The Hague is one of Europe's most expat-friendly cities, and its bilingual Dutch-English schools are a big reason. International civil servants, NATO families and tech professionals flow through every year, and the city has built a layered offer: full international schools that teach entirely in English, Dutch state schools with a TTO bilingual track, and DIES (Dutch International Education) programmes that combine Dutch and English in primary years. This 2026 guide explains how each model works, what schools to consider and how fees and admissions compare.
How bilingual schooling works in The Hague
Three models dominate:
- Fully international (English-medium): schools follow IB, IPC or a national curriculum (British, American, German) entirely in English. Dutch is offered as an optional subject.
- DIES (Dutch International Education for primary): Dutch state primary schools running a 30-50% English-language stream for internationally mobile children. Fees are low because they are publicly funded.
- TTO (Tweetalig Onderwijs, secondary): Dutch state secondary schools where at least half of lessons are taught in English, leading to a bilingual VWO or HAVO diploma plus the IB English Anglia or Cambridge English certification.
Top bilingual and international schools in The Hague for 2026
The British School in The Netherlands
One of the largest fully English-medium schools in continental Europe, with campuses in The Hague. Follows the English National Curriculum with IGCSEs and the IB Diploma in the sixth form. School profile on ISA.
The International School of The Hague
An English-medium school running IB PYP, MYP and Diploma. Strong Dutch as an additional language programme for children who want to integrate locally. School profile on ISA.
American School of The Hague
A US-style K-12 school offering AP courses and an American high school diploma alongside the IB Diploma. Mid-size, strong on STEM and college counselling. School profile on ISA.
European School The Hague
A publicly funded European School with sections in multiple EU languages plus English. Children follow the European Baccalaureate; entry is prioritised for staff of EU institutions but open to fee-paying families. School profile on ISA.
HSV International Primary School
A primary school using IPC (International Primary Curriculum) in English with daily Dutch lessons. Popular with families who want a true bilingual ramp into the Dutch system. School profile on ISA.
Methodology: how the bilingual day looks
At HSV International Primary School, mornings cover the English-language core curriculum and afternoons add Dutch language and culture lessons. The British School and the International School of The Hague keep the bulk of teaching in English, with two to four Dutch lessons per week. TTO secondary schools split the timetable 50/50 between Dutch and English, with examined subjects (history, geography, science) typically taught in English. Children sit Cambridge or Anglia English exams alongside the Dutch VWO diploma.
Fees and what is included in 2026
Costs vary significantly by model:
- British School / American School / ISH: EUR 17,000 – EUR 24,000 per year for primary; EUR 22,000 – EUR 30,000 for secondary.
- European School The Hague: EUR 0 for EU staff dependants; fee-paying families pay roughly EUR 7,500 – EUR 12,000.
- HSV International Primary School: EUR 7,000 – EUR 9,000 per year for the international stream.
- Dutch state schools with TTO or DIES: EUR 0 tuition; voluntary parent contribution of EUR 300 – EUR 700 per year.
Most international schools charge a one-off enrolment fee of EUR 1,500 – EUR 3,000 and an annual capital levy of EUR 1,000 – EUR 2,500 for building maintenance.
Admissions timeline
For August 2026 entry:
- October – December 2025: open days, applications and document submission.
- January – February 2026: assessments (English language, prior school records) and parent interviews.
- March 2026: offers issued with deposit due in 14-30 days.
- August 2026: term begins, usually in the third or fourth week.
DIES programmes require registration with the local gemeente (municipality) in addition to the school. TTO secondary entry includes an English-language aptitude test plus a Dutch-language test depending on prior schooling.
Choosing the right neighbourhood
Most international schools sit in Wassenaar, Voorschoten and Benoordenhout (north of central The Hague). Statenkwartier is a popular family neighbourhood within cycling distance of multiple schools. South-Holland regional buses connect Leidschendam-Voorburg and Rijswijk to the major campuses, so families do not need to live within walking distance.
Ready to compare schools?
Browse the full ranking of the best international schools in the Netherlands on International School Advisor for side-by-side curricula, fees and parent reviews.
Frequently asked questions
Does my child need to speak Dutch to enrol?
No, not for fully international schools. DIES programmes and TTO tracks expect at least functional Dutch by the time the child enters Dutch-medium classes, but most schools provide a NT2 (Dutch as a second language) ramp-up year.
Are bilingual Dutch-English diplomas recognised abroad?
Yes. The TTO bilingual VWO diploma is recognised globally and pairs with Cambridge English (CAE/CPE), which is accepted by UK, US and EU universities. The IB Diploma from international schools is equally portable.
How competitive is admission?
The British School and International School of The Hague keep year-group waitlists in most primary years. Apply 9-12 months early. DIES schools have neighbourhood priority but international families can enrol if they live within the catchment.