The Best International Schools in The Hague

Overview of the School System in The Hague

The Hague offers a wide range of schooling options within the Dutch national system, beginning with primary education and continuing into the secondary streams of VMBO (pre-vocational), HAVO (general), or VWO (pre-university). If you’re planning to stay longer and local integration is important, or if affordability is a consideration, a strong public school may be a good option. There are also government-funded schools based on religious or educational philosophies such as Montessori, Dalton, and Vrijeschool. 

If English-language continuity and global recognition is a priority, there are many well-established international schools offering International Baccalaureate programmes, British and American curricula, and other national pathways. This variety makes The Hague especially attractive to globally mobile and multilingual families.

With different structures, admissions processes, and waiting lists, choosing the right school depends very much on your child, your family’s priorities, and how long you expect to remain in the Netherlands.

Let’s look at each option more closely.

Types of Schools in The Hague

International Schools in The Hague

As an international city, The Hague offers a well-established selection of international schools delivering IB, British, and American programmes.  Most schools cater to students from early years through to secondary graduation and English is the primary language of instruction, though there are French and German international school options also. For families who do not speak Dutch or who expect to relocate in the future, international schools can provide academic continuity, though demand for places can be high.

Private Schools in The Hague

Many schools described as “private” in the Netherlands are actually government-funded bijzondere scholen based on a religious or educational philosophy such as Catholic, Protestant, Islamic, Montessori, Dalton, or Vrijeschool (Waldorf). They follow the Dutch national curriculum, teach primarily in Dutch, and are generally tuition-free apart from voluntary parental contributions. These schools are often a good fit for families planning a longer-term stay who value a specific ethos and want strong local integration, while fully fee-paying private schools also exist but are less common.

Private Schools in The Hague

For families intending to stay in The Hague for longer periods of time, the local system can be a good choice.  However, this is most suitable for young children who will adapt to education in Dutch quickly, without loss of learning. In The Hague, education within the public system begins with primary school from ages 4 to 12, followed by secondary pathways including VMBO, HAVO, and VWO. Public schools are state-funded, open to all children, and primarily teach in Dutch. They are tuition-free and provide strong opportunities for local integration, although demand in certain neighbourhoods can make places competitive.

Best International Schools in The Hague

If you are unsure how long your family will stay in the Netherlands, or you are relocating with older children who may not have time to transition into Dutch-language education, an international school may be the most practical option. Below, we highlight some of the best known schools in The Hague to help you begin making an informed choice.

International School of The Hague (ISH)

International School of The Hague is one of the most established international schools in the city. It offers the full International Baccalaureate continuum from Primary Years through to the Diploma Programme.

As a partly government-funded school, tuition fees are generally more accessible than many fully private international schools, which makes it a popular option for expatriate families who seek an international education with an affordable pricetag. However, if your child is Dutch, or one or both parents are Dutch, you’ll need to look into your eligibility to enrol. 

The school serves students aged 4 to 18 and is known for its diverse international community, balanced academic approach, and strong focus on wellbeing alongside academic rigour.

The British School in the Netherlands (BSN)

Although located in nearby Voorschoten and Leidschenveen, The British School in the Netherlands serves many families living in The Hague, with commutes typically around 20–30 minutes depending on the neighbourhood. It can be a strong choice for families seeking a British curriculum and UK university preparation, as long as the daily travel time feels manageable for your child.

It delivers the English National Curriculum, leading to IGCSEs and A-Levels, and provides structured academic pathways from early years through secondary education. Unlike most schools in The Netherlands, BSN does require its students to wear a uniform.

BSN is often chosen by families seeking continuity with the English National Curriculum (ENC) and is recognised for its strong pastoral care and wide range of extracurricular opportunities.

American School of The Hague (ASH)

Located in Wassenaar, just outside The Hague, the American School of The Hague offers an American curriculum with Advanced Placement courses and the option of the IB Diploma.

The campus provides extensive athletics, arts, and extracurricular facilities, supporting a well-rounded student experience.

As one of the longest-established international schools in the region, ASH appeals to families looking for continuity with the US education system and strong university preparation for international destinations. This is particularly true for those looking to do tertiary education in the United States.

European School The Hague (ESH)

The European School The Hague follows the European Schools curriculum and primarily serves children of EU institution employees, although other families may apply depending on availability.

It offers multilingual language sections, including English, French, and German, and leads to the European Baccalaureate qualification, unique to European Schools,  but which is officially recognised as an entry qualification for Higher Education in all the countries of the European Union.

The school places strong emphasis on language development, European identity, and a broad academic foundation designed to support mobility across EU member states.

Curricula Offered by the International Schools in The Hague

International Baccalaureate (IB)

British Curriculum (IGCSE / A-Levels)

German Curriculum

French Curriculum

American Curriculum

Local or National Curriculum

How to Choose the Right International School in The Hague

Finding the right fit among the international schools in The Hague means looking beyond reputation and focusing on what suits your child and long-term plans for your family. Curriculum continuity, language of instruction, length of stay, class sizes, and support for non-native speakers all shape student experience. Extracurricular options and commute time are also important practical considerations. Whenever possible, visit schools, attend open days, speak with current parents, and clarify admission requirements and waiting list policies. Public primary schools in The Hague accept registration from age three, with children starting on their fourth birthday, and early sign-up is essential in popular areas.

Admission Process and School Fees in The Hague

Admissions at international schools in The Hague generally begin with an online application and a non-refundable application fee. Families are usually asked to submit recent school reports and relevant documentation at this stage.

After the application, some age groups, particularly older students, may be invited to complete assessments or attend interviews. This can include academic screening or language evaluation, depending on the curriculum. 

Offers are typically issued in late winter or early spring for the following academic year. Many schools also operate rolling admissions and continue offering places into late spring or summer if spaces remain available.

International schools in The Hague are non-selective in the primary years and do not operate competitive entrance exams. Admission is based on previous school reports, age eligibility, English-language readiness, and available places. In secondary years, schools may require assessments or interviews to determine appropriate placement, particularly for academically demanding programmes such as the IB Diploma, but this is for level suitability rather than selective entry.

Once an offer is made, parents typically confirm acceptance by signing an enrolment agreement and paying a reservation or enrolment deposit to secure the place before the school year begins.

International school fees in The Hague include one-time charges such as application, enrolment or capital development fees, as well as annual tuition costs. Tuition at partly funded schools generally ranges from around €8,000 to €20,000 per year, while fully private international schools may range from €20,000 to €35,000 or more, depending on age level. Additional costs can include transport, extracurricular activities, and school trips. Take these extra costs into consideration as they can soon mount up.  We suggest adding 5% onto the tuition fees to take account of these additional charges.

In The Hague’s public schools, registration is usually handled by the municipality. Families apply to their preferred school and, depending on availability, are informed whether a place has been secured. While tuition is free, parents contribute to materials, excursions, and voluntary school activities.

Pros and Cons of Studying at Schools in The Hague

  Advantages

• High quality of life with beaches, parks and safe neighbourhoods
• Wide range of Dutch, bilingual and international school choices
• Strong international and diplomatic community
• Good public transport links and bike to school options

Challenges

• Limited school places and nationwide teacher shortages
• High tuition fees for international schools
• Windy, grey weather during parts of the year, not so school choice related, but important to know if you are not used to this climate

Best Tutors in The Hague

Moving to a new city can bring significant adjustments for children, including settling into a new home, adapting to a different school, and often navigating an unfamiliar curriculum or language. For students of all ages, this period of change can be demanding. Private tutoring can play an important role in easing the transition by supporting language development, addressing any academic gaps, and helping your child build the confidence they need to succeed in their new surroundings. 

TutorsPlus offers tailored tutoring for students attending international and private schools in The Hague. They specialise in expert support for IB subjects, IGCSE and A-Level programmes, the American or French curriculum, and university admissions preparation. Tutors can also help students strengthen their English or Dutch language skills, enabling them to integrate more comfortably into school life and daily activities in The Hague. With flexible online lessons, sessions can easily be scheduled around your child’s existing school timetable.

Conclusion

In the end, selecting a school in The Hague as an international family means identifying a place where your child feels supported, inspired, and able to achieve their potential. With a combination of public, bilingual, and international schools available, it is wise to look beyond surface impressions and examine curriculum options, language pathways, class sizes, pastoral support, and enrichment programmes. When these factors match your child’s strengths and your family’s long-term goals, the decision becomes a little easier.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What are the best international schools in The Hague?
  • The best choice ultimately depends on your child’s learning style, language background and future plans. We recommend looking at both local and international options to make the best choice possible for your unique family needs. If you are a non-Dutch family, the government-subsidised International School of The Hague is a more affordable option.
• Are public schools in The Hague free for international students?
  • Public schools in The Hague are free for all students, including international students. However, there are some expenses parents have to cover. Families finance things like books, school trips, and extracurricular activities. These costs are still far lower than the cost of international school tuition, so can be a good option for families planning long term relocations.
• How much do private schools in The Hague cost?
  • Fees typically range from €8,000 to over €30,000 per year, depending on the school, whether it has a degree of public funding, and age group of the students it supports.
• Is it difficult to get a place in a school in The Hague?
  • It can be competitive, particularly in popular neighbourhoods and well-known international programmes. Applying early and preparing the required documents in advance improves your chances.
• What languages are taught in schools in The Hague?
  • Dutch is the main language of instruction in public schools. International schools generally teach in English, often with Dutch language support and additional European language sections in some institutions.
• Which curriculum is best for expat families in The Hague?
  • The International Baccalaureate is often the most flexible pathway for globally mobile families due to its international recognition. British and American curricula are strong alternatives, particularly if university plans are focused on the UK or the US.
• When should parents apply to schools in The Hague?
  • Families are advised to begin applications in the autumn before the intended school year. For public primary schools, registration often starts around age three, while international schools may accept applications year-round, depending on availability.

Schools

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