Compare Specialist-level SEN International Schools in Netherlands

📚 Learning Specialist 🧩 Behaviour Specialist

Instructs in English

Ages 3 - 13 years

Fees €19,800 - 24,200

Pupils 25

Type Co-educational

Located in the Netherlands, Lighthouse Special Education is an international primary school for children with complex special educational needs, offering education in English. The school serves ages 3 to 13 in two small classes (5–8 and 8–13), each with up to eight pupils, and a preschool class, Three Little Ships, for ages 2.5 to 5. Curriculum combines the British National Curriculum, the International Primary Curriculum (UK), and the Dutch Primary Education Curriculum, with an individualized program for every student. For 5–13 year olds, it emphasizes basic skills in communication, reading, spelling, language and maths, using Edmark Reading Program and Numicon, and supports progress through tailored IEPs reviewed twice yearly. Learners access iPads with age-appropriate apps; therapies—speech and language, physiotherapy, sensory integration, and occupational therapy—are provided on-site by English-speaking, qualified therapists. The school focuses on social and emotional development, independence, and preparing students for school life within a supportive, multilingual environment.

Location

Van Heutszstraat 12, 2593 PJ Den Haag, The Netherlands. Lighthouse Special Education and Three Little Ships Preschool are located within the International Department of The Haagsche Schoolvereeniging in The Hague (Van Heutszstraat location). The building is wheelchair-accessible.

Stages

Early Intervention group (ages 2.5 to 5) within Three Little Ships preschool; Class 1 (ages 5 to 8); Class 2 (ages 8 to 13).

Type

International special education school.

Additional learning support

Cooperation with associated therapists and local Dutch specialists. The school works with psychologists, speech and language therapists, physiotherapists and other professionals to design individualised learning plans; Lighthouse also benefits from a dedicated assessment team and collaboration with Three Little Ships Preschool.

School day structure

Daily schedule: Lighthouse classes run from 08:30 to 15:00, with a soft start around 08:20–08:45 for related groups. Lunches are integrated as part of the day; there is outdoor playtime and a focus on social and academic development. The Lighthouse program totals about 30 hours of lessons per week.

Bus service

Bus service is available for eligible students through local transport schemes; reimbursement of transport costs may be possible. The provider options include Wassenaar, Leidschendam-Voorburg and Den Haag.

Application / Assessment Fees

- The school charges assessment fees for evaluations carried out by its associated therapists. Typical assessment fees are: Articulation assessment €200; Full Speech and Language Assessment €600; Occupational/Physical Therapy Assessment (on request); Occupational & Sensory Assessment (on request); IQ test (approx. €900); WISC‑V plus WIAT achievement test (approx. €1,260); Dyslexia assessment with IQ and achievement tests (approx. €1,400). Individual therapy sessions are typically charged at €85 per hour and are invoiced separately by the therapist.

Tuition / Parental Contribution (by age group) — annual and per term

- Early Intervention (Three Little Ships pre‑school, ages 3–5): €19,800.00 per school year. Per term (three equal instalments): €6,600.00.
- Lighthouse Special Education (ages 5–13): €24,200.00 per school year. Per term (three equal instalments): €8,066.67.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- The annual contribution may be paid in full or in three instalments. Instalment schedule and due dates are: Term 1 — payable before 1 June; Term 2 — payable before 1 October; Term 3 — payable before 1 February. Payments are calculated pro‑rata for students who join during the school year. Reimbursements for students who leave during the school year are calculated on a pro‑rata basis after the notice/termination period is completed.

Withdrawal and refund information

- The school operates a 40‑week academic year. Written notice of withdrawal must be submitted on the school's Withdrawal Form. The contract continues for three months from receipt of the Withdrawal Form and the financial obligation continues for those three months. If a student leaves during the school year, any reimbursement is calculated pro‑rata after the three‑month termination period.

Other costs and typical additional fees

- Assessment and therapy fees as listed under Application / Assessment Fees (above).
- Additional individual one‑to‑one support fees may be charged where full‑time additional assistance is required; these are arranged via Admissions.
- Accident insurance: the school pays a student accident insurance premium that covers accidents during school hours (including one hour before and after school); parents remain financially responsible for medical bills in most cases. Parents are advised to maintain their own liability and medical insurance.
- Transportation: where applicable, taxi/bus transportation between home and school must be requested through the local municipality; any eligibility and arrangements are handled by the municipality. Costs or arrangements for transportation are not covered as a routine school fee.
- Meals, uniforms and after‑school care: lunch and snacks are typically provided by parents; there is no standard school uniform fee listed. After‑school care (BSO) and holiday care are provided by external providers and are contracted and paid for directly by parents.

Fee payment options and account details

- Payments are made by bank transfer to the school's fee account. Account details: STG HSV ID FEES, IBAN: NL87 ABNA 0245720170, BIC: ABNANL2A. (Payments should be made in Euros to this account.)

Curriculum

An individualized curriculum is followed for each student with a strong emphasis on communication and social skills, and on learning how to cope in a school environment. For 5–13 year olds, the School Curriculum places emphasis on basic skills in communication, reading, spelling, language and maths, and is based on the English National Curriculum and the International Primary Curriculum (UK), cross-referenced with the Dutch Primary Education Curriculum. Students work on their own learning goals using a range of materials, including the Edmark Reading Program and Numicon. Students use iPads with apps tailored to their learning level and progress. An Early Intervention Curriculum (Three Little Ships) is play-based and develops communication, social, fine motor, early literacy and numeracy skills, with a focus on independence; the preschool class has a maximum of 16 children, with 11 typically developing and a high staff-to-student ratio.

Student Teacher Ratio

Preschool Early Intervention class has a maximum of 16 children, 11 of whom are typically developing, with a high staff-to-student ratio. Lighthouse Primary School class has up to 16 children taught by 1 teacher and 3–4 educational assistants.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The Lighthouse Special Education emphasises development of communication and social skills alongside academics. The school maintains a high staff-to-student ratio (1:4) to foster deep relationships and support social and emotional development. It uses three picture-based communication systems—PECS, PODD, and Proloquo2Go—to support nonverbal or limited-verbal learners. The curriculum prioritizes social skills and learning to participate in groups, with goals for language and social development in individual education plans. The Lighthouse supports integration into the HSV International Department, enabling social inclusion and language practice with age peers. The well-being framework emphasizes relationships, competence, and autonomy as core conditions for motivation and well-being.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The Lighthouse Special Education is the only international special school in The Netherlands, offering individualized education to children aged 3-13 who cannot cope in international mainstream education. The school serves students with very complex needs, including non-verbal autism and multi-disabled profiles, with challenges spanning visual impairment, language development difficulties, cognitive and physical disabilities, and behavioural challenges. There are three classes: Early Intervention (2.5-5) in Three Little Ships preschool, Class 1 (5-8), and Class 2 (8-13). Therapeutic interventions such as speech therapy, physiotherapy, sensory integration, and occupational therapy are available during the school day with medical approval; students have Individual Education Plans. The curriculum is taught exclusively in English, with integration into the International Department where appropriate, and resources are tailored to each student's needs.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The Lighthouse curriculum is taught exclusively in English. Some students have English as a second or third language. Many students have limited verbal skills and communicate using pictograms and augmented communication systems such as PECS, PODD, and Proloquo2Go. Where applicable, Lighthouse supports language development through English-language instruction and integration with the HSV International Department. Therapy services, including speech therapy, support language development as part of the school day.

Mental Wellbeing

Well-being is central to the Lighthouse approach, guided by three basic conditions: relationships, competence, and autonomy. The school emphasises social skills development and group belonging, including lunchtime activities as part of the educational program. The high staff-to-student ratio enables staff to build trusting relationships and tailor support to individual needs. Therapeutic interventions such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, sensory integration are available to support mental well-being. Individual Education Plans track progress toward social and learning goals, with regular review and adjustment to support students' well-being.

Safeguarding

The health and safety of the children are of highest importance. The school maintains a Child Protection Statement and HSV-wide Child Protection Policy, with an Intimate Care Policy for Lighthouse. All staff, interns and volunteers are required to provide a Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag (Good Conduct) before working. The school provides a Confidential Advisor and an External Confidential Advisor, as well as the National Confidential Advisor for complaints about education. For safeguarding concerns, contact details are available through the Confidential Advisor and External Confidential Advisor.

History

Since 2000, Lighthouse Special Education has provided a safe and structured learning environment for children with complex special educational needs. It is the Netherlands' only international Special Primary School offering education in English. The school serves children aged 3-13 in two classes (ages 5-8 and 8-13), each class with up to eight students and staffed by a teacher and a teaching assistant. An inclusive preschool class, Three Little Ships, provides an early intervention program for 2.5 to 5-year-olds.

Community

Children come from international families temporarily based in The Netherlands, with diverse mother tongue languages, and everyone learns English at school. The staff have extensive experience in working with children with complex learning challenges, and many hold specialist qualifications. A secretary, a concierge, and a group of volunteers support the school, including lunchtime volunteers. In addition to the day classes, the inclusive Three Little Ships preschool provides early intervention for ages 2.5 to 5.

Facilities Overview

Since 2000 Lighthouse Special Education provides a safe and structured learning environment for children with complex special educational needs. The school is the only international special primary school in The Netherlands offering education in English. Education is individualised for children aged 3-13, with two classes: younger (5-8) and older (8-13), each with a maximum of eight pupils and taught by a teacher and a teaching assistant. An inclusive preschool class called Three Little Ships serves children aged 2.5 to 5. The staff includes a secretary, a concierge, and volunteers who support the children at lunchtime. Therapies are provided on-site by English-speaking, internationally qualified therapists, including speech and language therapy, physiotherapy, sensory integration therapy and occupational therapy.

Academic Facilities

Education is conducted in English for children aged 3-13. Two classes operate: younger (5-8) and older (8-13), each with up to eight pupils and staffed by a teacher and a teaching assistant. An inclusive preschool class called Three Little Ships serves children aged 2.5 to 5. Therapies are provided on-site by English-speaking, internationally qualified therapists, including speech and language therapy, physiotherapy, sensory integration therapy and occupational therapy. A secretary, a concierge and volunteers support the school day, including lunchtime.

Academic & Intellectual

Students follow an individualized curriculum with a strong emphasis on developing communication and social skills. They learn to cope in a school setting, including sustaining attention, following instructions, completing tasks, and working independently. The 5–13 year-old curriculum focuses on basic skills in communication, reading, spelling, language and maths, based on the English National Curriculum and the International Primary Curriculum (UK), cross-referenced with Dutch Primary Education outcomes. Edmark Reading Program and Numicon support literacy and numeracy; each student uses an iPad configured to access appropriate apps. Progress is tracked through Individual Educational Plans (IEPs) that are reviewed twice yearly to adjust goals.

Arts & Creative

Art and music activities occur throughout the week to reinforce language skills, creativity and motor development. A monthly theme guides activities, with art and music supporting language, creativity and motor skills, and there are special trips and dress-up days linked to the theme. Cultural activities include trips to museums and visits by musicians. Dutch cultural days such as Sinterklaas, Christmas and King's Day are celebrated at school.

Cultural & Language

The curriculum aligns with the English National Curriculum and the International Primary Curriculum (UK), cross-referenced with Dutch Primary Education outcomes to support language learning. Language development is a central focus across the program. Dutch cultural days such as Sinterklaas, Christmas and King's Day are celebrated at school.

Social & Hobbies

Play is built into the daily routine to support social and emotional development, with circle time and reading together. Outside Playtime is organized with students from the HSV International Department, promoting social interaction across the wider school community. The program emphasizes socio-emotional and physical development through topic-based learning and related activities.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Well-being is supported through a focus on socio-emotional and physical development, including daily outside playtime. High-quality therapies are available at the school by internationally qualified professionals in private practice, with families able to arrange specific therapists directly. Therapies include Speech and Language therapy, Occupational and Psychological therapy, and Play therapy.

Admissions

1. Submit the Application and Required Documentation:
To begin the process, parents need to submit a completed application form alongside a copy of the child’s passport, recent school reports, and proof of eligibility, such as a letter from an employer or a temporary employment contract. It is important to provide detailed information about the child’s learning needs, including copies of any assessments from the past two years conducted by psychologists, physiotherapists, or speech therapists. Parents should ensure that all reports and assessments are fully translated into English prior to submission.

2. Attend an Initial Meeting:
Once the application and documents are received, the Director will reach out to parents to schedule a meeting to discuss the application. Following this meeting and a subsequent discussion with the Pupil Monitoring Co-ordinator, the school will determine if Lighthouse is a viable option for the child. This step allows both the parents and the school staff to clarify the child's specific needs and the school's capacity to support them.

3. Consent to Information Exchange and Further Assessments:
Before making a final admissions decision, Lighthouse staff may need to consult with the child’s current school or therapists to gather more context. Parents will be asked to sign a consent form agreeing to this exchange of information with outside professionals. In some cases, the Lighthouse Assessment Team may require additional assessments to be completed; parents should be aware that these specific assessments incur separate fees.

4. Obtain a Statement of Eligibility:
Because admissions comply with Dutch law for Tailored Education (Passend Onderwijs), every child must receive a formal Statement of Eligibility (Toelatingsverklaring) from the local Dutch Education Board in their residential district. Lighthouse staff will assist parents directly with the application for this statement. It is a mandatory legal requirement before the child can officially start at the school.

Waitlist

The Lighthouse Special Education website does not specify the operation of a formal waitlist or applicant pool system. The policy states that children between the ages of 5 and 12 may be admitted at any point during the school year, strictly subject to the current availability of places. For the separate Three Little Ships Early Intervention program, admissions priority is specifically given to children who turn three years old before October 1st of that academic year.

View Full Profile

European School The Hague - Secondary Campus

📚 Learning Specialist 🧩 Behaviour None

Instructs in English, French, Dutch, German

Ages 2 - null years

Fees €8,585 - 12,875

Pupils 1497

Type Co-educational

European School The Hague – Secondary Campus is at Oostduinlaan 50, The Hague, Netherlands. It is an officially Accredited European School within the European Schools network, delivering the European Baccalaureate to secondary students. The curriculum is organised in three cycles: Observation Cycle (S1–S3) with a broad common curriculum in L1; Pre-Orientation Cycle (S4–S5) with more specialist subjects and Careers Guidance; Orientation Cycle (S6–S7), the Baccalaureate cycle with core subjects and a range of options. Established in 2012 to educate children of EU institution employees, it operates within the Rijnlands Lyceum Foundation and forms part of The Hague's two-campus system (Primary and Secondary). In 2018 the Secondary building moved to Oostduinlaan and underwent a major renovation delivering science and ICT labs, a Learning and Innovation Hub, a library, theatre, large art and music rooms, and refreshed classrooms, kitchen and canteen facilities. Extracurriculars include Creative Development, Languages and Cultural clubs, and Academic and Intellectual activities, such as Debate Club and Chess.

Location

The European School The Hague Secondary campus is in The Hague, Oostduinlaan 50, 2596 JP, The Netherlands. It is housed in the historic Aloysius building. The school is part of the European School The Hague community, with the Primary campus located at Houtrustweg 2, The Hague, 2566 HA. A door-to-door bus service is provided by Achttax for the start and end of the day.

Stages

Observation Cycle (3 years), Pre-Orientation Cycle (2 years), Orientation Cycle (2 years); the cycles map to Secondary years S1–S7 and culminate in the European Baccalaureate.

Additional learning support

Learning Support is provided for students with additional academic needs. Language support is available for English, French, German, and Dutch at L1 and L2 levels where applicable. Mathematics support is offered in English and French. The Learning Support Specialist also helps students develop study skills, planning strategies and organisational habits.

Country affiliation

European School The Hague is an officially Accredited European School and is part of the European Schools network, established to educate children of European Union institution employees.

Bus service

Achttax provides door-to-door transport. Secondary arrival is 8:30 and departure is 15:55 daily. Primary arrival is 8:30 with departure at 15:00 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and 12:45 on Wednesdays.

Application fees

- Category III (all non-Category I applicants): a non-refundable registration fee of EUR 300. Proof of payment of this registration fee is required (bank transfer).

Tuition fees — annual amounts (per pupil, invoiced per full school year)

- Early Years & Primary — Category I & Category III: EUR 8,585 per year.
- Early Years & Primary — New Category III pupils (first year): EUR 9,440 per year.
- Secondary — Category I & Category III: EUR 12,875 per year.
- Lunch time supervision (Early Years & Primary only): EUR 315 per year.

Tuition fees — per-term amounts (three equal instalments)

- Early Years & Primary (Category I & III): EUR 2,861.67 per instalment (three equal instalments of the annual EUR 8,585).
- Early Years & Primary (New Category III pupils): EUR 3,146.67 per instalment (three equal instalments of the annual EUR 9,440).
- Secondary (Category I & III): EUR 4,291.67 per instalment (three equal instalments of the annual EUR 12,875).
- Lunch time supervision: EUR 105.00 per instalment (three equal instalments of the annual EUR 315).

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Invoices are issued per pupil for the full school year. The school fees must be paid in advance either in full or in three (3) equal instalments.
- Instalment due dates (when paying in three instalments):
- First instalment: no later than July 1.
- Second instalment: no later than November 1.
- Third instalment: no later than January 1.
- If admission occurs later than June 1, the full payment or payment of the first instalment must be made within the legal payment term on the invoice (21 days).
- Pro rata charges for pupils who join after the school year begins are calculated using a fixed percentage scale depending on the pupil's start month:
- August & September: 100%
- October: 90%
- November: 80%
- December: 70%
- January: 60%
- February: 50%
- March: 40%
- April: 30%
- May: 20%
- June & July: 10%.
- Parents/guardians and/or employers are responsible for timely payment of all invoices; the school may restrict access to classes/exams if payment obligations are not met.

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not listed as a service or charge; there are no published boarding fees for the school (boarding provision is not applicable).

Other costs and fees (not included in the standard tuition)

- Laptop hire/purchase (charged separately).
- Residential trips (voluntary, charged separately).
- Canteen (warm lunches) — paid separately.
- Bus transport — paid separately.
- After-school activities — paid separately.
- No separate uniform charge is listed as a compulsory fee.

Refund information and withdrawal terms

- Deregistration must be submitted via the school's official withdrawal procedure. The school remains entitled to payment for the period already granted and reimbursement for costs already incurred if the agreement is terminated during the school year.
- The fee due after withdrawal is calculated up to and including the end of the month in which the pupil's last school day falls; parents/guardians should inform the school at least 30 days before the child's last school day.
- Financial consequence of early termination (percentage of the annual fee that remains payable after withdrawal, depending on last school day):
- Last school day before October 1: 10%
- Before November 1: 20%
- Before December 1: 30%
- Before January 1: 40%
- Before February 1: 50%
- Before March 1: 60%
- Before April 1: 70%
- Before May 1: 80%
- Before June 1: 90%
- After June 1: 100%.

Fee payment options

- The registration fee for Category III applicants is paid by bank transfer (proof of payment required).
- School invoices are administered through the Rijnlands Lyceum finance arrangements; invoices include the payment details and must be paid within the invoice terms. Correspondence about invoices may be directed to the finance/invoice contact.

Notes for parents

- The published annual amounts above apply per pupil and are for the stated school year fees; additional optional or compulsory charges (canteen, trips, laptop, transport, extracurricular activities, examination fees where applicable) are invoiced separately.

Curriculum

ESH Secondary offers seven years of the European School curriculum in three cycles: Observation Cycle (S1–S3) with a broad, common curriculum (most subjects taught in the mother tongue language, L1); Pre-Orientation Cycle (S4–S5) with more specialist subjects to prepare for the Orientation Cycle, supported by Careers Guidance; Orientation Cycle (S6–S7) which is the European Baccalaureate cycle, with a core set of compulsory subjects and a wide range of options.

Exam Results

2019 results: 20 candidates, 20 graduates; highest 91.2; average 77.8. 2020 results: 35 candidates, 34 graduates; highest 93.84; average 78.1. 2021 results: 55 candidates, 55 graduates; highest 96.04; average 76.18.

Higher Education Progression

The European Baccalaureate is accepted for university entrance across the European Union and beyond. Graduates study at universities around the world, including Canada, the United Kingdom and Switzerland. ESH provides university application support via UCAS (UK), Studielink (NL) and Parcoursup (France) with Careers Counsellors, Mentors and teachers.

Gifted and Talented

Gifted and Talented provisions adopt an inclusive, student-centered approach with a Talent Coach assigned to identified students and opportunities in the Emerging Talents and Limitless programmes. There is in-class provision, access to extracurricular clubs, university projects and cross-curricular project days.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Mentors lead social and emotional development in every secondary class. In the Observation Cycle, mentors follow Leefstijl, a social-emotional programme used in all language sections. The programme covers age-appropriate topics such as communication, making difficult decisions, and healthy life choices; it also includes discussions about society and you. In S3, external providers run workshops on topics including addiction, social media awareness, and anti-bullying.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Learning Support provides assistance for students with additional academic needs, including language support in English, French, German, and Dutch at both L1 and L2 levels where applicable; mathematics supports are offered in English and French. The Learning Support Specialist helps students develop study skills, planning strategies, and organisational habits to succeed independently.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Language support is available for English, French, German, and Dutch at both L1 and L2 levels, where applicable.

Mental Wellbeing

The Student Wellbeing Team can provide support and advice to parents and teenagers on their path to adulthood.

Safeguarding

The Safeguarding Protocol commits to providing a safe, collaborative and caring environment and to protecting the physical and mental health of all students. All adults on campus who work with or around students obtain a certificate of good conduct (VOG). Safeguarding education is developmentally appropriate, and staff are trained to respond to concerns. Safeguarding concerns are reported through the Safeguarding app in Edukey; the school designates safeguarding leads (DSLs) to coordinate action, which may involve external agencies such as Veilig Thuis or the Crisis Intervention Team. If safety is compromised, the DSL can prevent a child from leaving the school grounds.

History

European School The Hague was established in 2012 to educate children of employees of European Union institutions in the political and international heart of the Netherlands. In the same year, it became an officially Accredited European School, administered and partly financed by the Dutch education system. The school follows the European Schools curriculum to provide a multilingual and multicultural education for Early Years, Primary and Secondary students, culminating in the European Baccalaureate. The Hague campus system comprises two campuses, one for Primary Education and one for Secondary Education, and the school is part of the Rijnlands Lyceum Foundation, which operates several international and local schools in the region.

Community

ESH offers a vibrant, multicultural, and multilingual community across its Primary and Secondary campuses. Since opening in 2012, the school life provides opportunities for the community to engage physically, socially, and mentally through programs such as Student Leadership and various school activities. A medezeggenschrapsraad (MR) exists under Dutch law to involve parents in governance, and the Secondary Parent Teacher Association connects parents with staff and students. The Secondary Participation Council and PTA organize networking, social events, and support activities such as the Winter and International Markets.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The Secondary PTA is an active association in the school. Parent Representatives act as a community link between the Mentor teacher, the PTA, and other parents in the class. The PTA organizes networking and social events for parents and supports events such as the Winter and International Markets. The PTA contributes to social activities including European coffee mornings and fundraising events such as book, bake, and balloon sales. Parents may also participate in additional committees such as a canteen committee and a playground committee, coordinated through the PTA. The school maintains governance with a medezeggenschrapsraad (MR) that involves parents in leadership decisions.

Facilities Overview

ESH Secondary is housed in a historic building. It moved to the Oostduinlaan premises in 2018 and underwent a major renovation to modernise the facilities while preserving the building's historic integrity. The renovation delivered new science and ICT labs, a Learning and Innovation Hub, sports facilities, a library, theatre, new classrooms, large art and music rooms, and new kitchen and canteen facilities.

Sports Facilities

The school has sports facilities as part of the renovated building.

Academic Facilities

The school has science and ICT labs, a Learning and Innovation Hub, a library, theatre, large art and music rooms, and updated classrooms, along with kitchen and canteen facilities.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Extracurricular Activities include Creative Development (Yarn Crafts Club, ESH Opera and Ballet Club, Drama Club, Magic Club, Gardening Club), Dance (Hip-Hop), Language (Spanish Book Club, English Book Clubs), Music (String Instruments, Wind Instruments, Piano and Drums, Ensemble, Singing, Music Production), Sports, and Student Initiatives. Activities can start at any time during the year and are coordinated by Extracurricular Activities Coordinators.

Academic & Intellectual

The Extracurricular Activities programme offers opportunities from the sciences and technology to performance and publishing. Students can engage in activities that foster academic and intellectual growth, such as Debate Club, Chess Tournament, and the Student Library Council. Activities do not run on fixed terms; students can join at any point during the school year. A wide range of offerings is available, including Creative Development, Language, Music, Sports, and Student Initiatives.

Arts & Creative

Creative Development includes Yarn Crafts Club, ESH Opera and Ballet Club, Drama Club (S1-S4), Magic Club, and Gardening Club. Dance lessons include Hip-Hop. Music opportunities cover String Instruments, Wind Instruments, Piano and Drums, Ensemble, Singing, and Music Production with specialist lessons such as cello, guitar, clarinet, flute, and more. These activities support creative expression and performance throughout the year.

Cultural & Language

Language offerings include Spanish Book Club and English Book Clubs. These clubs support language development within ESH's multilingual framework. Participation is integrated with the broader Extracurricular Activities programme.

Social & Hobbies

Student Initiatives include Student Library Council, Debate Club, Student Newspaper (The Nest), Gender-Sexuality Alliance (GSA), and ESH Green Club. Bingo and Chess Tournament are part of the activities offered to provide social and recreational opportunities. Under the guidance of the Student Council, students can form new committees to organize social events or fundraising initiatives. Debate Club and The Nest offer forums for discussion, writing, and student expression.

Community & Service

Student Initiatives include acts of service and charity fundraising through committees formed with guidance from the Student Council. Students can volunteer and engage with local community groups as part of school life. Community involvement is encouraged through student-led service projects.

Leadership & Professional

Student Leadership operates through the Student Council, enabling students to form new committees and lead social or fundraising initiatives. Extracurricular Activities Coordinators manage the programme and coordinate with activity leaders. Participation develops leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Physical Education fosters health and regular physical activity. Residential Trips and other school life activities support well-being and teamwork. Sports teams compete in tournaments, with opportunities for gifted athletes through Top Sport. The extracurricular programme promotes physical and mental well-being across the student body.

Admissions

1. Priority for admission at ESH is given to Category I pupils (children of employees of European institutions and agencies, including the European Commission, European Parliament, ECB, EIB, and others). Category I pupils have a reserved place. All other applicants are Category III and may be admitted subject to eligibility under international school regulations and availability. 2. Applications are submitted through OpenApply. Applicants create an account to track status and upload documents. Standard documents include a copy of the pupil's passport and school reports from the past two years; Category III applicants may need proof of eligibility for international education and a Pupil Information Request Form from the current school; a non-refundable €300 registration fee is payable with the application. 3. After submission, the directorate reviews the application. Via OpenApply, applicants receive an update that may include a placement offer, a request for more information, a meeting request, or placement on the waiting list (Category III). For Secondary applications, language and mathematics tests may be scheduled for pupils not transferring from another European School. 4. If a place is offered and accepted, enrolment letters are issued to sign. Class allocation, timetables, and introduction days (where applicable) are communicated later. 5. When to apply and processing times: Early Years applications are accepted from age 2; to start at the beginning of the school year, apply by April 1. Applications after April 1 may be delayed, and joining during the year should be submitted as soon as possible. Processing typically takes up to 2-3 weeks after documents are submitted for the current year; Category III applications may take longer depending on availability and testing requirements.

Waitlist

Category III pupils may be placed on the waiting list if a place is not available.

View Full Profile

HSV International Primary School - NSL Location

📚 Learning Specialist 🧩 Behaviour None

Instructs in English, Dutch

Ages 4 - 11 years

Fees €6,990

Type Co-educational

HSV International Primary School NSL is located at Nassaulaan 26 in The Hague. The school houses Dutch and International departments under one roof and serves pupils aged 4 to 11. It offers the International Primary Curriculum across the Early Years Foundation Stage and Mileposts ID1–ID6, with a Literacy and Mathematics framework aligned to England's National Curriculum using The Power of Reading and White Rose materials. ICT, Music, Expressive Arts and Physical Education are provided regularly, with older NSL classes delivering music and gym in Dutch to support language development. Dutch is taught as Host Country Language (three lessons per week) and English as an Additional Language (EAL) support assists multilingual students, with translanguaging as needed. The Social & Emotional Curriculum uses IPC goals alongside the Jigsaw program. HSV is subsidised by the Dutch Ministry, embedded in the Dutch education system, and a member of The Dutch International Primary Schools (DIPS).

Location

NSL Location at Nassaulaan 26, 2514 JT Den Haag, The Netherlands. The building sits in the heart of The Hague, close to international organisations and embassies. It is well served by public transport, with tram and bus stops a short walk along the canal.

Stages

Seven international year groups and nine Dutch year groups, forming fifteen classes.

Type

International Primary School with Dutch and International Departments co-located.

Pupil Nationality Mix

140 international pupils; 240 Dutch pupils; local to international ratio 240:140

Country affiliation

The Netherlands

Application fee

- A non-refundable application fee of EUR 150 is payable when the application is submitted.

Annual tuition and lunchtime supervision (2026/27)

- Annual tuition fee (per child, all year groups): EUR 6,800.
- Annual lunchtime supervision fee (per child): EUR 190.
- Combined total (tuition + lunchtime supervision) per child for the 2026/27 school year: EUR 6,990. The school fee applies equally to all year groups; there are no different tuition levels by year group and no sibling discount.

Prorated fees for families joining part-way through the school year

- September (join): EUR 6,990.
- October (join): EUR 6,300.
- November (join): EUR 5,600.
- December (join): EUR 4,900.
- January (join): EUR 4,500.
- February (join): EUR 3,900.
- March (join): EUR 3,200.
- April (join): EUR 2,500.
- May (join): EUR 1,750.
- June (join): EUR 1,750.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Families may pay the school fee annually or in two installments. New families receive an invoice schedule when offered a place. Existing pupils' fees for the following year are paid in two installments: the first installment must be paid by 1 May to secure a place for the following year; the second installment is due by 1 November.
- The school's published account details for bank transfer payments are: STG HSV ID FEES, IBAN: NL87 ABNA 0245720170, BIC: ABNANL2A. Payment is made by bank transfer; no alternative payment methods (such as credit card) are specified in the published fee information.

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not applicable to HSV International Primary School (NSL location). No boarding fees are charged. (HSV operates as day primary school locations.)

Other costs and typical additional charges

- Lunchtime supervision: EUR 190 per year (included in the combined annual figure above).
- After-school and holiday childcare (BSO / holiday care): these services are provided by independent partner organisations specific to each location (NSL has named local providers). Parents arrange and pay for after-school/holiday care directly to those providers; those charges are set by the external providers and are not included in the school tuition. Examples of vendors serving NSL include DAK Kindercentra, Kindergarden, Kinderopvang 2Samen and Zein International Day Care.
- School materials: the school supplies necessary instructional materials; occasional consumables or optional class items may be requested by teachers (no separate mandatory materials fee is published).
- Uniform: the HSV does not require pupils to wear a full school uniform; a PE kit (HSV T-shirt, shorts and gym shoes) is required for PE lessons. There is no published uniform fee.

Refund and cancellation information

- Application fee: non-refundable.
- Cancellation of placement for new pupils: if after receiving an offer of placement a family decides not to enroll, the school requests notice ideally before 1 June and at the latest by 1 August. If cancellation is received in that timeframe, the first installment already paid by the family will be refunded in full; currently there is no cancellation fee. The application fee remains non-refundable.

Fee payment options (methods)

- Bank transfer to the school account (IBAN/BIC as listed above) is the published payment method. The published information does not specify credit-card payment or other electronic payment options; annual or two-installment payment schedules are the stated options.

Curriculum

HSV International Primary School NSL delivers the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) across the Early Years Foundation Stage and Mileposts ID1 to ID6, with a strong focus on international-mindedness and global citizenship. The IPC is complemented by a Literacy and Mathematics framework aligned to England's National Curriculum, using The Power of Reading and White Rose materials. ICT, Music, Expressive Arts and Physical Education are provided regularly, with older NSL classes delivering music and gym in Dutch to support language development. Dutch is taught as Host Country Language (HCCL) with three Dutch lessons per week; English as an Additional Language (EAL) support assists multilingual students, with a pathway to exit EAL as proficiency improves, and translanguaging used as needed. The Social & Emotional Curriculum is anchored in IPC goals and the Jigsaw program, and the Early Years Foundation Stage follows the IPC Early Years Programme with UK Early Learning Goals. Host/Culture language and Dutch language learning are integrated with IPC topics, fostering international-mindedness and language development.

Higher Education Progression

Pupils transition to secondary education at English-speaking schools in The Hague area. Options include the International School of The Hague (ISH), European School The Hague, the Rijnlands Lyceum international department in Oegstgeest, and the International School of Delft and the International School of Wassenaar, as well as the Rotterdam-based RISS. The HSV International Department does not sit the CITO test, and Year 6 teachers cannot advise on the most suitable Dutch secondary stream. The level of secondary schooling then influences whether a pupil goes on to university or into professional education.

Gifted and Talented

More Able and Gifted children are provided with enrichment and extension work.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The NSL Location is a warm, welcoming community that prepares future international leaders. It houses both a Dutch and International department under one roof, enabling day-to-day integration through curriculum activities and specialist lessons such as music and gym. The school emphasises social relationships and anti-bullying across its policies.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Lighthouse Special Education provides international SEN services for HSV, located at Van Heutszstraat 12.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The International Primary Curriculum is delivered in English; learners new to English receive additional support from the EAL team and their class teacher to enable them to access the curriculum.

Mental Wellbeing

Wellbeing is supported through a focus on social friendships and an anti-bullying protocol, along with comprehensive health and safety measures.

Safeguarding

There is a safeguarding framework including anti-bullying protocols; safety policies are in place.

History

HSV International Primary School was established in 1986. It is subsidised by the Dutch Ministry of Education and operates within the Dutch education system. The HSV International Department is a member of The Dutch International Primary Schools (DIPS), offering international education embedded in a Dutch context. Since its founding, generations of HSV pupils have benefited from diverse opportunities and a commitment to developing internationally minded leaders.

Community

Our NSL Location is in the heart of The Hague and houses both a Dutch and International Department under one roof. The location is central, near international organisations and embassies, and well served by public transport. The NSL community is described as warm and welcoming, with day-to-day integration between departments through the curriculum and specialist lessons such as music and gym. Families receive weekly updates and a monthly newsletter.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The school has a Participation Council (MR) representing parents/guardians, students and teachers; it advises the senior management and meets at least six times per year. The General Participation Council (GMR) communicates with the Board and Management across the Foundation to discuss policy, budget, and school-wide issues. The Parent Activity Committee (OAC) plans events for children and families, including Sinterklaas, Christmas, the Summer Party, Book Week, and the Valentine's Disco. The 2HSV foundation was set up by parents and alumni to promote the Haagsche Schoolvereeniging's interests and fundraise for school projects.

Arts & Creative

Specialist lessons in music are offered.

Cultural & Language

The NSL Location houses both Dutch and International departments under one roof. The HSV International Department is a member of The Dutch International Primary Schools (DIPS), and international education is embedded in a Dutch context.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

After School Care providers are offered by HSV as part of a Dutch after-school care system (BSO). Basker International Childcare provides after-school and holiday care. NSL After School Care, VNS After School Care and BZH After School Care are available. The school day for ID1–ID6 starts at 08:30 a.m. and ends at 15:00 p.m.; EYFS starts at 08:45 a.m. and ends at 15:00 p.m.; on Wednesdays the day ends at 12:30 p.m.

View Full Profile

Compare Specialist-level SEN International Schools in Netherlands

Location

Stages

Type

Additional learning support

School day structure

Bus service

Governance and Ownership

Curriculum

Student Teacher Ratio

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Mental Wellbeing

Safeguarding

History

Community

Facilities Overview

Academic Facilities

Academic & Intellectual

Arts & Creative

Cultural & Language

Social & Hobbies

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Language Provision

Admissions

Waitlist

Location

Stages

Additional learning support

Country affiliation

Bus service

Food Options

Governance and Ownership

Curriculum

Exam Results

Higher Education Progression

Gifted and Talented

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Mental Wellbeing

Safeguarding

History

Community

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

Facilities Overview

Sports Facilities

Academic Facilities

Extra Curricular Facilities

Academic & Intellectual

Arts & Creative

Cultural & Language

Social & Hobbies

Community & Service

Leadership & Professional

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Language Provision

Bilingual Teaching

Accreditations

Admissions

Waitlist

Location

Stages

Type

Pupil Nationality Mix

Country affiliation

Governance and Ownership

Curriculum

Higher Education Progression

Gifted and Talented

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Mental Wellbeing

Safeguarding

History

Community

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

Arts & Creative