Compare International Schools in Holbaek, Denmark

Stenhus Gymnasium

Instructs in English, Danish

Ages 15 - 18 years

Pupils 1250

Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)

Stenhus Gymnasium is an upper secondary school in Holbæk offering the IB Diploma Programme alongside a bespoke path for students aged 15 to 18. It is one of only 17 Danish schools authorized to offer the IB DP. STX (three years) and HF (two years) tracks complement the IB pathway, reflecting the school's history since 1906. In 2023 the boarding department closed, and Stenhus Housing now provides accommodation with around 80 rooms, typically 1–2 students per room, including meals, supervision, and Wi‑Fi. The campus sits in surroundings near the fjord and Knudsskoven, with athletic facilities: two handball halls, an indoor gym, a dance hall, a strength center, a running track, football and turf pitches, and a sports physiology center; it collaborates with Holbæk Sportsklinik for injury care. The school runs Holbæk Drama College and a Sports College, and offers language and cultural programs, including Mandarin and Chinese A-level, plus study trips.

Location

Stenhusvej 20, 4300 Holbæk, Denmark

Stages

STX (gymnasium) and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP)

Additional learning support

Self-Taught Language A supervision in languages other than English; Danish as a second language offered at Danish B ab initio, SL, and HL levels in the IB Diploma Programme.

Country affiliation

Denmark

School day structure

A typical day includes breakfast 07:30–08:00 and lunch 11:20–11:50 in the school canteen; study hall 15:00–16:00 (Sports College students have an evening study hall 19:00–21:00). Common dinner at 18:30; and a nightly curfew of 22:30 (Mon–Thu and Sun) or 01:00 (Fri–Sat, with later arrangements possible for over-18s). Weekends feature brunch 10:30 and dinner 18:30; evening refreshments at 21:00.

Application fees

- There is no general application fee to apply for the Pre-IB, IB, STX or HF programmes through the normal application channels. Application to specialist programmes (Sports College, Drama College) uses the same admissions process and does not list a separate application charge.

Tuition fees by programme / year group

- Pre-IB and the IB Diploma Programme: There is no tuition fee for study in the Pre-IB or IB Diploma Programme. Students do not pay tuition for these international programmes.

- STX and HF (state gymnasium programmes): These are provided as state-funded programmes and there is no standard tuition fee for attending the regular STX or HF courses. Specialist programme charges below are additional to the state-funded schooling.

- Sports College (programme fee): The Sports College charges an annual programme fee to cover training, competition and equipment. Typical published annual fees are:
- Badminton College — DKK 12,000 (includes DKK 4,000 for travel).
- Basketball College — DKK 12,000 (includes DKK 4,000 for travel).
- Dance College — DKK 12,000 (includes DKK 4,000 for travel) and Dance College Light — DKK 8,000 (includes DKK 4,000 for travel).
- Handball College (boys) — DKK 12,000 (includes DKK 4,000 for travel).
- Handball College (girls) — DKK 12,000 (includes DKK 4,000 for travel).

- Drama College (Holbæk Drama College): The Drama College charges DKK 8,500 per school year; payment is divided into three instalments.

Per-term / per-year detail

- For the state-funded programmes (Pre-IB, IB, STX, HF) there is no per-term tuition to report.

- Sports College and Drama College programme fees above are quoted per school year. Drama College fee payment is arranged in three instalments; Sports College fees are quoted as annual sums (the site states the annual amount and that additional charges can apply for study trips).

Boarding / accommodation fees (boarding school / kostafdeling)

- Monthly boarding fee (standard boarding school model): The boarding school fee is charged for 11 months of the year (no charge for July). The published monthly boarding fee is DKK 6,000 per month (11 months per year) for the boarding provision that the gymnasium operates. The fee covers a furnished room, maintenance and cleaning of common areas, all meals seven days a week, utilities (electricity, water, internet), joint trips and social activities, and adult supervision.

- Alternative published housing rates (specific single/double room listing): A published housing page lists the price for a double room as DKK 5,250 per month (11 months per year) and a single room as DKK 5,750 per month (11 months per year). Invoices for the rent are issued in advance and monthly rent must be paid before the first of each month.

- Deposit for housing: A deposit of DKK 7,000 is required to confirm a place in Stenhus Gymnasium Housing. The deposit is refunded when the student leaves housing provided the room is returned in good condition; repair or extra maintenance costs will be deducted from the deposit. The boarding contract includes a one-month notice period counted from the first of the month.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Boarding: You will receive an invoice for the boarding rent in advance; monthly rent must be paid before the first of each month. The boarding fee is payable for 11 months (no charge for July). There is a one-month notice period to terminate housing; graduating students are released from their housing contract at the end of June.

- Drama College: The annual programme fee of DKK 8,500 is billed on a schedule split into three instalments.

- Sports College: Fees are published as annual amounts; the site indicates there can be additional participant contributions for study trips. Specific instalment or invoice timing for Sports College fees is not detailed on the published fee page.

Other costs and mandatory items

- Study trip: Students are expected to pay for a study trip; the typical cost cited for the Pre-IB/IB study trip is approximately DKK 3,000.

- Calculator for Mathematics (required): Expect an approximate one-off cost of DKK 1,000 for the calculator required in Mathematics.

- Books and textbooks: Students can borrow required textbooks from the school book depot; replacements or lost/damaged books must be paid for by the student.

- Meals, catering and canteen payments: The boarding fee covers meals for boarding students. The school canteen (for day students) is cashless; card payment is accepted (MobilePay is not accepted in the canteen). Individual canteen purchases are paid at the point of sale.

- Specialist programme extras: Sports College programme fees include training, competition participation and some travel; there may be additional out-of-pocket costs for certain trips or activities. Drama College fee covers the programme charge; other specific materials or activities may have additional costs.

- School-branded clothing: Branded sweatshirts and hoodies are available for purchase through the school's supplier; typical retail prices published for branded items range in the DKK 249–349 band depending on item. These are optional purchases.

Refund information

- Tuition refunds: There is no tuition fee for Pre-IB/IB/STX/HF programmes, so there is no tuition to refund for these state-funded places.

- Boarding deposit refund: The housing deposit (DKK 7,000) is refundable when a student leaves housing provided the room is returned in acceptable condition; costs for repairs beyond normal wear and tear will be deducted from the deposit.

- Specialist programme refunds: The Drama College page sets the annual fee and instalment schedule but does not publish a general refund policy on the fee page; Sports College fees are quoted as annual programme charges and the page notes that additional payments can arise for study trips. Specific refund or cancellation terms for these programme fees are not detailed on the fee pages.

Fee payment options and invoicing practices

- Housing invoicing: Housing is invoiced in advance and monthly rent must be paid before the 1st of each month. The housing pages direct that you will receive an invoice, but they do not list a specific set of accepted payment methods on the housing fee page.

- Canteen payments: The school canteen is cashless and accepts card payments; MobilePay is not accepted in the canteen.

- Specialist programme payments: Drama College lists that payment is split into three instalments; Sports College lists annual amounts but does not detail payment methods on the published page. For programme-fee invoices you will receive billing information at acceptance.

Notes specific to the 2026/27 intake

- The school's published pages include updates for the 2026/27 intake: Pre-IB and IB application and boarding information for 2026–2027 are posted with the relevant application deadlines; housing application deadlines and the 11-month billing model for boarding are in place for the 2026/27 year. Specialist programme fees (Drama and Sports College) are published for the upcoming school year and show the annual amounts and payment patterns described above.

Boarding Arrangements

Stenhus Gymnasium provides housing for Sports College and IB/Pre-IB students who live near the school or abroad. There are around 50 rooms available, with 1-2 students per room. Temporary housing next to Stenhushallen accommodates 30 extra boarders, and the school rents 60 places from the neighboring Stenhus Kostskole. Boarders typically follow IB or are affiliated with the Sports College, and meals are provided three times daily.

Uniform Requirement

There is no strict dress code. Students should wear clean clothes and dress appropriately in the dining room.

Food Options

Boarders receive three meals a day. The canteen has been rebuilt in recent months to support boarders and provide good, healthy meals.

Governance and Ownership

Stenhus Gymnasium is a selvejende institution (self-governing) within the public administration, based in Holbæk Municipality, Region Zealand. It was established on January 1, 2007 when it transitioned from a county municipality to a selvejende institution as part of the municipal reform. The institution is governed by a seven-member board with voting rights, including a municipality school leader, a regional representative, a business representative, and representatives from higher education; two board members are elected by the student council and staff.

Curriculum

STX is a 3-year upper secondary education that provides access to higher education. HF is a 2-year professional-oriented upper secondary education aimed at short and medium-length higher education. Pre-IB/IB: Stenhus Gymnasium is one of only 17 schools in Denmark authorized to offer the IB Diploma Programme.

Exam Results

IB students from June this year achieved an average of 33 points in their exams, which is above the global average of 30.88.

Higher Education Progression

STX provides access to higher education. HF provides access to short and medium-length higher education pathways. The IB Diploma Programme is authorized to be offered at Stenhus and has been available since 2015.

Gifted and Talented

SPORTS COLLEGE offers talented young athletes in badminton, basketball, dance and handball a unique opportunity to combine sport with secondary education. Drama College offers a Scenekunstnerisk Grundkursus (SGK), a 3-year program to develop talent in drama, acting and communication, in collaboration with Sjællands Teater.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school has an anti-bullying strategy in place. Student wellbeing is measured regularly. The school places emphasis on effective communication as part of wellbeing policies. Staff wellbeing is measured regularly. There is a crisis and bereavement handling plan in place. There is a psychology and SSP framework to support students.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The school is part of UPCN's psychologist program. There are psychologists attached to the school who regularly meet with students. To be referred to a psychologist, contact your student counselor ( elevvejleder ). After you indicate that you want to speak with the psychologist, you are referred and placed on a waiting list, and the psychologist will invite you to a session. There is a psychologist hotline open daily from 11:30 to 12:30 on 72 36 81 50. SSP denotes the collaboration between School, Social Services, and Police, and the school collaborates with the municipal SSP in Holbæk. Elevtjenesten coordinates with relevant municipal partners to support student life and counter dropout; Elevtjenesten is based on the H corridor.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The school offers Pre-IB/IB and is authorized to offer the IB Diploma Programme. In the IB Diploma Programme, core subjects include English A or English B HL. Danish A or Danish B or Other Language are also listed as language options. The Theory of Knowledge and Creativity, Activity, Service are part of the programme. This IB subject mix provides access to a wide range of college-level courses.

Mental Wellbeing

Stenhus Gymnasium has on-site psychologists as part of the UPCN program. There are psychologists attached to the school who regularly meet with students. To be referred to a psychologist, contact your elevvejleder; after you request a session, you are placed on a waiting list and invited to a talk. There is a psychologist hotline open daily from 11:30 to 12:30. The SSP arrangement supports student wellbeing and safety through collaboration between School, Social Services, and Police. Elevtjenesten coordinates with relevant municipal partners to promote good youth life and reduce dropout.

Safeguarding

SSP denotes the collaboration between School, Social Services, and Police, and the school collaborates with Holbæk's municipal SSP resources. The school participates in Elevtjenesten to safeguard youth and counter dropout. There is a crisis and bereavement handling plan in place. The school provides access to on-site psychologists through UPCN as part of safeguarding. A psychologist hotline is available daily from 11:30 to 12:30. Referral to psychological support is done through the elevvejleder.

Admissions

1) STX and HF: To become a student at Stenhus Gymnasium, apply via optagelse.dk. The application deadline was March 1, 2026 at 12:00. The application is submitted electronically, and parents sign digitally or with MitId. When applying, indicate an artistic subject choice among Visual Arts C, Drama C, Media Studies C, and Music C. For STX, also specify a language preference: either German continuing or a beginner in French, Spanish, or Chinese.

2) Pre-IB and IB: A special application form must be used for Pre-IB and IB; see more about applying to IB and Pre-IB. Applicants must also apply via optagelse.dk. The application deadlines were March 1, 2026 at 12:00. If not admitted to Pre-IB or IB, the application is automatically forwarded to the school chosen as the next priority, and the applicant is treated on par with all other Danish upper-secondary education applicants.

3) Sports College: For admission to Stenhus Basketball College, Badminton College, Dance College, or Handball College, use the Sports College application form. The deadline for the 2026-27 school year was February 1, 2026 (January 2, 2026 for Handball College). After the deadline, it is still possible to apply if places remain. An application via optagelse.dk is still required even if applying to a Sports College program.

4) Drama College: Apply to Drama College with the Drama College application form. The deadline was February 1, 2026. After the deadline, ongoing applications are possible if spaces are available. The Drama College audition occurred on February 21, 2026. An application via optagelse.dk is still required even if applying to Drama College.

5) Forrang and distribution: Applicants with special needs or special interests may request priority to their first priority institution if they apply before the deadline, and documentation must accompany the request. Applicants with priority are allocated to the institution before other applicants with the same priority. At Stenhus Gymnasium, priority can be granted for: HF classes with special needs (for example dyslexia), extended programs such as Team Danmark, municipal elite sports status, Pre-IB, and boarding-school students. The distribution of places occurs through a nationwide allocation mechanism considering the applicant's education preferences and travel time to the gymnasium, with further details on distribution and travel time available via the Danish Ministry of Education's resources.

6) Admission requirements and the admission test: After the gymnasium reform, new rules apply for admission to STX and HF, as set in the Law on Gymnasial Uddannelser, passed December 27, 2016. Further information about the admissions test is provided in that context.

7) When will I be notified about admission?: If applying for a gymnasial education right after 9th or 10th grade, the deadline was March 1 at 12:00. If applying within the deadline, a determination of which institution has reserved a place is communicated by mid-May. Information about school start and which class to enter is issued in early July, with letters sent via Digital Post.

8) Applying after the deadline: Applications after the deadline do not guarantee admission and may require an admissions test. There is no entitlement to admission if applying after the deadline.

9) Data protection and admission: When applying, personal data is accessed as part of the application processing. Access and handling of data follows the policy document Orientering om behandling af personoplysninger i forbindelse med ansøgning om optagelse (pdf).

10) Provisional placement: On May 13, a letter about provisional placement was sent to all incoming students for STX, HF, and Pre-IB. Provisional placement means that if you still meet the admission requirements after exams, you are admitted. First day for new students on STX, HF and Pre-IB is Monday, August 10. Best wishes for exams; the school looks forward to welcoming you.

Scholarships

Kinesisk page notes that with HSK2 there is a possibility to apply for a legat to fund a fully paid three-month language course at a university in China (including meals and lodging). The school has a Confucius Classroom partnership administered by the Confucius Business Institute at CBS, which provides access to free YCT and HSK tests. The language legat described may be available to eligible students as part of the language program.

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Compare International Schools in Holbaek, Denmark

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Governance and Ownership

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Higher Education Progression

Gifted and Talented

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

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Safeguarding

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