The Hague as an International Education Hub
The Hague is unique among European cities. As the seat of the Dutch government, the International Court of Justice, and over 200 international organisations and embassies, it hosts one of the highest concentrations of internationally mobile families in the world. The demand this creates for high-quality, multilingual education has produced a school landscape that is genuinely diverse — in language, curriculum, and pedagogical approach. For families arriving on assignment, the challenge is not finding an international school, but identifying which type of bilingual or multilingual programme best fits their children's needs and long-term trajectory.
What Bilingual Education Means in The Hague Context
In The Hague, "bilingual" and "international" education take several distinct forms:
Fully English-medium schools with Dutch integration: These schools deliver all core instruction in English but treat Dutch as a structured additional language. They are well suited to highly mobile families who expect to relocate again and need their children to remain in English-medium systems at the next posting.
True bilingual programmes: A smaller number of schools run parallel Dutch–English (or Dutch–French, Dutch–German) instruction, with roughly equal time in each language. These programmes produce genuinely bilingual children but require a longer-term commitment to The Hague to realise the full benefit.
European School model: The European School of The Hague delivers instruction across multiple European languages simultaneously, structured around the European Baccalaureate. Access is typically prioritised for staff of EU institutions, but places are occasionally available to others.
Key Bilingual and International Schools in The Hague
| School | Language Model | Age Range |
|---|---|---|
| Elckerlyc International School | English-medium / Dutch | 4–12 |
| International School Wassenaar | English-medium (IB) | 3–18 |
| International School Rijnlands Lyceum | English / Dutch bilingual | 12–18 |
| HSV International Primary School | English-medium / Dutch | 4–12 |
For a complete comparison of international and bilingual schools in The Hague and across the Netherlands, visit International School Advisor – Best Schools in the Netherlands.
The IB Pathway in The Hague
Several of The Hague's international schools offer the full IB continuum — PYP (ages 3–12), MYP (ages 11–16), and Diploma Programme (ages 16–19). For highly mobile families, this is one of the most important features to prioritise: IB school records and credit transfer are standardised globally, so a child who begins the IB PYP in The Hague can transition seamlessly into another IB PYP school in Singapore, New York, or Zurich without losing academic ground.
The IB Diploma pass rate in the Netherlands consistently exceeds the global average, and The Hague's international schools regularly place graduates in universities across the UK, US, Netherlands, and beyond.
Dutch Language Development for Expat Children
One of the most common questions families ask when arriving in The Hague is whether their children need to learn Dutch. The honest answer is: it depends on how long you are staying and what comes next. For postings of two years or less, maintaining the home language and the school's primary language of instruction is usually the higher priority. For postings of three years or more — particularly for younger children — Dutch language development accelerates social integration and leaves a meaningful cognitive and cultural legacy regardless of where the family moves next.
Ask each school specifically about their Dutch language support programme for non-native speakers: the quality and intensity of Dutch instruction varies considerably even among schools that claim to offer it.
Admissions and Waiting Lists
The Hague's most established international schools are significantly oversubscribed. International School Wassenaar, in particular, has historically maintained waiting lists for most year groups. For September entry, apply no later than January of the same year — and ideally a full year in advance if your posting start date is flexible. Some schools operate sibling priority policies; confirm this if you have children across multiple year groups.
For mid-year entry, contact schools directly rather than relying solely on the website, as class-specific availability changes frequently as families relocate in and out of The Hague.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do international schools in The Hague teach in Dutch as well as English?
Most international schools in The Hague offer some Dutch language instruction, but the depth varies. Some schools are fully English-medium with Dutch as a structured additional language; others run true bilingual Dutch–English programmes. Ask each school specifically about their Dutch language programme before applying.
Is the IB available at international schools in The Hague?
Yes. Several of The Hague's international schools offer the full IB continuum including the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme. The IB is particularly valuable for mobile families as it transfers seamlessly between IB-authorised schools worldwide.
How competitive is admissions at The Hague's international schools?
The most established international schools in The Hague are significantly oversubscribed, with waiting lists common for popular year groups. Families should apply at least 6–12 months in advance for September entry. For mid-year entry, contact schools directly for current availability.
What is the European School of The Hague?
The European School of The Hague delivers instruction across multiple European languages and leads to the European Baccalaureate. Access is typically prioritised for staff of EU institutions, but places may occasionally be available to other families. Contact the school directly to enquire about eligibility.