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European School the Hague - Primary Campus

Netherlands, Rotterdam

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The school at a glance
Instructs in Dutch, English, French, German, Spanish
Fees €8,240 - 9,440
Ages 4 - 11 years
Pupil numbers 880
Type Co-educational
Opened 2012
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages Dutch, English, French, German, Spanish
Typical class size 24
Strengths Languages, STEM, Performing Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Early Years, Primary School
Introduction

European School The Hague (ESH) Primary offers a specialized multilingual education utilizing the European Schools curriculum. The primary campus integrates students into five distinct language sections: English, Dutch, French, German, and Spanish. Instruction primarily occurs in the student's designated language section, complemented by a mandatory second language (L2) introduced during the first year. Distinctively, ESH Primary actively promotes cross-cultural integration through "European Hours," where students mix across language sections for Physical Education, Music, and Art. The campus features dedicated support programs for individualized learning, notably the ESH Plus and Challenge programs, which provide targeted compacting and enrichment projects for gifted pupils. Extracurricular options emphasize practical skill-building and civic responsibility, driven by student-led initiatives like the Eco Planet Team and Playground Buddies. By focusing on language acquisition, structured enrichment, and student collaboration, the school equips pupils with concrete tools for further education across Europe.

Houtrustweg 2, 2566 HA Den Haag, Netherlands

The Essentials

European School the Hague - Primary Campus has 880 pupils, typical class sizes of 24, instruction in Dutch, English, French, German, Spanish.

Location
ESH Primary is conveniently situated in the International Zone of The Hague, strategically located between the city centre and the beach of Scheveningen. This cosmopolitan environment accommodates many expats and provides easy access to excellent city facilities and public transport.

Stages
Early Years and Primary.

Type
Accredited European School

Pupil Nationality Mix
1400 students from over 50 countries

Additional learning support
Two-part pupil support: basic support and extra support in cooperation with Passend Onderwijs Haaglanden (SPPOH).

Country affiliation
Netherlands
Diving Deeper

Food Options
Freshly prepared hot meals are served in the school canteen by Jouw School Kantine (formerly LOF Catering). Lunch can be registered for 1 to 5 days per week; prices are €4.95 for Primary and €5.25 for Secondary per day, including dessert and fresh fruit, with dietary options available.

Governance and Ownership
The European School The Hague is part of the Rijnlands Lyceum Foundation.
Fees

Annual tuition at European School the Hague - Primary Campus ranges from EUR 8,240 to EUR 9,440 for 2026/27.

Application fees

- Category III applicants: a non-refundable registration fee of EUR 300 is required (payment by bank transfer; proof of payment is required as part of the application checklist).
- Category I applicants: no registration fee is required as part of the Category III checklist.

Tuition fees

- Early Years and Primary School:
- Category I pupils: EUR 8,585 per year.
- Current Category III pupils (continuing pupils): EUR 8,240 per year.
- New Category III pupils (joining from August 2026): EUR 9,440 per year.
- Lunch Time Supervision (Early Years & Primary): EUR 315 per year (invoiced once per school year).

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Invoices are issued for the full annual amount; payment must be made in advance either in full or in three equal instalments. The instalment deadlines are:
- First instalment: payable no later than 1 June each year.
- Second instalment: payable no later than 1 November each year.
- Third instalment: payable no later than 1 January each year.
- In exceptional cases a monthly payment plan is possible provided the final instalment is paid by 1 January of the school year; requests for monthly arrangements are handled by the school finance contact.

- Admission later than 1 June: the full payment or payment of the first instalment must be made within 21 days after signing the confirmation of enrolment.

- Pro rata invoicing for mid-year starts: the school applies a percentage of the full annual fee based on the pupil's start month as follows: August & September 100%; October 90%; November 80%; December 70%; January 60%; February 50%; March 40%; April 30%; May 20%; June & July 10%.

- Consequences of non-payment: failure to meet payment obligations may result in denial of access to classes or exams; the school reserves its contractual rights in such cases.

Other costs and fees

- Lunch Time Supervision (Early Years & Primary): EUR 315 per year (invoiced once per school year).
- The following items are not included in the annual school fee and will be charged separately when applicable:
- Laptop hire or purchase
- Voluntary residential trips
- Canteen (warm lunches)
- Bus transport
- After-school activities and before/after-school care
- Other optional extracurricular activities and materials as required for particular courses or trips.

Refunds, cancellations and termination charges

- If the enrolment agreement ends before the end of the granted period, the school is entitled to reimbursement equal to one quarter of the annual school fee as cancellation costs. Specific obligations for the current school year are:
- Deregistration after 1 August but before 1 October: parents/guardians owe 50% of the fee due for the current school year.
- Deregistration after 1 October but before 1 January: parents/guardians owe 75% of the fee due for the current school year.
- Deregistration after 1 January: no refund for the current school year is payable.

- Termination for the next school year must be done by deregistering before 1 June. Deregistration after 1 June but before 1 August for the following year incurs a charge of 25% of the fee due for that next school year. Parents/guardians have no right of suspension or setoff.
Academics

European School the Hague - Primary Campus teaches Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 4 to 11.

Curriculum
Gemini said
The Primary Campus follows the official European Schools curriculum, which is organized into a two-year Early Years cycle and a five-year Primary cycle. Students are enrolled in one of five distinct language sections—Dutch, English, French, German, or Spanish—for their main instruction. The core subjects include Mother Tongue (L1) studies, Mathematics, and an integrated science and humanities program called Discovery of the World. Beginning in the first year of the Primary cycle, children also start a mandatory second language (L2) by choosing English, French, or German. In years P3 through P5, pupils participate in "European Hours," where they mix across different language sections for specific collaborative lessons. While formal external qualifications are not awarded during the primary stages, completing this curriculum fulfills the requirements to transition directly into the secondary cycle, which ultimately culminates in the European Baccalaureate diploma.

Gifted and Talented
Gifted and Talented provisions adopt a highly inclusive, student-centred approach with in-class differentiation and a Talent Coach for identified students. A dedicated space and access to extracurricular clubs and university projects support their learning.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The School provides social-emotional support through the Secondary Well-being team, including a Student Well-being Counsellor, a School Psychologist and a School Social Worker. Social-emotional support is offered in English and Dutch, and the team collaborates with parents and teachers to identify factors and implement a support plan. The department also runs social skills and fear of failure courses for students throughout the school year.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The School provides learning support for students with additional needs, including language and mathematics support, coordinated by the Support Department. Language support is available for English L1 and L2, French L1 and L2, German L1 and L2 and Dutch L1; Mathematics support is offered in English, French and Dutch. Executive functioning support bridges learning and well-being.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Language sections in the Primary School include Dutch, English, French, German and Spanish, with SWALS placed in English, French, German or Dutch. It is a mandatory requirement that students study English, French or German as Language 2. Mother tongue tuition is offered for a number of European languages, and many students work toward fluency in multiple languages to follow classes. In the Secondary School, language support is available for English, German, French and Dutch for L1 and L2.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental well-being is a central focus, with the Well-being team identifying factors affecting well-being and implementing a support plan in collaboration with parents and teachers. Social-emotional support is available in English and Dutch, and the school offers social skills and fear-of-failure courses for students.

Safeguarding
A safeguarding protocol is in place, with a zero-tolerance approach to bullying. An Anti-bullying protocol exists and an anti-bullying coordinator is appointed (Ms Sitskoorn). Het Ouder- en Jeugdsteunpunt provides support for parents and teenagers with questions about inclusive education. The OPDC Zuid-Holland West placement offers additional educational support when needed.
Parent Experience

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 national education system. The school follows the European Schools curriculum to provide multilingual and multicultural education for Early Years, Primary, and Secondary students, culminating in the European Baccalaureate, and has two campuses in The Hague, one for Primary Education and one for Secondary Education. It is part of the Rijnlands Lyceum foundation, which offers international and Dutch education through several schools in the Hague-Leiden area.

Community
Parents are partners in education, and involvement is encouraged through the Participation Council (PC), which includes elected teacher, parent and student representatives and allows parents to engage in decisions about school organisation, learning and activities. Volunteering as a Parent Representative enables participation in class activities, school events, fundraising and social environment through the PTA. The Primary PTA and Secondary PTA coordinate regular meetings and organise events such as the Summer Fair, along with a range of social activities. The PC and PTA structures support whole-school life and community engagement.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The PTA aims to benefit the school community by giving parents a voice, enabling contributions to school life and organising activities for children and families to build our community, fundraise or just have fun. Primary PTA brings together parents from many nationalities to add social value to school life and to encourage volunteering. Primary PTA holds regular meetings in the parent cafe, usually on Tuesdays at 8:45am, with school representatives in attendance. Secondary PTA is a five-parent board with a staff representative and a student representative, and it supports charity activities and social events while planning future activities. It collaborates with the Primary PTA on whole-school events such as the Summer Fair and with external groups, for example hosting events like the German Big Band. Interested parents can contact the PTA via the listed emails for Primary PC, Primary PTA, Secondary PC and Secondary PTA.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The Primary facilities include a new children's Kitchen and Science Room called the Kids Food Lab, and a stylish Parent Café. There is a dedicated basketball/volleyball court and an outdoor mini amphitheatre. The Early Years playground is separate and well equipped. The school has two sunny libraries with over 30,000 books in 15+ European languages, two well‑equipped sports halls/gymnasiums, and a play room. Other spaces include an extensive grass playing field (under construction), Learning Garden, artificial turf soccer field, ICT suite, Music room, Large Atrium, and a canteen serving fresh hot nutritious lunches (JSK Catering).

Sports Facilities
The school has two well-equipped sports halls/gymnasiums and a dedicated basketball/volleyball court. It features an extensive grass playing field (under construction) and an artificial turf soccer field. Outdoor spaces include an outdoor mini amphitheatre and other sports fields and learning spaces. The Secondary facilities highlight sports fields, gyms and outdoor learning spaces.

Academic Facilities
The Primary facilities include a Kids Food Lab kitchen and a science room for practical science activities. The school provides science laboratories and ICT laboratories for STEM education. An ICT suite, a Music room, and a Large Atrium support digital learning and collaboration. There are two sunny libraries and a Learning Garden that enhance research and outdoor study.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Secondary Extracurricular Activities cover music, arts and performance, including violin, viola, chamber music, orchestra lessons, piano, dance (hip-hop), singing, and music production. There are drama, gardening, language clubs and book clubs such as English and Spanish Book Clubs, plus student-led initiatives and committees. Primary after-school enrichment offers a wide range of activities, with around 36 different options each year. Students can join clubs such as Sing and Chill Club, ESH Jazz Band, and various other clubs and societies.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school has a broad range of academic and intellectual activities. These include a Debate club and a Student Newspaper, which foster critical thinking and communication. English and Spanish Book Clubs support language development and reading skills. A Chess Tournament provides competitive intellectual engagement, and the Student Library Council supports library activities.

Arts & Creative
The school has arts and creative activities. Students can take music lessons (violin, viola, piano, flute, guitar, bass, saxophone, drums, brass, cello) and participate in ensembles such as the ESH Jazz Band and orchestral/chamber music programs. Drama and performing arts clubs are offered, including Drama Club and Opera & Ballet Club, along with Yarn Crafts Club and Gardening Club. Sing and Chill Club and other arts-based groups provide creative expression.

Cultural & Language
English Book Clubs and Spanish Book Club develop language skills and cultural understanding. The school also hosts cultural and social groups coordinated by student leadership, including the Gender-Sexuality Alliance (GSA). Student committees promote cultural life and inclusion, while school events support global perspectives.

Social & Hobbies
The school hosts social and hobby activities such as Bingo, Gardening Club, Yarn Crafts Club, and Magic Club, providing informal spaces to connect with peers. Dance and music-related groups offer social as well as artistic engagement. Students can participate in clubs that encourage collaboration and personal interests beyond class time.

Community & Service
Student-led initiatives include fundraising committees to support charities under the guidance of the Student Council. The ESH Green Club focuses on environmental projects and sustainability. Other service-oriented activities are organised by student groups to contribute to the school and local community.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership opportunities include the Student Council, with students forming committees such as fundraising and social-event groups. The Debate Club develops leadership communication and argumentation skills. The Student Library Council involves students in information literacy and library planning, while others can lead clubs and activities under school guidance.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
ASA includes Sports & Fitness, with activities designed to promote physical health and teamwork. Mindfulness and wellbeing initiatives are supported through wellbeing initiatives and school-wide events. The ASA program also encourages balance between academics and personal wellbeing through a range of wellness and creative activities.
Languages

Language Provision
Language provision is multilingual. Primary language sections are Dutch, English, French, German and Spanish. Secondary language sections are English, French, Dutch and German. All pupils study one official EU language (English, French or German) as Language 2 (L2); mother tongue classes are offered for several European languages, and language support is available in English, German, French and Dutch for L1 and L2.

Bilingual Teaching
Multilingual teaching is used across the curriculum. Primary has five language sections: Dutch, English, French, German and Spanish. Secondary has four language sections: English, French, Dutch and German. Students follow instruction in their language section and also learn additional European languages as part of the curriculum.
Reputation

Accreditations
Accredited European School.
Admissions

Admissions
Step 1: When to apply. Early Years applications are accepted from age 2 but are processed later. Applications to join at the start of the school year should be submitted by April 1; after that date placement may be delayed. Applications for mid-year starts should be submitted as soon as possible.

Step 2: Attend information sessions or arrange a visit. Regular information mornings are held for Primary School and Secondary School; prospective parents can meet staff and see the school. Dates for the next sessions are available on the admissions information page. If you cannot attend, submit a Registration of Interest Form and school reports (for pupils applying to P1–S6) and contact the Admissions Office to arrange a visit.

Step 3: Application procedure. Submit the formal application through OpenApply and create a parent account to track status. In the portal, upload required documents; Category I requires a passport copy, two years of school reports, any SEN/medical documents, a statement confirming Category I status from your HR office, and the Pupil Information Request Form. Category III requires a passport copy, two years of school reports, any SEN/medical documents, proof of payment of the €300 registration fee, the Pupil Information Request Form, and, in most cases, proof of eligibility for international education in the Netherlands. Additional information may be requested as needed.

Step 4: Next steps after submission. After submission, you will receive an automatic confirmation email; the application is assessed by the directorate; you may be asked for additional information, a meeting, or a placement offer or placement on the waiting list (Category III). For Secondary School applications, language and mathematics tests may be scheduled if transferring from another European School.

Step 5: Enrolment and post-arrival arrangements. With director's approval, placement letters are sent to parents to sign; acceptance of the offer. Subsequent arrangements such as class allocation, timetables, and introduction days (Early Years) will be communicated later.

Waitlist
Category III applicants may be placed on the waiting list. If a place becomes available, admissions officers contact the family with a placement offer; otherwise the applicant remains on the waiting list. Updates will be provided via OpenApply after the initial assessment.
School Events
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