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The British School of Amsterdam — international school in Amsterdam, Netherlands
The British School of Amsterdam logo

The British School of Amsterdam

Netherlands, Amsterdam

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees €9,375 - 21,528
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1000
Type Co-educational
Opened 1977
Bus Service No
Availability Are there places?
Ciaran Harrington
School Principal
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Taught languages Dutch, French, German, Spanish
Typical class size 23
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

The British School of Amsterdam provides education for ages 3 to 18, combining Early Years Foundation Stage with British National Curriculum. The school teaches in English and follows the National Curriculum for England, with EAL support and Dutch language provision for Dutch speakers. In Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9) students study subjects including English, Maths, Science, History, Geography, Computing, PE, Music, Art, Drama and PSHE, and choose two languages from French, Spanish, German or Dutch. Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11) offers GCSE program in English Language and Literature, Mathematics and Science, with four additional subjects chosen by pupils. The Sixth Form (Years 12–13) offers A Levels with a comprehensive PSHE core and electives. The school is housed in a building on Havenstraat with wings for phase; facilities include a theatre, sports hall, science labs and music rooms. Extra-curricular activities include sport, music and drama, plus MUN and Duke of Edinburgh.

www.britams.nl

Havenstraat 6, 1075 PR Amsterdam, Netherlands

The Essentials

The British School of Amsterdam has 1,000 pupils, typical class sizes of 23, instruction in English.

Location
Havenstraat 6, 1075 PR Amsterdam, The Netherlands. The school is located in Amsterdam city centre and is accessible by bus and tram with good public transport links. There is no on-site parking; a Kiss & Ride zone exists for quick drop-offs, and bike racks are available on site.

Stages
Early Years (ages 3-6); Junior School (ages 6-11); Senior School (ages 11-18)

Type
British international day school

Additional learning support
The Learning Support department provides support for children with specific educational needs; during admissions each applicant is assessed to determine suitability and support needs; if the school cannot accommodate a child's needs, alternatives are provided.

Country affiliation
Affiliated with the United Kingdom; AoBSO and COBIS members; National Curriculum for England followed.

School day structure
Nursery: 8:45–12:00 and 12:00–15:10 or 8:45–15:10; Reception: 8:45–15:10; Year 1: 8:45–15:15; Years 2–3: 8:45–15:25; Years 4–6: 8:45–15:30; Senior School: 8:40–15:40.

Bus service
No school bus service is offered; travel to school is primarily by foot or bike; public transport links are strong.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Uniform is compulsory for all pupils. Branded uniform items can be purchased from the online shop, with the collection point at the main reception. In Years 12 and 13 (Sixth Form) students follow a smart dress code instead of wearing a uniform; non-branded items such as white shirts and grey or navy trousers/skirts can be sourced from Marks & Spencer.

Food Options
Food is provided by Appel Catering, with half-termly subscriptions for packed lunches or hot meals and daily orders for both. Early Years have packed lunches only; Junior and Senior Schools offer both packed lunches and hot meals, with Senior students able to buy lunch on-site. The school aims to be nut-free, though traces may occur and allergies should be communicated.

House System
All students from Year 1 onwards belong to one of four houses: Singel, Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht. Houses participate in team games, sports day, and other competitions; in the Senior School, ties denote the house and inter-house competitions lead to the House Cup.

Governance and Ownership
The school is non-profit and does not receive funding from the UK or Dutch governments. It is a Stichting (Foundation) incorporated under Dutch law and has a Supervisory Board and a Management Board.
Fees

Annual tuition at The British School of Amsterdam ranges from EUR 9,375 to EUR 21,528 for 2026/27.

Application fee

- A non-refundable application fee of €250 is payable on submission of each application. An application is not reviewed until this payment has been received.

Enrolment fee (one-off, non-refundable)

- When a place is offered, a non‑refundable enrolment fee is due:
- Nursery and Reception: €750 per child.
- Years 1 to 12: €2,000 per child.
- Families transferring from Reception to Year 1 are invoiced an additional €1,250 with the Year 1 school fees.
- The enrolment fee is retained if a place is cancelled before the child joins; any school fees already paid will be refunded but the enrolment fee is not returned.

Tuition fees (annual and termly by year group)

- Early Years – Nursery (by number of sessions per week):
- Nursery (10 sessions): Annual € 18,750; Term € 6,250.
- Nursery (9 sessions): Annual € 16,875; Term € 5,625.
- Nursery (8 sessions): Annual € 15,000; Term € 5,000.
- Nursery (7 sessions): Annual € 13,125; Term € 4,375.
- Nursery (6 sessions): Annual € 11,250; Term € 3,750.
- Nursery (5 sessions): Annual € 9,375; Term € 3,125.

- Early Years – Reception and Year 1:
- Reception and Year 1: Annual € 19,884; Term € 6,628.

- Junior School (Years 2 to 6):
- Annual € 20,277; Term € 6,759.

- Senior School (Years 7 to 13):
- Annual € 21,528; Term € 7,176.
- For pupils in Years 10 to 13 there is an additional course-related charge of €375 per year to cover GCSE/AS/A Level course expenses, exam invigilation and related items.

Additional educational and support fees

- Learning Support Assistant (full-time support): €44,763 per year (charged in addition to school fees).

- Text books and exercise books are provided free unless lost or damaged; charges apply for damaged or lost items and for any re‑take examinations, which are invoiced separately. Optional trips and extras (for example optional trips or extra‑curricular items) are invoiced separately and are not covered by tuition. Compulsory curriculum trips are included in the school fees; optional trips require full payment in advance. School lunches are not included in the school fees and are invoiced separately on a non‑refundable basis.

- Uniform: Branded uniform items are available for purchase from the school's online uniform shop; non‑branded items must be purchased separately. Branded and non‑branded uniform costs are additional to tuition fees.

Boarding

- The school does not provide boarding; pupils living alone in the Netherlands are not enrolled.

Invoicing, billing schedule and payment terms

- Fees are invoiced annually. Full fees are due for pupils starting at any time from the first day of a term up to the half‑term date; pupils who start after the half‑term break pay half fees for the first half term they attend. Term dates and the full/half term periods are used to determine fee liability. Split payment arrangements are available for parents paying personally: fees may be paid in three equal instalments due on the dates shown in the invoicing schedule (example instalment due dates given for the invoicing year are published with the invoices).

- Bank payment details provided for fee payments:
- Account name: The British School of Amsterdam
- Account number: 302017178
- Bank name: Rabobank
- IBAN: NL13 RABO 0302 0171 78
- BIC (SWIFT): RABONL2U.
- Payments are made to the school's bank account (SEPA/IBAN transfer) using the invoice reference so the payment is correctly allocated. Refunds are made to the same bank account from which the original payment was received.

Late payment and debt collection

- If fees or other charges fall into arrears, the school may refer the debt to a collections agency and may refuse admittance until the debt is cleared; all collection costs will be charged to the parent. No school records or reports will be released while fees or charges remain outstanding. Payments received are allocated to the oldest outstanding amounts first.

Leaving the school and refunds

- A full term's written notice is required when a pupil is withdrawn. If notice is received late the school may charge fees for the following term. The enrolment fee is non‑refundable. The deposit (if paid) and any school fee for subsequent terms will only be refunded if the required online notification of leaving has been submitted on time, all fees and extra costs have been paid, and all invoiced sibling amounts are settled. Refunds are normally paid to the original payee bank account and the school aims to process refunds within 30 days of the end of the term in which the child leaves. Specific notification deadlines for leaving are published for each academic year and operate on fixed dates.

Other payment notes

- Compulsory curriculum trips are included in tuition; optional trips, school lunches, certain examination retakes, and some extra‑curricular charges are invoiced separately and are non‑refundable where stated. Any company or employer invoicing arrangements do not remove parental responsibility for payment; the signatories on the acceptance letter remain responsible for timely payment.
Academics

The British School of Amsterdam teaches British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage) for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
The British School of Amsterdam offers the full National Curriculum used in England from age 3 to 18, culminating in GCSEs and A Levels. Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9) includes English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Computing, Physical Education, Music, Art, Drama and PSHE, with pupils choosing two languages from French, Spanish, German or Dutch; English as an Additional Language (EAL) is available, and native Dutch is provided for Dutch speakers. Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11) follows a core GCSE framework of English Language and Literature, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics, with four further subjects chosen by pupils; KS3 subjects are offered alongside Business Studies and Media Studies. Sixth Form (Years 12–13) offers A Level courses with a compulsory PSHE core and electives; pupils select up to four A Level subjects and may continue to Year 13 (A2). The curriculum is enhanced by extra-curricular activities in sport, music and drama, and the PSHE programme supports life skills and responsible citizenship.

Exam Results
A Level results 2025: 100% pass rate; 41% of students achieved A or A; 76% achieved A/A/B; 90% achieved A-C; 157 examinations were taken. GCSE results 2025: 100% pass rate; 56% of grades were 9-7 (A/A); 77% were 9-6 (A/A/B); 95% were 9-4 (A-C); 508 examinations were taken. Published: A Level results 14 August 2025; GCSE results 21 August 2025.

Higher Education Progression
University destinations: The British School of Amsterdam prepares students for further study and work opportunities around the globe.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Wellbeing is a fundamental aspect of the school, rooted in pastoral care that prioritises the physical and emotional welfare of every student. Personal, Social, Health, and Economic (PSHE) education equips students with essential knowledge and skills to make confident decisions amidst external pressures. Initiatives like Wellbeing Week and dedicated weekly PSHE lessons reinforce emotional wellbeing, and assemblies reflect the core values of nurture, inspire, and empower. A safeguarding team supports staff and parents in addressing students' safety, while a school nurse and a team of trained counsellors provide on-site health and emotional support. Parent workshops strengthen home–school partnership to support student wellbeing.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
We are non-selective and inclusive, providing support to pupils with mild to moderate educational needs. We strive to ensure access to all aspects of school life and follow a Graduated Approach to SEND, aligned with the SEND Code of Practice. Needs are grouped into four broad areas: communication and interaction; cognition and learning; social, emotional and mental health; and sensory/physical needs. A named Learning Support Coordinator (SENDCo) in Early Years and Junior School and a Head of Learning Support in the Senior School lead provision; they work with teachers and families to plan and review targeted support and liaise with external agencies when needed. Teaching is planned to be differentiated to meet needs, with monitoring and coordination at school leadership level.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English as an Additional Language (EAL) is recognised as a strength, and EAL pupils have equal access to the full curriculum. EAL provision is fully integrated into inclusion, safeguarding, and equality commitments. The school identifies EAL needs on entry, with data on home language(s) and baseline assessments, and maintains a central EAL register. EAL progress is monitored termly using appropriate descriptors and staged grids. EAL is delivered through Quality First Teaching, with dedicated EAL groups; EY/Junior students have EAL twice weekly alongside Dutch, while Seniors have EAL as a language option with four lessons every two weeks. The policy distinguishes EAL from SEND and involves parents in supporting learning.

Mental Wellbeing
The mental health and wellbeing of pupils is a priority, guided by UK and international frameworks to ensure best practice in international schools. The Senior Mental Health Lead oversees and implements the school's mental health strategy, supported by a team of on-site mental health professionals and a Counselling Team for confidential brief intervention and signposting to external services. Mental health is addressed across the curriculum through PSHE, assemblies, and dedicated events, with awareness activities and resources signposted to pupils and parents. The school provides quiet spaces for emotional regulation and access to ongoing pastoral support from Heads of Year and pastoral staff. Progress is tracked using validated tools, and staff receive training to identify and respond to concerns.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. The school provides a safe and secure environment and a safeguarding team supports staff and parents. The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Deputy DSLs coordinate safeguarding across all sections; staff receive safeguarding training and adhere to safer recruitment policies. The school bases safeguarding on Keeping Children Safe in Education (DfE) and the Dutch Meldcode, with clear step procedures for responding to concerns and collaboration with safeguarding partners. The policy sets out roles for all staff, from the Principal to teaching and support staff, and requires timely recording and reporting of concerns.
Parent Experience

History
The British School of Amsterdam was created in 1977 when three families posted to the Netherlands and decided to teach their children from one of their homes. The founding idea was that the students should not fall behind the British School system whilst overseas. It grew from a small primary school to a through-school for ages 3 to 18. Before 2021, the school was located in various locations; we now teach over 1,000 students and are located in one world-class building on Havenstraat. The school represents more than 56 nationalities.

Community
The school has a diverse community with students representing 56 nationalities. The school hosts events such as International Day and Cultural Days where students, staff and families share heritage and celebrate different cultures, building lifelong friendships and preparing pupils to thrive in a globalised world.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Parents' Organisation is part of The British School of Amsterdam, reflecting the school's origins as a parent-founded school and reinforcing belonging for students, staff, and families.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The British School of Amsterdam operates from a redesigned, re-engineered building that houses the Early Years School, Junior School and Senior School. The three schools are housed in a single building. Each school section has its own wing within the building to suit the ages of the children. The Combined School Profile notes a magnificent sports hall, playgrounds, a large theatre, assembly halls and fully equipped science laboratories and music rooms. The building is a re-engineered monumental building with dedicated wings for each section to maintain the character of the school.

Sports Facilities
Early Years participate in Little Stars Fitness with mini gym equipment, and optional ballet classes. Two PE sessions per week are offered in Junior School, and Years 3 to 6 take part in a swimming program at Mirandabad Pool in Amsterdam-Zuid with Dutch instructors and a Dutch diploma system from beginners to C++ level. In Senior School, the school is a Topscore School with partnerships with RC Amstel (Rowing) and BC Apollo (Basketball) to support inter-school competitions and links with local clubs. The school also holds a traditional sports day for Years 2 to 6. Local club coaches provide additional introductory courses and pathways for ongoing participation.

Academic Facilities
The Art Department features a kiln for ceramics, with student work showcased in an annual exhibition. The school provides private music tuition through experienced peripatetic teachers, coordinated by the Young Musicians of The British School of Amsterdam (YMBSA), including ABRSM in-person exams each November and digital exams through YMBSA. Junior School has dedicated music rooms for private tuition. The Senior School offers a robust Drama, Music and Art programme, including an annual school production club involving stage design, costumes, lighting and sound. Within the Combined School Profile, the building also features fully equipped science laboratories and music rooms.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Our Extra-Curricular Programme comprises five areas: Active & Sports, Arts & Creative, Academic Achievement, Wellbeing, and Service & Community. Participation fosters teamwork, leadership and resilience. Current offerings include Sports such as football, basketball, cricket, badminton, table tennis, netball and volleyball. Arts activities include painting, design, sculpture, photography and creative film, alongside drama and musical ensembles. Private music tuition and performance opportunities are supported through peripatetic teachers and ensembles. The programme also features Academic Clubs like coding and study skills, plus Wellbeing activities and Service & Community options such as Model United Nations (MUN) and the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Academic Clubs include coding, study skills, homework support, and subject-specific clinics. These clubs are part of the Extra-Curricular Programme's Academic Achievement category. They offer opportunities to develop study strategies and deepen understanding in specific subjects. Participation supports academic enrichment.

Arts & Creative
Arts opportunities include painting, design, sculpture, photography, and creative film. Performance opportunities include drama productions, musical theatre, dance, and musical ensembles. These activities foster artistic skill development and creative expression as part of the Arts & Creative and Performance offerings.

Social & Hobbies
Sports include football, basketball, cricket, badminton, table tennis, netball, and volleyball. Arts opportunities include painting, design, sculpture, photography, and creative film, while Performance includes drama productions, musical theatre, dance, and musical ensembles. These activities foster social connections and opportunities to collaborate with peers. They contribute to a vibrant after-school life and shared interests among students.

Community & Service
Service & Community includes Model United Nations (MUN) and the Duke of Edinburgh Award. These activities provide opportunities for students to engage in service, teamwork, and personal development. The Service & Community area strengthens the school's sense of community by linking students with meaningful projects.

Leadership & Professional
Engaging in the ECP develops life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and resilience. MUN and the Duke of Edinburgh Award are part of the Service & Community offerings. A range of activities across sports, arts, and wellbeing supports collaborative work and peer interaction. These experiences contribute to holistic development within the school day.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Wellbeing activities include cooking club, wellbeing crafts, and yoga for younger students. These activities promote wellbeing and balance as part of the Extra-Curricular Programme. Wellbeing is one of the five key areas of the ECP alongside Active & Sports, Arts & Creative, Academic Achievement, and Service & Community. Participation supports a healthy, well-rounded student experience.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction. Dutch is taught as a second language to non-native learners, with a Native Dutch language course for native Dutch pupils. Pupils select two modern foreign languages from French, Spanish, German and Dutch. English as an Additional Language support is provided for pupils learning English as an additional language.
Reputation

Accreditations
AoBSO (The Association of British Schools Overseas)
It is a not-for-profit membership association recognised by the UK Government that supports leaders of BSO-accredited schools by advocating for educational practices and leadership standards.

COBIS (The Council of British International Schools)
This is a membership association that connects and represents more than 400 British international schools and educational organisations globally.

AQA
An independent education charity that provides UK qualifications, including GCSEs and A Levels, to support student assessment and testing.

Pearson
A global education company that supplies digital content, assessments, and recognized qualifications to schools internationally.

Cambridge Assessment International Education
A department of the University of Cambridge that designs and provides international education programmes and qualifications for students aged 3 to 19.

HMC (The Heads' Conference)
An association of independent school leaders focused on supporting school development, safeguarding school independence, and shaping educational policy.

Duke of Edinburgh Award
A youth programme that encourages personal development, life skills, and community engagement through structured activities like volunteering, skills training, and physical challenges.

ABRSM (The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music)
A music education charity that partners with four Royal Schools of Music to provide standardized music exams, resources, and support for learners and teachers.
Admissions

Admissions
doris recommends that you start by speaking to admissions. This connects you directly to the school's admissions team who can respond with answers, more information, and next steps.

1. Determine the Year Group
Check the school's comparison chart to find your child's correct year group based on their age as of August 31st. Parents should note that the school does not typically accept applications for Year 11 or Year 13, as these are the final years of two-year examination courses.

2. Submit the Application and Documents
Complete a separate online application for each child, uploading required documents like a translated birth certificate, parental IDs, proof of address, and signed school reports in English. You must also disclose any special educational needs and provide relevant professional evaluations, translated and notarised if applicable.

3. Pay the Registration Fee
A €250 registration fee per child must be paid within five working days of submitting the application, otherwise the application will be automatically cancelled. If you are applying for a child who is returning to the school, this registration fee is waived entirely.

4. Await the School Reference
Once the application and fee are processed, the admissions team will contact your child's current school directly for a confidential academic reference and safeguarding records. You will be notified when this request is sent, but please be aware it can take up to ten working days for the current school to process and respond.

Waitlist
Allocation of places occurs after an offer is made. Parents have three working days to email a scanned copy of the signed acceptance letter; if the signed acceptance is not received within three working days, the child will be placed on a waiting list and the place offered to another family.
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