Why Amsterdam Stands Out for Bilingual Education
Amsterdam has become one of Europe's most attractive cities for expatriate families, and its international school offering reflects this. What makes the Dutch capital distinctive is not just the quality of its international schools, but the genuine depth of bilingual education on offer. The Netherlands has long invested in dual-language schooling, and in Amsterdam you will find schools that go beyond token bilingualism to deliver true fluency in both Dutch and English across all subjects. For expat families planning a longer-term stay, this is a major asset.
This guide covers the key bilingual and multilingual international schools in Amsterdam for 2026, with practical guidance on what to expect from each model, realistic fee ranges and advice on enrolling your child mid-move.
Bilingual Education Models in Amsterdam
There are three main models of bilingual schooling available to international families in Amsterdam. The first is a full international school with English as the primary language of instruction, offering the IB or British curriculum with Dutch added as a compulsory language. The second is a tweetalig onderwijs (TTO) school, a Dutch secondary model where 50% or more of lessons are taught in English — these are excellent for families who want their children to integrate with Dutch peers while maintaining strong English. The third model is a genuinely bilingual primary offering equal instruction time in Dutch and English from reception onwards.
Top Bilingual and International Schools in Amsterdam
The British School of Amsterdam
The British School of Amsterdam is a highly regarded school offering the British National Curriculum from Foundation Stage through to IGCSE and A-Levels. While primarily English-medium, the school provides strong Dutch language instruction and prepares students well for both British university entry and the Dutch secondary system. It is particularly popular with British, South African and Australian families. Annual fees range from approximately €17,000 to €26,000 depending on year group.
International French School of Amsterdam
The International French School of Amsterdam (Lycée Français) offers the French National Curriculum from maternelle through to the Baccalauréat, with Dutch and English as compulsory languages throughout. This trilingual environment is exceptional for children who will need to navigate multiple European educational systems during their career. Fees are approximately €8,000–€17,000 per year.
De Nieuwe Internationale School Esprit
De Nieuwe Internationale School Esprit (NISE) is an IB World School offering the PYP and MYP in a bilingual Dutch-English format. It is unique in Amsterdam in being a state-funded international school, which means fees are significantly lower than private alternatives — approximately €1,500–€3,000 per year for EU residents. Places are limited and demand is consistently high; families should register as early as possible.
International School Laren
International School Laren is located approximately 30 kilometres from central Amsterdam in the leafy Gooi area. It offers the IB curriculum from Primary Years through to the Diploma Programme in a smaller, community-focused setting. The school has a strong multilingual ethos and attracts families from across Europe and Asia. Annual fees are approximately €14,000–€22,000.
The Dutch School Option: A Long-Term Strategy
Families planning to stay in Amsterdam for three or more years should seriously consider enrolling younger children (aged 4–8) in a Dutch state school alongside Dutch language lessons. Dutch children are famously multilingual and most are highly proficient in English by age 10. Attending a Dutch school builds deep social integration and the language skills that open the widest range of options for Dutch secondary and higher education. The government-funded internationale schakelklas (ISK) programme also provides structured Dutch language support for older children entering the Dutch school system.
School Fees in Amsterdam
Amsterdam's international school fees in 2026 span a wide range. State-funded international schools like NISE are accessible for a fraction of the cost of private alternatives. Private international schools typically charge:
- Foundation / Reception (age 4–5): €13,000–€18,000 per year
- Primary (age 6–11): €16,000–€22,000 per year
- Secondary (age 12–16): €20,000–€28,000 per year
- IB Diploma / Sixth Form (age 17–18): €22,000–€28,000 per year
Most schools charge a one-time registration fee of €500–€2,000 and a refundable deposit of one month's tuition. School transport costs an additional €1,500–€3,000 per year depending on your distance from the school.
Admissions Advice for Amsterdam
The academic year in the Netherlands runs from September to July, with main intake in September. Applications for September entry should be submitted between January and April. However, mid-year entries are accepted at most schools subject to availability. For state-funded international schools, register your interest as soon as you have a confirmed move date — waiting lists can be long.
For a full ranking of international and bilingual schools in the Netherlands, visit the ISA Netherlands school guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should my child start a bilingual school in Amsterdam?
The younger the better for language acquisition. Children aged 4–7 absorb a second language with remarkable speed when immersed in a bilingual environment. Starting at primary level in a Dutch-English bilingual school gives the best foundation. Secondary entry is possible but requires more intensive language support in the first year.
Will a bilingual Dutch-English programme affect my child's English academic performance?
Research consistently shows that well-structured bilingual education does not harm performance in either language; in most cases it improves overall cognitive flexibility and academic results. Schools like NISE and The British School of Amsterdam have strong track records of IB Diploma and university outcomes. Ask schools for their published results data during the admissions process.
Is Dutch language support provided for new arrivals?
Yes, all international schools in Amsterdam provide Dutch as an Additional Language (DAL) support for students with little or no Dutch. Most bilingual schools also offer an initial settling-in period where the child is gradually introduced to Dutch-medium lessons alongside full English support. State-funded schools in the Dutch system offer ISK (international transition class) programmes specifically designed for newly arrived international students.