Looking for bilingual schools in Amsterdam? You are not alone. Every year thousands of expat and internationally minded Dutch families weigh the same question: should the children learn in English, in Dutch, or in both? Amsterdam is one of the few European capitals where a genuinely bilingual education is a realistic option from age four onwards, thanks to a mix of international schools, Dutch bilingual primaries and government-subsidised international streams. This 2026 guide walks you through the options, the fees and the practical trade-offs.
Why bilingual education works so well in Amsterdam
The Netherlands consistently ranks among the top countries in the world for English proficiency, and Amsterdam is its most international city. That creates an unusual environment: children can grow up fully functional in Dutch society while studying largely in English, or attend a Dutch school while keeping English at a native level. For families who expect to stay three years or more, bilingual programmes offer the best of both worlds, giving children access to Dutch friendships, sports clubs and, eventually, Dutch universities, without sacrificing an international curriculum.
The main bilingual and international routes
International curricula in English
Amsterdam offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) from early years to the Diploma Programme, the English National Curriculum with IGCSEs and A Levels, plus French and Japanese national programmes. Most international schools teach Dutch as an additional language, typically two to four hours per week.
Dutch-English bilingual primaries
A small group of schools teach roughly half the timetable in Dutch and half in English. These suit families planning a long stay who want children genuinely rooted in both languages.
Subsidised international education (DIS)
Dutch International Schools are partly government funded and charge much lower fees, but usually require proof of a temporary international assignment.
Leading bilingual and international schools in Amsterdam
The British School of Amsterdam
Founded in 1978 and located in a landmark building in Amsterdam Zuid, the British School of Amsterdam follows the English National Curriculum from age 3 to 18, with IGCSEs and A Levels. Dutch language and culture are woven into the primary years, and the school has a strong record of placing students at universities in the UK, the Netherlands and beyond.
The International School of Amsterdam
Based in Amstelveen, ISA was one of the first schools in the world to teach the full IB continuum. Students study Dutch as part of the programme, and the school community spans more than 60 nationalities.
Winford Bilingual Primary School
A genuinely bilingual Dutch-English primary in Amsterdam, where children learn to read, write and reason in both languages with native-speaker teachers leading each language stream. A strong choice for families settling in the Netherlands for the long term.
International French School of Amsterdam
Part of the AEFE network, offering the French national curriculum with substantial English and Dutch provision, ideal for francophone families or those wanting a trilingual profile.
The Japanese School of Amsterdam
Serves the Japanese community with the Japanese national curriculum alongside English instruction, showing just how multilingual the city's school landscape is.
What do bilingual schools in Amsterdam cost in 2026?
Fees vary enormously depending on the type of school. Fully private international schools such as the British School of Amsterdam and the International School of Amsterdam typically charge between €20,000 and €30,000 per year in the senior years, with lower fees in early years. Bilingual private primaries such as Winford sit in a middle band, roughly €13,000 to €18,000 per year. Subsidised Dutch International Schools charge approximately €5,000 to €7,000 per year but have eligibility rules tied to international mobility. On top of tuition, budget for application fees of €100 to €500, one-off entry or capital fees at some schools, and extras such as buses, lunches and trips.
Practical tips for choosing and applying
Start early: the most sought-after schools in Amsterdam and Amstelveen operate waiting lists, especially for ages 4 to 7 and for entry into the IB Diploma years. Apply 6 to 12 months ahead where possible. Think about commute times across the ring road at peak hours, whether your employer offers a school fee allowance, and how long you realistically expect to stay in the Netherlands. If there is any chance of a long-term move, give real weight to programmes with a strong Dutch component; it dramatically widens your child's options later, including free Dutch secondary education and Dutch universities.
Ready to compare schools side by side? Explore the full ranking of the best international schools in the Netherlands on International School Advisor, with verified profiles, reviews and prices.
Frequently asked questions
Are there truly bilingual Dutch-English schools in Amsterdam?
Yes. A small number of primaries, such as Winford Bilingual Primary School, split instruction roughly 50/50 between Dutch and English, while most international schools teach in English and offer Dutch as an additional language.
How much do bilingual and international schools in Amsterdam cost?
Expect €5,000 to €7,000 per year at subsidised Dutch International Schools, €13,000 to €18,000 at bilingual private primaries, and €20,000 to €30,000 at fully private international schools in 2026.
Do children need Dutch to attend a bilingual school in Amsterdam?
No. Most schools accept beginners in Dutch, especially in the early years, and provide structured language support. From around age 9 or 10, schools assess language readiness more carefully at admission.