International Schools in The Hague

The most popular international school in The Hague for expat families seeking quality at accessible cost. ISH is partly government-funded, making its fees significantly lower than fully private schools while delivering an internationally recognised IB curriculum throughout. Around 2,000 students from 107 nationalities attend, making it one of the most genuinely diverse school communities in the Netherlands. The primary school follows the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) and was the first school in the world to achieve Mastering accreditation in IPC. Secondary students follow the IB Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme with results consistently above world averages. The campus at Kijkduin consolidates primary and secondary on one site. Given the subsidised fees and strong reputation, ISH is consistently oversubscribed: apply as early as possible, ideally a year before your planned start date.

Part of the Schola Europaea network of European Schools, the ESH follows the European Schools curriculum leading to the European Baccalaureate, a qualification recognised by all EU universities. Teaching is genuinely multilingual with sections in multiple EU languages plus English. Priority admission is given to children of staff at recognised EU institutions in The Hague, for whom entry is prioritised and fees are subsidised or free. For other families fees run 7,500 to 12,000 euros per year. The multilingual environment and European Baccalaureate qualification are exceptionally well-suited to children who will continue to live internationally throughout their education. For EU institution staff this is typically the first school to consider.

One of the most established and respected international schools in the Netherlands, serving the expat community for over 90 years. BSN follows the English National Curriculum from Early Years through to Sixth Form and is the only school in the Netherlands offering both A-Levels and BTECs alongside the IB Diploma and IB Career-related Programme: the widest range of sixth form qualifications in the country. The primary campuses in Voorschoten and Leidschenveen are accessible from most Den Haag neighborhoods within 20 to 30 minutes. Particularly popular with British families and those from Commonwealth countries who want curriculum continuity. University placement results are consistently strong. A school bus network serves most of the main expat neighborhoods.

Located in Wassenaar north of The Hague, ASH is the natural choice for American families and those on US embassy or American corporate postings. The school delivers an American curriculum framework from preschool through Grade 12 with Advanced Placement courses and the IB Diploma Programme available in senior years. Fully accredited by NEASC. The Wassenaar campus is well-resourced with world-class facilities and a dedicated transition programme that helps newly arrived children settle quickly. Fees are mid-range by The Hague international school standards. The Wassenaar and Statenkwartier areas are popular residential choices for ASH families.

A primary school in central The Hague running an English-medium core curriculum in the mornings with Dutch language and culture lessons in the afternoons. A practical and popular choice for families who want genuine bilingual preparation that equips children for both the Dutch secondary system and continued international schooling. The multicultural community reflects The Hague’s international character. Centrally located, it is accessible from most of the main expat neighborhoods on foot or by short tram ride, making the daily school run significantly easier than for families commuting to schools in Wassenaar or Voorschoten.

Recognised as an Excellent German School Abroad, the DISDH delivers the German curriculum from a bilingual kindergarten from age two through to the German Abitur at 18. The school combines the German academic framework with an international perspective appropriate for children growing up in The Hague. An excellent choice for German families, for those planning to return to Germany, and for families who want the rigour and international recognition of the German curriculum. The bilingual kindergarten from age two is a distinctive early-education offer not available at most international schools in the city.

Part of the AEFE network of French schools abroad, preparing students from age three through to the French Baccalaureate at 18. Teaching follows the French Ministry of National Education curriculum throughout. A partial French government subsidy keeps fees significantly more accessible than fully private schools, making it one of the better value options in The Hague for families who want a European curriculum pathway. An excellent choice for French families, for those with a French-language background, and for internationally mobile families who want the portability of the French curriculum across AEFE schools worldwide.

A state-subsidised IB school in Delft, 10 minutes by direct train from The Hague, offering the IB Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme with plans for the Diploma Programme. Popular with families based across the Den Haag and Rotterdam area who want a subsidised IB education in a smaller, more intimate community than ISH. The Delft connection to TU Delft gives the school a STEM-oriented community character that appeals to families with technical or scientific backgrounds. A practical option for families who find ISH oversubscribed or who live on the Delft side of The Hague.

Annual tuition fees are only part of the cost. Expect a non-refundable application fee of 250 to 500 euros and a one-off enrolment fee of 1,500 to 4,000 euros at fully private schools. School bus transport across The Hague typically costs 1,800 to 3,200 euros per year. External IB and IGCSE exam fees add 1,000 to 2,500 euros in upper secondary. Many employers in diplomacy, international organisations and multinationals include school fee allowances in relocation packages: confirm this before accepting a contract. Families benefiting from the 30% ruling may be able to use part of their increased net salary to offset fees. For families with multiple school-age children, the cumulative annual cost can be very significant: plan carefully before committing to a neighborhood and a school combination.

ISH is consistently oversubscribed given its subsidised fees and IB curriculum: apply a year in advance and contact the admissions office as early as possible. The BSN, ASH and ESH can also have waiting lists, particularly for August and September starts when diplomatic posting cycles change. Do not assume a place is available until you have written confirmation. If your first choice school does not have space, International School Delft is a practical subsidised IB alternative a short train ride away. For children arriving mid-year, most schools can accommodate applications throughout the year if space exists, but the most popular year groups fill quickly.

School location should factor into your neighborhood choice before you sign a lease. ISH at Kijkduin, BSN at Voorschoten and Leidschenveen, and ASH at Wassenaar are all within 20 to 30 minutes of the main expat neighborhoods by school bus or car. The central schools (HSV, Lycée, DISDH) are accessible on foot or short tram. For younger children the school run is a daily commitment worth testing before committing to a neighborhood and school combination. The Statenkwartier is the most commonly chosen neighborhood for families at the BSN and ASH. Archipelbuurt and Benoordenhout suit ESH and ASH families well.

Documents typically required for admission include previous school reports, a birth certificate, a passport copy, proof of The Hague address, a BSN number once available, and confirmation from your employer of your international status. See the BSN guide if you have not yet registered. Eligibility for subsidised schools requires proof of international status: a foreign passport and evidence of relocation to the Netherlands from abroad. The Hague International Centre on Spui 70 runs free orientation sessions for newly arrived expats that include school navigation advice and is worth visiting in your first weeks in the city.