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Leiden’s international schools serve the city’s large population of academic researchers, diplomatic families, and international professionals at Leiden University and the Bio Science Park. The Leiden region has two international schools operating the International Baccalaureate curriculum and several bilingual and expat-friendly Dutch schools. For secondary education, the international school options in nearby Den Haag (10 minutes by train) significantly expand the available choice, particularly for older students. The Leiden International Centre at leideninternationalcentre.nl maintains an up-to-date school guide for newly arrived families.
School places at international schools in the Leiden region are limited and have waiting lists. Apply as early as possible, ideally six months to a year before the intended start date. For Dutch state schools, registration is through the gemeente. Many expat families in Leiden whose children are young or whose stay is expected to be long-term choose Dutch state schools with good bilingual or international language support.
International Schools near Leiden
3 schools
01International School Leiden (ISL)IB curriculum · ages 3 to 18
Wijndaelerweg 11, 2554 BZ Den Haag (The Hague Campus) · View on Google Maps
The International School Leiden is the main international school serving the Leiden expat community, with campuses in Den Haag. ISL offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP) for ages 3 to 18. The main campus is in Den Haag at Wijndaelerweg 11, 2554 BZ. Den Haag is 10 minutes by train from Leiden Centraal, making ISL accessible for Leiden-based families. ISL is a fully English-medium school with a strong international community and a reputation for academic rigour. Apply well ahead as waiting lists apply. Website: isleden.nl.
02British School in the Netherlands (BSN)British curriculum · multiple Den Haag campuses
Multiple campuses, Den Haag · 10 min by train from Leiden · View on Google Maps
The British School in the Netherlands operates multiple campuses across Den Haag offering the British National Curriculum from Early Years to A-levels, making it the primary option for British expat families and those who want a British curriculum education. Four campuses in Den Haag are all accessible from Leiden by train (10 minutes to Den Haag Centraal). BSN has a large and well-established expat community and strong university placement results. All campuses operate waiting lists. Website: britishschool.nl.
03American School of The Hague (ASH)US curriculum · Wassenaar
Rijksstraatweg 200, 2242 SA Wassenaar · View on Google Maps
The American School of The Hague in Wassenaar offers the US curriculum from Pre-K to Grade 12, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Wassenaar is 20 minutes from Leiden by bus or car. ASH is the primary choice for US expat families and those who want a US curriculum education. The school has a large international community and strong college placement. A bus service operates from various points in the region. Website: ash.nl.
Dutch Schools with Strong International Provision
2 schools
04Rijnlands Lyceum OegstgeestBilingual Dutch-English secondary · TTO programme
Apollolaan 1, 2341 BA Oegstgeest · View on Google Maps
Rijnlands Lyceum Oegstgeest, directly adjacent to Leiden, offers a bilingual TTO (tweetalig onderwijs) programme in which roughly 50 to 70% of teaching is in English from age 12. The school also offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma. For expat families whose children will integrate into the Dutch system but want a strong English-language academic track, the Rijnlands Lyceum is an excellent and geographically convenient option. Located in Oegstgeest, a 15-minute cycle from central Leiden.
05International Kindergartens and PrimaryVarious locations in Leiden
Various locations, Leiden Centrum and Bio Science Park area · View on Google Maps
Several international kindergartens and bilingual primary schools operate in Leiden, particularly in the areas near the LUMC and the Bio Science Park where the international academic community is concentrated. The Leiden International Centre maintains an up-to-date list. For younger children (ages 0 to 4) the Dutch kinderopvang (childcare) system requires a registered childcare organisation; the Leiden International Centre and the gemeente can assist with placement. Dutch state primary schools are free and many have experience with non-Dutch-speaking children.
Practical information for families
Applying to international schools: Most international schools in the Leiden region have waiting lists. Contact ISL, BSN, and ASH at least six months before the intended start date. For urgent placement, contact the school directly to explain your situation as recently arrived expats sometimes receive priority.
Dutch state schools: Dutch state primary schools (basisscholen) are free and many have experience integrating non-Dutch-speaking children through NT2 (Dutch as a second language) support. They are a strong option for families planning a longer stay of several years, as children typically achieve fluency within a year. Registration is through the gemeente.
Childcare: The Dutch kinderopvang system provides daycare and after-school care. Costs are partially subsidised through the kinderopvangtoeslag allowance from the Belastingdienst. The Leiden International Centre can advise on applying for the allowance and finding registered providers.
School transport: ISL operates a bus service. BSN operates buses from several points. ASH operates a bus from Leiden area. For Dutch schools, cycling is the norm: Leiden is very safe for children cycling.
Leiden International Centre: The LIC at leideninternationalcentre.nl runs an annual Expat Fair in September where schools present themselves and is the most efficient single resource for newly arrived families navigating education in Leiden.