International School Hilversum Alberdingk Thijm vs International School Laren
International School Hilversum Alberdingk Thijm and International School Laren are both in Amsterdam, about 4 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes, and International School Hilversum Alberdingk Thijm also offers Dutch. Published annual fees are €1,866 - 8,164 at International School Hilversum Alberdingk Thijm and €5,355 - 7,020 at International School Laren, which puts International School Laren roughly 23% higher. International School Hilversum Alberdingk Thijm takes pupils from 4 to 18, and International School Laren from 11 to 18. International School Hilversum Alberdingk Thijm is the larger school, with around 700 pupils to International School Laren's 125.
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.
Location
Langsakker 4a, 1251 GB Laren, Netherlands. The school is on the grounds of Laar & Berg in the Het Gooi region, near Hilversum, about 30 minutes southeast of Amsterdam and Schiphol airport.
Stages
Stages
Primary Years Programme; Middle Years Programme; Diploma Programmes; Bilingual VWO stream; for ages 4 to 19.
Stages
Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP).
School type
School type
IB World School offering PYP, MYP, DP and bilingual VWO; day school; coeducational.
School type
IB World School
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
Over 45 nationalities represented; a diverse student body.
Pupil nationality mix
More than 30 nationalities represented.
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
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Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school operates in the Netherlands.
Country affiliation
Netherlands
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
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.
School day structure
The school day starts at 8:30am and ends no later than 3:30pm.
Bus service details
Bus service details
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Bus service details
A bus stop is located outside the school.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
International School Hilversum Alberdingk Thijm — School Fees (current academic year 2025–2026)
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.
Fee details
Application / Registration fees and deposit
- Registration fee: €150 per applicant (one-off, non-refundable). - Deposit: €500 per student (one-off, refundable).
Tuition and related annual charges by year group (2025/2026 academic year)
- Grade 6: - School Fee: €4,930 per year. - Annual MacBook costs: €425. - Total School Fee (current students): €5,355. - Total Invoice on enrolment (School Fee + MacBook + registration + deposit): €6,005.
- Grade 7: - School Fee: €5,132 per year. - Annual MacBook costs: €425. - Total School Fee (current students): €5,557. - Total Invoice on enrolment: €6,207.
- Grade 8: - School Fee: €5,132 per year. - Annual MacBook costs: €425. - Total School Fee (current students): €5,557. - Total Invoice on enrolment: €6,207.
- Grade 9: - School Fee: €5,132 per year. - Annual MacBook costs: €425. - Total School Fee (current students): €5,557. - Total Invoice on enrolment: €6,207.
- Grade 10: - School Fee: €5,132 per year. - MYP/DP costs where applicable: (MYP/DP costs apply for upper-year programmes as shown below). - Annual MacBook costs: €425. - Total School Fee (current students): €6,170. - Total Invoice on enrolment: €6,820.
- Diploma Programme (DP1 / Grade 11): - School Fee: €5,745 per year. - DP/MYP programme costs (DP specific charge): €613 (MYP/DP cost shown for applicable years) and for later DP year shown as €850 where applicable. - Annual MacBook costs: €425. - Total School Fee (current students): €6,170. - Total Invoice on enrolment: €6,820.
- Diploma Programme (DP2 / Grade 12): - School Fee: €5,745 per year. - MYP/DP programme costs: €850 where applicable. - Annual MacBook costs: €425. - Total School Fee (current students): €7,020. - Total Invoice on enrolment: €7,670.
MacBook and technology costs
- Annual MacBook contribution shown: €425 per student per year (applies to Grades 6–12). The published new MacBook purchase price is €1,275; a 3‑year payment plan is offered for the MacBook.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Fees are presented as an annual Total Invoice on enrolment (the published amounts above list the Total Invoice including registration fee and deposit). - Proration when starting or leaving during the school year is applied according to month. The published schedule sets the percentage of the Total School Fee payable depending on the month of starting and the month of leaving (e.g., starting in August = 100% payable; starting in November = 80% payable; leaving in August = 50% of the year charged; leaving in February = 70% charged; leaving in May–July = 100% charged). - Refunds and non‑refundability: - A refundable deposit of €500 is charged on enrolment; the registration fee of €150 is non‑refundable. - For students leaving during the academic year, 50% of the total School Fee is non‑refundable. - Refund of examination costs after 15 December is not possible. A surcharge may be imposed on exam students if an error in registration is discovered after signing the registration form; exams re‑taken in November incur an additional standard fee.
Boarding fees
- Boarding is not listed as a provision for International School Laren; no boarding fees are published. The school's published admissions and school information present it as a day school offering the IB MYP and DP programmes without boarding options.
Other costs and compulsory items
- PE/Sports kit: The PE/Sports kit is compulsory for all students in Grades 6–11. New students receive their first kit order (blue t‑shirt & shorts only) free of charge using a promo code provided during admissions; additional sports kit items (hoodies, leggings, pants, etc.) are at parental cost and are ordered through a third‑party webshop. Contact details for the kit supplier are published. - Examination surcharges: Additional fees are charged for exam registration errors and for resit exams (including November re‑sit fees). Refund of exam costs is not possible after 15 December.
Refunds and cancellations (summary)
- Registration fee: non‑refundable. - Deposit: refundable, subject to the school's refund handling. - If a student leaves during the academic year, 50% of the total School Fee is non‑refundable; the published month‑by‑month proration schedule determines the payable portion when starting or leaving part‑way through the year. - Exam fee refunds are not available after 15 December.
Fee payment options
- The publicly published fee pages and admissions information list the fee amounts, registration and deposit requirements, proration and refund rules, and provide school contact details for queries, but they do not specify the accepted payment methods (for example, whether payment by bank transfer, SEPA, credit card, or direct debit are accepted). For payment method details, contact the school using the published admissions contact (email: islaren@atscholen.nl; phone: +31 35 206 2202).
Notes about price adjustments
- The published prices are subject to indexation.
(Brief note on any publicly unavailable fee details)
- The published admissions and fees material provides detailed annual charges, registration and deposit amounts, MacBook costs, exam refund rules and a month‑by‑month proration schedule. The published material does not specify invoicing frequency beyond the annual Total Invoice presented on enrolment nor the specific accepted payment methods; those details are handled through the school's admissions/finance contact.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
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.
Curriculum details
ISL delivers the International Baccalaureate curriculum, offering the Middle Years Programme (IBMYP) and the Diploma Programme (IBDP). In the IBMYP, eight subject groups are taught: Language and Literature (English and Dutch); Language Acquisition (Spanish and Dutch); Individuals and Societies (Humanities); Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics); Mathematics (including Extended Mathematics from Grade 9); Arts (Theatre and Music); Physical and Health Education; and Design, with the Personal Project completing the year. In the Diploma Programme, six subjects across Language and Literature, Language Acquisition (Dutch B), Individuals and Societies (Business Management, Economics, Global Politics), Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Sport, Exercise and Health Science), Mathematics (Analysis & Approaches or Applications & Interpretations), and Arts (Film) are offered, with a DP core of Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Extended Essay (EE) and Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS). A bilingual Diploma may be awarded. The Diploma Programme is designed for students aged 16–19 and enables entry to universities worldwide, including Dutch universities and top North American universities such as Harvard and Yale. ISL emphasises small classes and has highly qualified staff.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
Small class sizes and highly qualified staff.
Exam results
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.
Exam results
The Diploma Programme requires six subjects plus the core components—TOK, EE and CAS—across the six groups. A minimum of 24 points must be earned to be awarded the IB Diploma, with a maximum of 45 points. TOK and the Extended Essay are graded A–E and contribute to the diploma score. A bilingual diploma is possible if criteria are met; results are issued by the IB and official certificates are sent to the school in September.
Higher education progression
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.
Higher education progression
The Diploma Programme enables entry to universities worldwide, including Dutch universities and top North American universities such as Harvard and Yale. A Career Counselor guides university admissions.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
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Community
Community
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Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
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.
Admissions
1. ISL accepts students in Grades 6-11 (DP1). Include all relevant documents concerning special needs; a reference letter from the current school may be requested if applicable. Failure to disclose special needs may result in withdrawal.
2. Once all documents are submitted, the school invites the applicant to an online interview. The interview assesses the applicant's English language ability and fit for ISL's program. The school may request additional information or documents if needed.
3. Based on the intake interview, feedback from the applicant's current school, and the academic results, a student may be accepted at ISL. English language proficiency is considered as English is the language of instruction. Applicants entering Grade 9 or Grade 10 must take an English test before a place can be offered.
4. There is a non-refundable registration fee of €150 per applicant, charged when ISL confirms definite entry to the school. Only when this fee is paid on time can a place at ISL be guaranteed. The school does not provide visa application support; students are responsible for applying independently for their study visas.
5. Enrollment is possible at any time during the school year. The admissions form can be downloaded, and inquiries can be directed to Ms. Eva Goossens (MYP Middle School Coordinator) and Mrs.
Scholarships
Scholarships
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Scholarships
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Waitlist
Waitlist
The International School Hilversum does not operate a waiting list.
