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Rotterdam International Secondary School

Netherlands, Rotterdam

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Dutch
Fees €9,160 - 10,290
Ages 11 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 300
Type Co-educational
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP), BTEC Qualification, Cambridge IGCSE
Taught languages Dutch, English, Mandarin, French, German, Spanish
Typical class size 18
Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Leadership and Professional
Stages Middle School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

Rotterdam International Secondary School (RISS) is part of the Wolfert van Borselen School Group and operates two campuses: Junior on Bentincklaan 294 and Senior on Schimmelpenninckstraat 23. For students aged 11–18, the curriculum runs Foundation Years (grades 6–8), Middle Years (9–10) and Senior Years (11–12). RISS offers Cambridge IGCSE, the IB Diploma Programme (DP), the IB Career-related Programme (CP) and a BTEC International Level 3 Diploma in Business. In CP, three IB DP subjects sit with a BTEC core; DP core includes Theory of Knowledge, Creativity, Activity and Service, and the Extended Essay. A Rose Programme characterises Foundation Years as experiential learning, while Middle Years include RISS Reach course. Senior Years provide DP or CP pathways, supported by a library and digital resources, plus a broad extracurricular offering including Debate, Model United Nations and Duke of Edinburgh Award. The school represents more than 70 nationalities and offers language choices.

Bentincklaan 294, 3039 KK Rotterdam, Netherlands

The Essentials

Rotterdam International Secondary School has 300 pupils, typical class sizes of 18, instruction in English, Dutch.

Location
Rotterdam International Secondary School operates on two campuses in Rotterdam, Netherlands. The Junior Campus is located at Bentincklaan 294, 3039 KK Rotterdam. The Senior Campus is located at Schimmelpenninckstraat 23, 3039 KS Rotterdam. Contact numbers are +31 (0) 10 890 7744 (Junior) and +31 (0) 10 890 7755 (Senior).

Stages
Foundation Years (Grades 6-8); Middle Years (Grades 9-10); Senior Years (Grades 11-12).

Type
The school is an international school offering the IB Diploma Programme and IB Career-related Programme.

Additional learning support
Counselling services for students, including support for test anxiety, mood concerns, and navigating friendships.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
The school does not offer boarding facilities.

Uniform Requirement
PE uniform is required for Grades 6–9; the PE uniform is provided to each student and the initial cost is included in school fees, with replacement items not funded by the school. Dress code applies to all students; clothing should be appropriate and respectful for school, and hats or caps are not allowed in school.

Food Options
RISS has a Junior Campus dining area (Aula) and roof terrace, and a Senior Campus canteen where snacks and drinks are available; healthy options and water are provided as part of a Healthy School policy. In class, only water may be consumed, and food must be eaten in designated areas.

Governance and Ownership
The school is part of the Wolfert van Borselen school group.
Fees

Annual tuition at Rotterdam International Secondary School ranges from EUR 9,160 to EUR 10,290 for 2026/27.

Application fees

- There is no separate application fee to submit an application. Families are charged fees only after a student has been admitted and started attending school.

Registration fee and security deposit

- New student registration fee: € 250 (per student). This administration fee is charged after placement.
- New student security deposit: € 500 (per student). The deposit is paid on acceptance of a placement and secures the student's place. The security deposit is not refundable if the student does not enter the school. The deposit is held while the student is enrolled and is fully refundable when the student leaves, provided there is no outstanding money owed and required proof of leaving documentation has been completed; outstanding debts will be deducted from the deposit.

Tuition fees (annual) by year group

- Grades 6–9: € 9,160 per year.
- Grade 10: € 8,890 per year.
- Grade 11: € 10,290 per year. (A Chromebook charge of € 400 is shown separately for Grade 11 new entrants.)
- Grade 12: € 9,950 per year.

- The published tuition figures include a capital fee (capital maintenance) of € 500 per child, the cost of the annual school trip for Grades 6–9 and Grade 11, the Grade 9 GDC contribution and a PTA contribution of € 20 per child; those included items are non-refundable if a student leaves during the school year.

Instalment payment schedules (example breakdowns and dates for the 2025–2026 academic year)

- Instalment option: the school offers payment in five instalments. An instalment-payment charge of € 60 per student is applied when choosing instalments. A single full payment avoids the € 60 instalment charge and receives a € 100 discount on the school fees. Payment option choices must be submitted using the school declaration form by the stated deadline.

- Instalment dates (2025–2026 example):
- 1st instalment due by 01/10/25
- 2nd instalment due by 01/11/25
- 3rd instalment due by 01/12/25
- 4th instalment due by 01/01/26
- 5th instalment due by 01/02/26
- Payments must be made without deduction within 14 days or before the stipulated due date on the invoice.

- Instalment examples (showing new/returning and first/second child distinctions):
- Grades 6–9 (school fee € 9,160): instalment totals and per-instalment amounts vary by first/second child and new/returning status; example instalment amounts when invoiced by instalments are listed in the school fee booklet under the Grade 6–9 section. Single-payment totals reflect the removal of the € 60 instalment charge and a € 100 discount.
- Grade 10 (school fee € 8,890): five equal instalments of € 1,940 for a first child new-student instalment schedule are shown for 2025–2026; single-payment totals similarly show the € 100 discount applied. Exact instalment amounts by category are available in the detailed instalment tables.
- Grade 11 (school fee € 10,290 plus Chromebook € 400): instalment schedules show five instalments of € 2,300 (first-child new-student example) for 2025–2026; totals for single payment remove the € 60 instalment-charge and include the € 100 discount.
- Grade 12 (school fee € 9,950): instalment schedules show five instalments of € 2,152 (first-child new-student example) for 2025–2026; single-payment totals remove the instalment charge and include the € 100 discount.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Invoices are issued by the central administration of the Wolfert van Borselen Schoolgroup. Payment details and the bank account number are supplied with the invoice. Invoices are sent by e-mail (WisCollect). Debtors can pay invoices using iDEAL or by manual bank transfer; when making manual transfers, the invoice number and student name must be given as the payment reference. Company payments must use the single-payment option. Payment option forms must be returned by the stated deadline. Payments must be made without deduction within 14 days or before the invoice due date. Late or outstanding payments are subject to collection procedures by the central administration.

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not offered at this school. Students must live with a parent or guardian in the Netherlands; boarding fees are therefore not applicable.

Other costs and fees

- Chromebook (Grade 11 new students): € 400 (charged separately in the Grade 11 fee breakdown).
- Instalment payment charge: € 60 per student if paying by instalments (pro‑rata for families joining mid-year). Single full payment removes this charge.
- Textbook replacement: unreturned textbooks are charged at € 25 per book to cover replacement costs.
- Examination fees (additional, invoiced separately): approximate ranges apply and are charged by the external awarding bodies; approximate costs for 2025–2026 are shown as:
- Grade 10 IGCSE (10 subjects): approximately € 850–€ 1,050.
- Grade 12 IB Diploma: approximately € 850.
- Grade 12 IB Career-related Programme: approximately € 850.
Examination fees must be paid before registration; students will not be entered for exams if examination fees or other outstanding payments are unpaid. Additional late-registration charges or fees resulting from incorrect information are passed on to parents/guardians.
- Field trips/day excursions and some optional or specialist trips (for example ski trips) may carry additional small charges; some day or weekend trips and certain external language assessments are excluded from the tuition fee and will be invoiced separately. Snacks/lunch, travel to/from school and library late fees are not included in the tuition fee.
- A graphics calculator is supplied for all Grade 9 students and for new Grade 10 and 11 students; loss or damage requiring replacement is charged to the family.

Refund information and leaving/entry pro rata rules

- Capital fee, the annual school trip contributions for specified grades and the PTA contribution included in the tuition are non-refundable if a student leaves during the school year. The security deposit is refundable on leaving provided there are no outstanding debts and proof of leaving documentation is submitted; the security deposit is not refundable if the student never takes up the offered place. Textbook replacement charges may be deducted from the deposit where applicable.
- Pro rata rules for fees due on entry and fees due on leaving are published as a monthly percentage table. Example percentages for fees due on leaving in the 2025–2026 schedule include: August 50%, September 50%, October 50%, November 50%, December 50%, January 60%, February 70%, March 80%, April 90%, May 100%, June 100%, July 100% (the booklet contains the full month-by-month entry and leaving percentages).

Fee payment options

- Payment by single full payment (preferred) or by instalments (five instalments) is available. Single full payment receives a € 100 per-student discount and avoids the € 60 instalment charge. Instalment payments are processed by the central administration and attract the € 60 instalment charge per student. Company payments must be completed by the single-payment option. Invoices are issued by the central administration; payment can be made via iDEAL or by manual bank transfer (use invoice number and student name as reference).

Summary of the most common immediate costs to expect at admission

- Registration fee: € 250 (new students).
- Security deposit: € 500 (new students).
- Annual tuition (by grade): Grades 6–9 € 9,160; Grade 10 € 8,890; Grade 11 € 10,290 (plus Chromebook € 400 shown separately); Grade 12 € 9,950.
- Optional/additional: examination fees and trip charges as invoiced separately; textbook replacement at € 25 per book if required.
Academics

Rotterdam International Secondary School teaches IB (DP), BTEC Qualification, Cambridge IGCSE for students aged 11 to 18.

Curriculum
Foundation Years (Grades 6–8); Middle Years (Grades 9–10); Senior Years (Grades 11–12). The Foundation Years include the RISS Rose Programme, an experiential learning track inspired by the Rose Report. The Middle Years include the RISS Reach course, an interdisciplinary middle-years subject that connects to IGCSE studies and prepares students for the IB Career-related Programme and IB Diploma Programme core. In the Senior Years, students pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) and the IB Career-related Programme (CP). The DP core components are Theory of Knowledge, Creativity, Activity and Service, and the Extended Essay. The CP combines a BTEC International Level 3 Diploma in Business with three IB DP subjects, and there is a curriculum scope and sequence for Grades 11 and 12 CP.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The Pastoral Programme centers on supporting and exploring the social, emotional and physical well-being of students. The programme starts from the school's core values: relationships, courage, respect and responsibility, with tutors delivering the formal pastoral content and all teachers contributing to its consistent delivery. The International Personal, Social, Emotional and Health Programme of Study from Wayfarer Education is used in tutor classes, focusing on Health and Wellbeing, Identity, Relationships, Health, Society and the Wider World, Risk, Equality, Responsibility, Planning and Preparing for the Future, Change, Power and Future. The tutor mediates the curriculum by building relationships within the class and facilitating discussion, debate and projects. The tutor is the first point of contact for pastoral concerns and is supported by the Head of Section and the counsellor, with horizontal and vertical alignment of the programme across year levels.

Mental Wellbeing
Counselling is available to students facing difficulties such as test anxiety, low mood or navigating friendships. Sessions respect privacy, with confidentiality maintained except in cases of abuse, threats to self, or harm to others, which must be reported under Dutch law. Counselling aims to help students set and work toward personal goals, typically within six sessions, and if needed, assistance is provided to access longer-term Dutch mental health care. The process involves referrals via tutors and the Head of Section, with direct contact to the counsellors at cse@wolfert.nl. In emergencies, call 112; the Netherlands' suicide prevention hotline is 113; for suspected abuse or endangerment, contact Veilig House at 0800-2000 or the Rotterdam Crisis Intervention Team at 010 233 00 00.

Safeguarding
RISS is committed to child safety and the well-being and protection of students and staff. It is part of the Wolfert van Borselen school group and serves students from over 50 countries, with safeguarding approaches that consider multicultural aspects and include safety awareness training as an integral part of curriculum delivery. A holistic safeguarding framework includes a comprehensive pastoral programme, a dedicated Student Protection Lead & team, ongoing professional development for teachers and staff, and coordination with local and national authorities who specialize in protecting youth. The school engages students, teachers, staff and parents to maintain a safe and approachable learning environment. For a comprehensive view of protocols, the Key Documents page contains policies and procedures governing child protection issues such as abuse, neglect, bullying (including online), safe hiring, emergency management, and the Dutch reporting code.
Parent Experience

History
RISS is part of the Wolfert van Borselen School Group, with a Junior Campus at Bentincklaan 294 and a Senior Campus at Schimmelpenninckstraat 23 in Rotterdam. Foundation Years (Grades 6–8) lead into Middle Years (Grades 9–10) and Senior Years (Grades 11–12), with IB Diploma Programme and IB Career-related Programme available in the senior years. The RISS Rose Programme was phased in with Grade 6 in 2021. Leadership is provided by a Director/Executive Principal who has overall responsibility for the Wolfert van Borselen School Group. Evidence: Foundation Years structure and Rose Programme (Foundation Years; Rose Programme), IB DP/CP, campus locations, and Wolfert governance.

Community
RISS emphasizes core values of Relationships, Courage, Respect and Responsibility. The school publicly shares leadership updates and events, including the appointment of a new permanent Principal on 13 February 2025; COMET Self-Image Training on 19 November 2024; and Anti-Bullying Week on 15 November 2024. The Events calendar shows active student life such as Ski Trips (February 2026), Grade 11 Trip to Kunsthal Rotterdam (9 March 2026), and events involving the Forze Hydrogen Racing Team, reflecting a vibrant calendar of activities. RISS Stories highlight staff perspectives from teachers.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The PTA is a voluntary group of parents that builds a community and strengthens partnership between school, students and parents. The PTA meets once a month; meetings are open to all parents and staff; the PTA board includes roles such as Chair and Treasurer, and members are invited to engage in school projects and governance discussions.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The Rotterdam International Secondary School operates on two campuses in Rotterdam: the Junior Campus at Bentincklaan 294, 3039 KK Rotterdam, and the Senior Campus at Schimmelpenninckstraat 23, 3039 KS Rotterdam. The Senior Campus houses the RISS Library in the ORC. The library provides a growing collection of books, periodicals, and online resources to support students throughout their education as well as leisure reading for families. Students can borrow ebooks and audiobooks via Sora, and JSTOR and Britannica Schools are available alongside a New York Times subscription for staff and students. A librarian supports research, and the Aura Online Library Catalog provides catalog search access.

Academic Facilities
The RISS Library is a center for learning, reading and research located in the ORC at the Senior Campus. It has a growing collection of books, periodicals, and online resources to support students throughout their education at RISS as well as providing leisure reading for students and their families. RISS provides access to digital resources including JSTOR and Britannica Schools. It has a school subscription to the New York Times for students with a school email address. The librarian, Ms. Bier, provides expert support for students and teachers; the Aura Online Library Catalog is available for searching the library collection.

Extra Curricular Facilities
At RISS, students participate in a wide variety of extra-curricular clubs run by experienced teachers or coaches. Sporting clubs include Multi-sport, Floorball/Indoor Hockey, Jiu-jitsu, Tennis, Badminton and Basketball. Non-sporting clubs include Debate Club, Green (Eco School) Team, Gala Committee, Queer Spectrum Alliance, Tech Crew, Duke of Edinburgh International Award, Model United Nations, RISSUE Team (School Magazine), Music School, Student Leadership Team (StuLT), and Human Rights. The program includes numerous activities and trips planned throughout the school year.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Foundation Years are Grades 6–8 (ages 11–14). The Rose Programme supports a smooth transition into secondary school with an inquiry-based, diverse core that includes pastoral and language opportunities. Middle Years are Grades 9–10 and combine the Cambridge IGCSE with RISS subjects, with regular Dutch language learning and a focus on wellbeing and community through the RISS Reach programme. Senior Years are Grades 11–12 and offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) or the IB Career-related Programme (CP), with a subject package that includes Higher and Standard Level options and the DP core (Theory of Knowledge, Creativity, Activity and Service, Extended Essay) or the CP core (Personal and Professional Skills, Community Engagement, Reflective Project, Language and Cultural Studies). Subject choices depend on student numbers and teacher availability.

Arts & Creative
Arts, Music and Physical Education are part of the curriculum, with the Arts emphasising creative and critical thinking across disciplines. The Music Department provides opportunities to create, perform and use technology, and supports participation in external examinations or competitions (e.g., AMIS or ABRSM). The Arts offer a platform for students to develop subject-specific knowledge and express themselves artistically through drama, music and visual arts.

Cultural & Language
The language department offers English Language, English as an Additional Language, Dutch, French, German, Spanish and Chinese. Heritage language options and two language electives are available to pupils, with opportunities to showcase languages during events such as International Language Day. International Language Day is celebrated in March, highlighting both mother-tongue languages and languages learned at school. The school represents more than 70 nationalities, reflecting its international character.

Social & Hobbies
A broad range of extra-curricular activities is offered, including Sporting Clubs (multi-sport, floorball/indoor hockey, jiu-jitsu, tennis, badminton, basketball) and Non-Sporting Clubs (Debate Club, Eco Team, Gala Committee, Queer Spectrum Alliance, Tech Crew, Duke of Edinburgh International Award, Model United Nations, RISSUE, Music School, Student Leadership Team and Human Rights). All clubs are led by experienced teachers or coaches and there are opportunities for trips and events throughout the year. These activities give students avenues to develop new skills, make friends and enjoy their time at school.

Community & Service
The IB Career-related Programme includes a strong Community Engagement component and encourages students to undertake projects beyond the classroom. Students participate in community projects such as greenhouse gardening, anti-littering campaigns, volunteering and assisting at events like TEDx in Rotterdam. The Pastoral Programme and related curricula support social responsibility and community involvement within the school culture.

Leadership & Professional
The school runs a Student Leadership Programme (StuLT) that fosters student voice and leadership through a structured Student Leadership Team. Careers & Higher Education Guidance provides individual guidance on career paths and university options, supported by tools like Unifrog and a programme of events including career fairs and alumni visits. Students and parents can access guidance through the Careers & HE team, with coordinators and contact details provided in the programme materials.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The Pastoral Programme focuses on social, emotional and physical well-being, guided by the Wayfarer Education Personal, Social, Emotional and Health framework. Tutors deliver the pastoral curriculum, with training for teachers to recognise child safety and well-being needs and to address issues such as drug prevention through partnerships like YOUZ. Topics include health and wellbeing, identity, relationships, social media awareness and planning for the future, all aimed at supporting students' holistic development.
Languages

Language Provision
RISS offers EAL (English as Another Language), Dutch, French, German, Spanish and Chinese. Language Village takes place in May, and International Language Day is held in February. English Language, Literature & Society is taught, and in the IB Diploma Programme, English A: Language and Literature (SL and HL) is offered alongside English A: Literature (SL and HL).
Admissions

Admissions
Step 1: Check eligibility criteria and begin the application via OpenApply. If your child meets the eligibility criteria, begin the application after reading the information on this page. The OpenApply system collects initial information about you and your child(ren) and guides you to the next steps.

Step 2: Fill in the requested information about you and your child(ren). Provide accurate information; you can save progress and return later. If you need assistance, the Admissions Team can guide you through this step.

Step 3: Submit your application. The Admissions Team can view your submission and guide you if needed. The Admissions Team begins reviewing only after all required documents are submitted. Once the review begins, you will be contacted with the next steps, including an interview with the Head of Years, attended by you and your child(ren).

Step 4: Upload all required documents in the checklist. Upload all required documents in the OpenApply checklist and ensure they are complete. Use the OpenApply checklist as your guide for completing any remaining steps in the application. The Admissions Team can assist if you need help with documents.

Step 5: Capacity and programme information. SCHOOL YEAR 2025-2026: Foundation Years (Grades 6-8) open for all grades; Middle Years (Grade 9-10) limited capacity for Grade 9 and Grade 10 is full; Senior Years (Grade 11-12) limited capacity for Grade 11; Grade 12 is full. SCHOOL YEAR 2026-2027: Foundation Years (Grades 6-8) open for all grades; Middle Years open for all grades; Senior Years open for both DP and CP programmes. RISS offers a Learning Diversity Programme, with availability dependent on students entering or leaving the programme. For Grades 10 and 12, admission requires prior study of IGCSE or IBDP/CP and subject alignment; provide details of current subjects and syllabus codes (IGCSE), or progress in CAS, EE and TOK (IBDP) during the application process for transfer assessment.
School Events
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