Amsterdam attracts a steady flow of international families, and bilingual schooling is one of the strongest reasons many of them stay. The Netherlands has a long tradition of running parallel English and Dutch programmes, and Amsterdam now offers a mix of fully international schools, bilingual public schools and private international schools that combine both languages from age four. This 2026 guide explains how the bilingual model actually works in Amsterdam and which schools to shortlist.
How bilingual schooling works in Amsterdam
Three different models sit under the bilingual umbrella in Amsterdam. The first is the international primary and secondary school where teaching is in English with Dutch as a second language. The second is the bilingual Dutch school, where roughly half the curriculum is delivered in English and half in Dutch, recognised by the Ministry of Education as TTO at secondary level. The third is the genuinely two-way school where French, German or Spanish sit alongside English and Dutch.
For families on a short posting, the international primary route is usually the simplest fit. For families who plan to stay long term, a TTO Dutch secondary school often becomes attractive in the upper years because it allows children to graduate with a Dutch diploma alongside strong English. The choice depends on how long you plan to remain and on the languages already spoken at home.
Top bilingual and international schools in Amsterdam
The British School of Amsterdam
The British School of Amsterdam follows the English National Curriculum from Reception through Year 13, leading to IGCSE and A-Levels. Dutch is taught as a second language from the early years, and the school works closely with families who plan to either return to the UK or stay long term in the Netherlands. The location in Vondelpark and the ratio of English-speaking faculty are common reasons families choose it.
The International School of Amsterdam
Located in Amstelveen, The International School of Amsterdam delivers the full IB continuum from PYP through MYP and the Diploma. It is one of the longest-established IB schools in Europe and has a strong second-language programme covering Dutch, French and Spanish. Admissions are competitive and assessment day testing is standard from Year 1 upwards.
Amsterdam International Community School
Run as a foundation by the city of Amsterdam, Amsterdam International Community School offers an English-medium IB-aligned programme at substantially lower fees than the private international schools. Places are limited and prioritised for families based in Amsterdam for a defined period, but it is by far the most accessible price point in the city.
International French School of Amsterdam
International French School of Amsterdam follows the French national curriculum, validated by the AEFE network, and runs strong English and Dutch language strands alongside French. It works particularly well for trilingual families and for children who already speak French at home.
De Nieuwe Internationale School Esprit
De Nieuwe Internationale School Esprit is the international primary stream of the Esprit Scholen group. It uses an English-medium programme with structured Dutch language teaching and is recognised by the Dutch government, which keeps fees significantly below the private international schools.
Fees for bilingual education in Amsterdam in 2026
Fees vary widely depending on whether the school is government-recognised or fully private. Government-recognised international schools such as Amsterdam International Community School and De Nieuwe Internationale School Esprit charge in the order of EUR 4,500 to 6,500 a year for primary, with secondary slightly higher. Private international schools such as The British School of Amsterdam and The International School of Amsterdam sit in the EUR 16,000 to 25,000 range for primary and EUR 22,000 to 30,000 for the senior years.
Beyond tuition, plan for a registration fee of EUR 250 to 500, an enrolment fee at private schools, lunches, school trips, IB or IGCSE exam fees in the senior years, and uniforms where applicable. Bus services are less common in Amsterdam than in cities such as Dubai or Singapore, since most families cycle or use public transport.
How language support works for new arrivals
If your child does not yet speak English fluently, the international schools in Amsterdam typically offer an English as an Additional Language programme in the early years included in tuition. From Year 5 onwards, additional support may be charged separately, and some schools require a minimum English level for direct entry into Year 7 and above. For Dutch, expect structured beginner Dutch lessons from the start, building toward a level that allows children to communicate in everyday Amsterdam life.
Bilingual TTO secondary schools, by contrast, expect students to come in with a working level of Dutch already. Families planning a switch from international primary into a TTO Dutch secondary school usually start a parallel Dutch tutoring programme one or two years before the move.
Practical tips for choosing a bilingual school in Amsterdam
Visit on a regular school day rather than at an open evening, and ask to see a Dutch language lesson. Quality of Dutch teaching varies a lot between schools and is the single biggest differentiator if you plan to remain in the Netherlands for several years. Ask about the proportion of Dutch native speakers in each year group, since a more balanced cohort generally accelerates language acquisition.
Be realistic about transport. Amsterdam is compact, but cycling to school in winter with younger children is not always practical, and the international schools cluster in specific areas of the city and Amstelveen. Pick a neighbourhood that fits both your work and the school you want, rather than the other way around.
Compare schools across the Netherlands
To benchmark fees, curricula and ratings beyond Amsterdam, browse the directory at International School Advisor: Best Schools in the Netherlands. The 2026 listing includes Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam and Eindhoven, which is useful for families considering a move within the country.
Frequently asked questions
Are international schools in Amsterdam fully English-medium?
Yes. The fully international schools deliver almost all teaching in English, with Dutch taught as a structured second language. Bilingual TTO schools, on the other hand, deliver around half the curriculum in each language.
Is the IB recognised by Dutch universities?
Yes. The IB Diploma is recognised by all Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences. Subject-specific entry requirements still apply, particularly for medicine and certain technical degrees.
How long does it take a child to become functionally bilingual in Amsterdam?
Children who arrive between ages four and eight typically reach functional Dutch within twelve to eighteen months when they are in a strong programme. Older children take longer and benefit from a structured tutoring plan alongside school.