Amsterdam is unique among European capitals for the depth of its bilingual education offer. Dutch primary schools have run government-subsidised English-Dutch programmes since 2014, and a growing number of international private schools weave Dutch into the timetable. For expat families planning a 2026 move, choosing between a bilingual public school, an international school with Dutch lessons, or a fully English-medium school comes down to how long you intend to stay and whether your children will sit Dutch state exams.
The three bilingual models in Amsterdam
Families have three distinct routes:
- Bilingual Dutch primary (TPO): Subsidised, 30% to 50% of the day in English, taught alongside Dutch curriculum. Free public schooling for residents.
- International schools with Dutch on the timetable: Primary or secondary in English, with daily Dutch as second language to support integration.
- Bilingual secondary (TTO): Dutch state schools where 50% of MYP-equivalent subjects are taught in English, leading to the European Baccalaureate or the Dutch HAVO/VWO with a bilingual certificate.
Why bilingual education works in the Netherlands
The Dutch education system has one of the highest English proficiency rates in Europe outside native-English populations. Combined with the country's deeply embedded English usage in business and academia, even children who arrive at age 6 with no Dutch typically reach functional bilingual fluency by age 10. The 2026 cohort benefits from a more mature TPO and TTO network: 200+ certified primary and secondary schools now operate bilingual streams.
Top bilingual and international schools in Amsterdam
The International School of Amsterdam
An IB-continuum school in Amstelveen offering PYP, MYP and Diploma, with daily Dutch instruction to support local integration. Suited to families staying 3+ years. Profile on The International School of Amsterdam.
The British School of Amsterdam
English National Curriculum from EYFS through A Levels in Oud-Zuid, with Dutch language and culture lessons from Year 1. Strong choice for families relocating from the UK. More on The British School of Amsterdam.
Amsterdam International Community School
State-subsidised international school for children whose parents work for foreign or multinational employers; offers PYP, MYP and IB Diploma at significantly reduced fees, with Dutch on the curriculum. See Amsterdam International Community School.
Amity International School Amsterdam
IB-continuum school in Amstelveen with strong language provision, including Dutch as a Second Language from age 5. Profile on Amity International School Amsterdam.
Tuition and the subsidy advantage
Amsterdam offers something most European capitals do not: a publicly funded route to bilingual schooling. As a 2026 reference:
- Bilingual Dutch public primary (TPO): Free for legal residents; voluntary parental contribution of EUR 250 to EUR 600 per year for extras.
- Subsidised international schools (DENISE, AICS, ESLNL): EUR 5,500 to EUR 7,800 per year for eligible expats.
- Private international primary: EUR 16,000 to EUR 23,000 per year.
- Private international secondary (IB MYP/Diploma): EUR 22,000 to EUR 32,000 per year.
Subsidised schools have eligibility rules — typically the parent must work for a foreign employer with a finite assignment in the Netherlands. Check eligibility before applying because waitlists are long.
Practical admissions tips for 2026
Bilingual primary schools in central Amsterdam (Oud-Zuid, De Pijp, Westerpark) operate strict catchment rules — you must usually be registered as resident at an address inside the catchment by the application deadline. For subsidised international schools, register the moment you have a signed rental contract; six-month waitlists are normal for primary and even longer for IB Diploma years.
Private international schools tend to assess for language readiness, particularly above Year 4. If your child has no Dutch, the school will design a phased immersion plan; concealing prior schooling gaps usually backfires later. Get the last two years of reports translated to English, even if the school accepts other languages.
Living near a bilingual school
Many families coming to Amsterdam over-prioritise the historic centre. For school logistics, suburbs like Amstelveen, Zuidas, Buitenveldert and Diemen are often a better fit: shorter commutes, more family-sized housing and direct school bus routes. Public transit is excellent, but cycling distance still matters for primary-school children.
For the broader Dutch landscape, browse the ranking of the best international schools in the Netherlands on ISA to filter by curriculum, subsidy status and fee band.
Frequently asked questions
Is bilingual public education in Amsterdam really free?
Yes for legal residents. Bilingual primary (TPO) and secondary (TTO) Dutch state schools charge no tuition; they ask for a voluntary parental contribution, typically EUR 250 to EUR 600 per year.
Do my children need Dutch before starting?
Not for English-medium international schools. For bilingual Dutch primary, schools typically offer a phased Dutch immersion programme from Year 1; some require evidence that the family will support Dutch acquisition at home.
Can subsidised international schools accept any expat family?
No. Eligibility usually requires that at least one parent works in the Netherlands on a finite international assignment, or that the family is non-Dutch and has lived abroad for the previous two years.