diploma points 43; average grade 5.33; pass rate 98%. Candidates who do not obtain the diploma can retake certain examinations in November or the following May.

Higher Education Progression
Graduates pursue higher education at universities and international master's programs. Sean Hofland, class of 2011, earned a PhD at the University of Zurich and works in Switzerland. Lena Grobusch, class of 2016, is pursuing an Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Degree in Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management with study in Vienna and Lund.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school includes self-knowledge and social and emotional learning as part of the learning program, with reflection and collaboration central to how students learn; it teaches the Approaches to Learning skills to empower students on their learning journeys.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Inclusion Policy supports teachers in accommodating each student's individual needs.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The Language Policy supports students who experience a barrier to learning due to operating in a language other than their home language.

Mental Wellbeing
Millie Scarborough 'Friends for Life' programme pairs Grade 6/7 students with older students to form friendships and lasting connections across the school; Rainbow Alliance is a student club focused on inclusion.

Safeguarding
The School Mission describes a supportive and safe environment and healthy relationships within the school community; in accordance with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, all decisions are made in the best interests of the student.
Parent Experience

History
The International School Hilversum ‘Alberdingk Thijm' is a long-standing, highly experienced International Baccalaureate World School offering the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, Diploma Programme, and a Bilingual VWO stream for ages 4 to 19. It is one of only a handful of schools in Northern Europe to offer the continuum of all three IB programmes, bringing the full IB experience to its students. The school operates on a single site as part of the Alberdingk Thijm Scholen consortium, with a clear mission and an internationally oriented education programme. It is located between Amsterdam and Utrecht and is easily accessible by train. The learning community includes over 45 nationalities and a diverse teaching staff.

Community
The ISHilversum is a single-site learning community with a rich mix of cultures, represented by more than 45 nationalities among students and staff. Students participate in a variety of clubs and activities including a Student Council, Sustainability Committee, Rainbow Alliance, STEAM, MUN, a Book Club and the Alberdingk Times student newspaper. The school also runs world language initiatives such as Language of the Month Celebrations, OWL Day, and Mother Tongue Day to celebrate linguistic diversity.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) has many parent volunteers who contribute to ISHilversum. The goals are to represent the interests of students and those of their parents or guardians and to promote contact between parents. The PTA advises the parent representation of the Deelmedezeggenschapsraad (DMR) of the ISHilversum, maintains contact with the Leadership Team, and organizes meetings for parents, students and teachers. The PTA also organises social events and fundraising activities in school; helps students and families new to the Netherlands settle in; and publishes the International Community Guide to Hilversum each year. The Welcome back to school BBQ is a highlight on the PTA calendar, and the PTA email is PTAISH.board@gmail.com.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The International School Hilversum Alberdingk Thijm is on a single campus at Emmastraat 56, Hilversum. The school offers the IB Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, Diploma Programme, and a bilingual VWO stream for students aged 4 to 19, all on one site. The campus supports a range of learning environments, including spaces for learning outside the classroom and the use of information and communication technology to support teaching and learning. The school's canteen has earned a Gold plaque from the Dutch Nutrition Centre for offering healthy options. The ISHilversum community comprises students from more than 45 nationalities and a wide array of student clubs and activities, including MUN, STEAM, and a Book Club.

Academic Facilities
There is an on‑campus library that provides resources for study, research and classwork and is used by clubs such as the Book Club, which uses Kindle devices funded by the library. The curriculum is delivered across the IB Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme, with learning supported by a variety of spaces and integrated information and communication technology. STEAM projects combine science, technology, engineering, mathematics and the arts in hands‑on learning. The school emphasizes learning through diversity and inquiry, supported by a digital and physical learning environment on a single campus.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Extracurricular activities include Model United Nations (MUN) clubs with participation in conferences such as LMUNA Arnhem and other events; the MUN program has a leadership structure and regional engagement. The school supports a range of student clubs and activities such as STEAM, Book Club, Rainbow Alliance, Sustainability Committee and Student Council. Excursions and exchanges are part of the learning experience, including field trips and conferences. The Book Club uses ISHilversum library resources and provides Kindle access for members.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school has a Model United Nations (MUN) club. ISH hosts its own ISHMUN conference and participates in other major MUN events such as THIMUN and MUNISH. The MUN club collaborates with the Baking Club, Photography Club, and the school's Technology/IT team during events.

Arts & Creative
The school has a Photography Club and a Baking Club. The Student Newspaper: Alberdingk Times is a student-run publication. ISH Arts Week features a Music Showcase, highlighting student creativity.

Cultural & Language
The MUN club fosters cross-cultural understanding and global citizenship. Rainbow Alliance is a student club focused on inclusion and diversity. Our World Languages (OWL) activities, including Language of the Month Celebrations and Mother Tongue Day, support linguistic and cultural diversity.

Social & Hobbies
The school supports social and hobby-based clubs such as the Photography Club and Baking Club. The Alberdingk Times is the student newspaper. ISH Arts Week includes a Music Showcase. The Dutch International Schools 7x7 Football Tournament showcases student sports and teamwork.

Community & Service
The school donated €3,258.50 to CliniClowns as part of its King's Day Service as Action. A Sustainability Day produced petitions led by the Sustainability Committee to discuss youth well-being and environmental initiatives with local government. Millie Scarborough 'Friends for Life' and Rainbow Alliance programs promote inclusion and community engagement. The school encourages volunteering and building partnerships with local organizations through the Student Portal.

Leadership & Professional
The school has a Student Council and a Sustainability Committee as formal student leadership bodies. Students lead and organize major activities, including ISHMUN and other student-led conferences. The school also joined the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The school demonstrates a focus on youth well-being, including petitions on outdoor spaces and mental health resources discussed with local officials. Buddy programs and cross-age peer activities connect younger and older students. Neighborhood walks with Grade 10 buddies foster community and social learning. The school also runs sports events such as a Dutch International Schools 7x7 Football Tournament.
Languages

Language Provision
The school offers the Primary Years Programme, the Middle Years Programme and the Diploma Programme, and a Bilingual VWO stream, for ages 4 to 19.

Bilingual Teaching
The school has a Bilingual VWO stream.
Admissions

Admissions
The International School Hilversum provides an English-language international education for 4–19 year olds and welcomes applications from all genders, ethnicities and religions. Potential families should review the Admissions Policy and How to Apply sections before submitting an enquiry.

Admissions to the International Stream (Secondary):
1. Enrolment is possible at any time during the school year if space is available. Applications are made online through Open Apply, and a school visit can be arranged by appointment with the Admissions Officer. An initial enquiry does not guarantee a place. Placement is based on space and alignment with programme requirements and families should review the policy and process before applying.
2. Conditions of entry include space availability, the school's ability to meet the student's needs, and the student's ability to fulfil programme requirements, with the Dutch Ministry of Education rules binding the process. Prioritisation places priority on certain categories of students, including those from our own PYP, international students needing a Dutch school, qualifying siblings, and other extenuating circumstances; entry is not guaranteed in strict chronological order.
3. Academic expectations require students who can profit from a challenging, English-language international education and the Diploma Programme; the programme is demanding and language-rich, and most graduates proceed to higher education. Inclusion is offered for students with learning challenges, with provisions evaluated against available facilities; families must report any diagnosed learning needs, and may be asked to provide relevant documents or undergo diagnostic testing as part of induction.
4. Age placement is governed by age with rare exceptions after careful evaluation; language requirements support international students, with English-language support (EAL) where needed in Grades 6–10. For the Diploma Programme, placement may require additional tests in Languages, Mathematics and Sciences; bilingual students may be admitted with specific criteria.
5. How to Apply: enrolment is online via Open Apply. Steps include an interest form, submission of two years of transcripts, a reference from the current school, a passport/ID, and possibly an entrance test and interview. A non-refundable administration fee is charged before any interview; upon acceptance, a €500 deposit secures the place, payable before the start date, and tuition invoices follow according to the current fee structure. New admissions are typically considered for September, January and April; admissions outside these times require prior agreement; the International Stream does not operate waiting lists.

Admissions to Primary Years Programme (PYP):
1. Access to international primary education is available to students meeting space availability and programme readiness, with priority given to international families and those with English-language education outside the Netherlands; inclusion of Dutch nationals educated in English abroad is also considered. All PYP students are reassessed for eligibility to continue into secondary international education. Applications and placement follow a process similar to the international stream, with careful consideration of space and needs.
2. Prioritisation mirrors the international stream, with emphasis on emergency cases, international families needing a school in the Netherlands, qualifying siblings, and other extenuating circumstances. Age placement generally places students between ages 4 and 11, with Grade 1 requiring age 6 by October 1 of the admission year.
3. How to Apply: all primary applications are online via Open Apply; the administrator meets with families and potential students; an initial interest form does not guarantee a place; transcripts and two years of school records must be uploaded along with a passport/ID. Inclusion-related documents and questionnaires from the current school may be requested; an administration fee is charged upon definite entry; after acceptance, tuition invoices follow according to the fee structure.

Toelating tot Internationaal Tweetalig VWO (Dutch content translated to English):
Students who have a VWO recommendation from their primary school, hold a Dutch passport, speak Dutch fluently and have home language Dutch can apply to the Internationally Bilingual VWO program. The program is taught largely in English with Latin as an extra challenge; collaboration and self-management are important in the IB Middle Years Programme. If deemed necessary, an interview may be requested after enrolment. To be admitted to the Internationally Bilingual VWO program in the first year, students must meet the stated criteria and have an equivalent education (including Latin); to enter the Diploma Programme as a bilingual student, completion of at least VWO 4 is required, with minimum grades specified for higher-level subjects. Age placement is by age, with rare exceptions after careful evaluation by the Admissions Team. The usual enrolment procedure places ITW VWO students in the first year of secondary education (Grade 7, around 12 years old), with key dates for 2026/2027 published (open day, information evening, and formal enrollment window). All applications are online via Open Apply; the first enrollment does not guarantee a place; official primary-school advice and a valid passport/ID must be uploaded; interviews may follow enrollment; after admission, a invoice will be issued. Documents and links related to the 2026 enrollment are provided. Contact details are the same as the general admissions contacts.

Waitlist
The International School Hilversum does not operate a waiting list.
School Events
The school has not added events
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