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International School Utrecht

Netherlands, Amsterdam

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees €4,820 - 7,700
Ages 4 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1150
Type Co-educational
Opened 2012
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Taught languages Dutch, Spanish, Turkish, Italian, Portuguese, Hindi, Tamil, German, Hebrew, French, Japanese
Typical class size 22
Strengths Sport, Languages, Performing Arts
Clubs Cultural and Language, Arts and Creative, Social and Hobbies
Stages Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, High School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction

International School Utrecht (ISU) is an IB Continuum school, offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP) for students aged 4 to 18. Instruction is in English, with an English Language Acquisition programme to support multilingual learners. ISU is state-subsidised and accredited by the International Baccalaureate and the Council of International Schools, taught in a Dutch setting. The PYP is inquiry-based and transdisciplinary, emphasizing student voice and units that integrate mathematics and language. The MYP develops internationally minded learners across eight subject groups, with Grade 10 pathways toward the DP. The DP includes TOK, Extended Essay and CAS, with many subjects at Higher and Standard Levels. ISU currently operates a two-storey temporary campus in Papendorp with capacity for about 1,200 students and a large sports hall. A new Utrecht Science Park campus is under construction and slated to open in 2027, with theatres, labs, arts spaces and sports facilities.

Van Deventerlaan 1, 3528 AG Utrecht, Netherlands

The Essentials

International School Utrecht has 1,150 pupils, typical class sizes of 22, instruction in English.

Location
The school is located at Van Deventerlaan 1, 3528 AG Utrecht, Netherlands. It sits in the city of Utrecht in the central Netherlands. The Utrecht International Centre information desk is located in Stadskantoor near Utrecht Central Station, illustrating proximity to transit and services for international families.

Stages
The school offers three IB programmes: Primary Years Programme (4–11), Middle Years Programme (11–16) and Diploma Programme (16–18). The Primary Years Programme covers ages 4–11, the Middle Years Programme covers ages 11–16, and the Diploma Programme covers ages 16–18.

Type
The school is an IB World School. It offers the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme.

Additional learning support
The school provides additional educational needs support through an inclusion team that includes school counsellors, inclusion coaches and a specialist. The school provides learning support services through the inclusion team, including in-class support, small group support and, where needed, individual support. The school uses a three-tier inclusion framework to organise interventions and progress monitoring.

Country affiliation
The Netherlands.

School day structure
The school starts Kindergarten and Primary with drop-off at 8:00 and first lessons at 8:30. The school notes Secondary travel by bike and may use public transport if coming from further away; the day includes timetable-based lessons, self-study periods and field trips. The school is mobile-free, with devices put away during the day.

Bus service
Public transport is available via bus, tram and train (U-OV and NS) in Utrecht and the surrounding area. Many students travel by bike, and those from further away may rely on public transport.
Diving Deeper

Food Options
Primary students eat their packed lunch in the classroom and have a morning snack break. Secondary students often bring their own packed lunch, which they may heat up at school; they can also order a salad or sandwich from an external catering company set up in the school. Secondary lunch runs 12:45-13:30.

Governance and Ownership
ISU is a Dutch International School governed by two cooperating local school boards: SPO Utrecht (primary) and NUOVO Scholen (secondary).
Fees

Annual tuition at International School Utrecht ranges from EUR 4,820 to EUR 7,700 for 2026/27.

Application & enrolment fees

- Application fee (non-refundable): EUR 250.
- Enrolment fee / deposit for new students (payable in advance): EUR 750. This enrolment fee serves as the deposit once the child starts school and is non-refundable if you decline the offered place.

Tuition fees by year group (annual and per-term instalment amounts)

Note: instalment payments are structured as four equal payments (25% each) when instalments are used; amounts below show the annual fee and the value of one instalment (25%).

- Primary (KG1 – Grade 5)
- Annual tuition for existing students: EUR 4,820.
- Per instalment (25%): EUR 1,205.
- New-student first invoice: Annual tuition EUR 4,820 + Enrolment fee EUR 750 = Total invoice EUR 5,570 (enrolment fee payable in advance).

- Secondary — MYP (Grades 6–10)
- Annual tuition for existing students: EUR 6,050.
- Per instalment (25%): EUR 1,512.50.
- New-student first invoice: Annual tuition EUR 6,050 + Enrolment fee EUR 750 = Total invoice EUR 6,800.

- Secondary — DP (Grades 11 and 12)
- Grade 11 annual tuition for existing students: EUR 6,950. Per instalment (25%): EUR 1,737.50.
- Grade 12 annual tuition for existing students: EUR 6,950. Per instalment (25%): EUR 1,737.50.
- DP examination fee (Grade 12): EUR 800 (additional one-off fee invoiced for DP exam).
- New-student first invoices: Grade 11 = EUR 6,950 + EUR 750 enrolment = EUR 7,700; Grade 12 = EUR 6,950 + EUR 800 DP exam fee = EUR 7,750 (enrolment fee not applicable for Grade 12 new intake as listed).

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Four payment options are accepted:
- Full payment by direct debit.
- Payment by direct debit in instalments (available for students starting at the beginning of the academic year).
- Manual payment by parent within 14 days of the invoice date.
- Manual payment by company within 14 days of the invoice date.
Parents remain ultimately responsible for payment regardless of any employer commitment.

- Instalment timing (direct debit instalments):
- 25% due by end of September; 25% due by end of October; 25% due by end of November; 25% due by end of December. An administration charge of EUR 10 applies for payment by instalment. Full fee settlement is required by the stated deadline in the invoice schedule.

- Bank/payment details and instructions:
- The school uses separate bank accounts for primary and secondary invoicing; payments must clearly display the student's full name and invoice number. Primary (PYP) IBAN: NL28RABO0182469549 (SPOUtrecht). Secondary (MYP/DP) IBAN: NL04RABO0356552195 (NUOVO). BIC: RABONL2U. Bank address: Rabobank Utrecht, Beneluxlaan 31-33, 3526 KK Utrecht.

- Non-payment consequences:
- Failed direct debits may lead to termination of the direct debit agreement; outstanding debts are transferred to a debt collection agency and additional costs will be charged to the parent/legal guardian. Persistent non-payment may result in referral of the student to the national education system.

Boarding fees

- Boarding: Not applicable. International School Utrecht operates as a day school and does not provide boarding facilities.

Other costs and optional fees

- MYP e-Assessment (external moderation / invoiced separately):
- Partial e-Assessment (per course): EUR 60.
- Personal Project and Interdisciplinary Assessment: EUR 120.
- e-Assessment certificate (8 components): EUR 420.

- Items and activities excluded from the standard tuition fee (invoiced separately):
- External tuition and tutoring, School Supported Self-Taught (SSST) language tuition and materials, after-school clubs, home language lessons, Pamoja fees, optional overnight stays, and some optional activities.

- Laptop requirement and cost responsibility:
- All students from Grade 6 upwards are expected to have an Apple MacBook for school use; families must purchase this device themselves. The school operates an Apple webshop option and recommends purchasing insurance and repairs (36-month cover option available via the school webshop). Any purchase and insurance cost is borne by the family.

- After-school activities, optional overnight trips and some assessments are charged separately and will appear on later invoices as required.

Discounts and fee reductions

- Sibling discount: Families with three or more children attending the school receive a 30% reduction on school fees starting from the third child and for each additional child thereafter.

- Mid-year starter fee reduction (prorated scale when students start after the academic year begins):
- Full amount if start in August or September.
- 90% if start in October; 80% November; 70% December; 60% January; 50% February; 40% March; 30% April; 20% May/June.

Refunds and deposit return

- Refunds for leaving during the school year (percentage of the annual tuition refunded depending on month of departure):
- August–December: 50% refund.
- January: 40% refund.
- February: 30% refund.
- March: 20% refund.
- April: 10% refund.
- May–July: no refund.
Note: specific departure procedures and the leaving form must be completed to process refunds.

- Deposit return:
- Thirty (30) days' notice via the leaving form is required to return the deposit. The deposit is reimbursed only when all financial obligations are met and school property is returned. Families who have re-enrolled and then cancel after 1 June are not eligible for deposit return except where ISU recommends an alternative programme.

Fee payment methods (summary)

- Accepted/available payment methods: direct debit (full or instalments), manual bank transfer/payment by parent, or manual payment by company within 14 days of invoice. Direct debit creditor IDs appear on statements; separate creditor IDs are used for primary and secondary billing. Credit/debit card payment is not listed as a standard payment method in the standard terms and conditions. An administration charge of EUR 10 applies for instalment plans.

Administrative notes

- Instalment payments are available only for students starting at the beginning of the academic year; instalment processing carries a EUR 10 administration fee and must be fully settled by the deadline stated in the invoice schedule.
Academics

International School Utrecht teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 4 to 18.

Curriculum
ISU is an IB World Continuum school offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). The PYP is inquiry-based and transdisciplinary, with student voice and ownership of learning, using units of inquiry that integrate mathematics and language while developing international-mindedness. The MYP develops active, internationally-minded learners through inquiry into local, national and global issues, organized into eight subject groups; in Grade 10 students begin more individualized pathways to prepare for the DP. The DP comprises six subject groups plus a core of Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE) and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), with many subjects offered at Higher Level and Standard Level. ISU is a state-subsidised Dutch international school accredited by the International Baccalaureate and the Council of International Schools, and taught in a Dutch setting.

Exam Results
Class of 2025: 77 registered in May; 75 passed; 97% passing rate; 4 registered in November with 100% passing rate for the cohort including November; ISU average points 32.2; highest score 45; 17 bilingual diplomas. Class of 2024: 63 registered; 63 passed; 100% passing rate; bilingual diplomas 18; worldwide May session passing rate 80%; ISU average 31.6; highest 43. Class of 2023: 50 registered; 49 passed; 98% passing rate including November retake; bilingual diplomas 18; worldwide May session 79%; ISU average 31.5; highest 43. Graduates have enrolled in universities including Imperial College London, TU Delft, University College London (UCL), London School of Economics (LSE), University of Amsterdam (UvA), Utrecht University (UU), University College Roosevelt, University of Galway, University of Hong Kong, Wageningen University & Research (WUR) and others.

Higher Education Progression
Graduates pursue higher education at universities around the world. ISU alumni study at institutions such as Imperial College London, TU Delft, University College London, LSE, University of Amsterdam (UvA), Utrecht University (UU), University College Roosevelt, University of Galway, University of Hong Kong, Wageningen University & Research (WUR) and others.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school creates a positive and supportive environment that fosters belonging and well-being. The IB programmes are designed to ensure inclusivity and equal opportunities for all learners. The Inclusion Team provides learning support, early intervention, in-class support, small-group and individual interventions. Student voice is encouraged and involved in planning and reviewing learning. A multilingual approach supports access to the curriculum and social inclusion.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Additional educational needs refer to groups who may face barriers to education and learning. Categories include communication & interaction; cognition & learning; social, emotional and mental health difficulties; and sensory and/or physical needs. The inclusion framework uses three tiers to provide instruction and interventions at increasing levels of intensity. The Inclusion Team delivers learning support through consultation, observation, in-class support, small-group and individual support. ISU collaborates with regional support networks for Primary and Secondary and has a school doctor and nurse appointed by the municipality, coordinating with the Attendance officer and Buurtteam as needed.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The language of instruction is English; all classes are taught in English, except Dutch Language Acquisition and secondary Spanish Language Acquisition. A multilingual approach recognises the value of home languages and multilingual learning. The school provides an English Language Acquisition (ELA) program for learners whose first language is not English; in primary, specialist ELA teachers work with classroom teachers with stand-alone ELA sessions. In secondary, students join English Language Acquisition (ENLA) classes and attend stand-alone ELA sessions in the Language Hub. Students may be asked to take a language assessment as part of enrolment.

Mental Wellbeing
Well-being is central to student success; the school provides a positive, safe and supportive environment to help students thrive. The Inclusion Team, including school counsellors and inclusion coaches, delivers support for social-emotional and mental health needs, with early intervention where possible. Student voice is encouraged in planning and reviewing learning to foster resilience and belonging. The school also provides health support through a school doctor and nurse appointed by the municipality and coordinates with local services as needed.

Safeguarding
The school takes safeguarding seriously with annual safeguarding and child protection training for all staff; a safeguarding lead and an inclusion team ensure school-wide focus. A safe learning environment is maintained; staff require a Police Clearance Certificate (VOG) and recruitment includes reference checks. Staff are trained to identify and respond to signs of abuse or neglect and take appropriate action, including involving local or international authorities when necessary. The school provides for trainees with an intensive guidance procedure; trainees must provide a valid VOG before entering their traineeship.
Parent Experience

Community
ISU fosters a connected Utrecht community. The Utrecht International Centre information desk is located in Stadskantoor near Utrecht Central Station, is open five days a week, and helps with residency permits/visas and registration with the municipality. ISU highlights the expat community by listing organizations such as International Women's Contact Utrecht, Utrecht mamas, Expats in Utrecht, Expats Utrecht, Make the Most of Utrecht, Expatica, Access and Iamexpat, and English-language news sources like Holland Times and Dutch News. The school community participates in celebrations of learning, school festivals, concerts and whole-school celebrations.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Parent Support Group (PSG) helps parents connect by organizing monthly events such as coffee mornings, daytime outings and evening drinks, and supports parent clubs including running club, language club and book club. PSG can be contacted at psg@parent.isutrecht.nl. New Parent Connectors assist new parents with school information and link them with Grade parents. Each primary class has at least one parent representative who works with the teacher to recruit volunteers for class activities and excursions. ISU also has a Participation Council (PC) that includes staff, parents and students and advises on school vision and planning; PC regulations were updated in June 2024, and annual reports for 2022–23, 2023–24 and 2024–25 are available.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school operates from a temporary two-storey campus at Van Deventerlaan 1 in Utrecht Papendorp, with room for 1,200 students. A large temporary sports hall at the rear serves both primary and secondary students. Construction is underway for a new, purpose-built campus at Utrecht Science Park on Cambridgelaan 101 and is scheduled to be fully operational in 2027. The new campus will include indoor and outdoor sports facilities and a theatre, as well as spaces for science labs, visual arts and design, music studios, and outdoor learning. Regular building updates are published.

Sports Facilities
The school has a large temporary sports hall at the rear of the Papendorp campus used by both primary and secondary students. The temporary campus includes a two-storey building with space for 1,200 students. The new Utrecht Science Park campus will feature dedicated indoor and outdoor sports facilities.

Academic Facilities
The new campus will offer indoor and outdoor sports facilities and a theatre. It will provide comfortable classrooms, science labs, visual arts and design spaces, music studios, and green spaces for outdoor learning. It will also provide spaces for independent learning and social spaces.

Extra Curricular Facilities
After School Activities (ASA's) are run over two terms from September until February and from March until June. ASA's organised by ISU include Home Language Clubs (Grades 1-5) with languages such as Arabic, French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Japanese, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Tamil and Turkish, and music programs including a private instrumental lessons program and the ISU Music Academy with seven musical projects across levels. Other ISU activities include Ballet (KG & Gr1), Chess (Gr1–5), Crochet (Gr3–5), Drama (Gr2–5), Football (Gr1–5), Guruscool Abacus (Gr1–5), and Photo Club (Gr3–5). Kind & Co Ludens offers varying after-school activities, including arts & crafts. Sign-ups are via a school app shortly before activities begin.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
ISU participates in the National Educational Fair (NOT) with a Design Team from Grades 8–9 that demonstrates 3D printing, laser cutting, soldering and coding for Junior IOT. The library provides personalised support for research, academic writing, referencing and responsible technology use. The language of instruction is English, and an English Language Acquisition (ELA) programme helps learners whose first language is not English access the curriculum.

Arts & Creative
ISU has an ambitious music programme for KG-Grade 9 delivered by an experienced music team. The ISU Music Academy runs group lessons and private instrumental lessons and includes seven musical projects. Private instrumental lessons cover vocal, drums, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, guitar, violin/viola, cello and piano, with after-school lessons available.

Cultural & Language
Home Language Clubs for Grades 1–5 are offered after school, including languages such as Arabic, French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Japanese, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Tamil and Turkish. English is the language of instruction, with an English Language Acquisition (ELA) programme to help learners whose first language is not English access the curriculum. The language acquisition approach supports multilingual learning and curriculum access.

Social & Hobbies
After School Activities & Care offers Ballet (KG & Gr1), Chess (Gr1–5), Crochet (Gr3–5), Drama (Gr2–5), Football (Gr1–5) and Photo Club (Gr3–5). Home Language Clubs are available as part of ASA with languages including Arabic, French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Japanese, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Tamil and Turkish. ISU Running Group provides a weekly social run for parents, with coffee and chat after the run.

Community & Service
Service as Action (SAA) is an integral part of the Middle Years Programme at ISU, giving students aged 11-16 the chance to learn and grow through community service. SAA projects include volunteering at local soup kitchens and fundraising for causes, with students choosing projects that hold personal significance. SAA develops critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, collaboration and leadership, following a four-step process from investigation to action.

Leadership & Professional
SAA fosters leadership and professional skills through project coordination and teamwork. Students take active roles in planning and managing SAA projects. ISU's student-led design team has represented the school at external events, such as the National Educational Fair (NOT). The SAA program is led by a dedicated coordinator who guides the projects.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
ISU Running Group offers a weekly social run for parents, promoting fitness and community. Grade 2 students participate in swimming lessons as part of the school's safety and wellbeing program. Mental well-being is addressed in ISU's educational events, such as themes highlighted at the National Educational Fair (NOT) 2025. After School Activities & Care support wellbeing through structured activities and care.
Languages

Language Provision
ISU uses English as the language of instruction, with Dutch Language Acquisition and Spanish Language Acquisition taught as separate language courses. An English Language Acquisition (ELA) program supports learners whose first language is not English in both primary and secondary. In secondary, English Language Acquisition (ENLA) classes and a Language Hub provide ongoing language support, and students may be required to take a language assessment during enrolment. Home Language Clubs and Home Languages Week celebrate multilingualism.

Bilingual Teaching
No bilingual teaching; English is the language of instruction. Dutch Language Acquisition and Spanish Language Acquisition are taught as separate language subjects.
Admissions

Admissions
Get in touch. We would like to get to know your child(ren). Please contact our admissions team through OpenApply, our admissions portal. This initial contact starts the admissions process.
Providing documentation. When you start the admissions process, we will ask you to upload information about the languages your child(ren) speak(s) and their educational background. This documentation helps the admissions team understand your child(ren)'s profile. Submitting the information advances you to the next stage of the process.
Application stage. We will talk to you and look at your documentation to make sure that there is a good match between the school's educational provision and your child(ren)'s needs. The admissions team may discuss next steps and timelines with you. You will be updated as the process progresses.
Welcome and onboarding. Once placement is confirmed, you will receive welcome information. On your starting date, you will be welcomed by the admissions team and join an induction meeting. Your child(ren) will be welcomed and supported by their classroom teacher or mentor.
School Events
The school has not added events
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