Top 10 Best Schools in South Holland

Education in South Holland

Families moving to South Holland have access to one of the most diverse school landscapes in Europe. The Hague, as the international city of peace and justice, hosts a remarkable concentration of international schools, while Rotterdam, Leiden, and Delft offer respected Dutch secondary schools and bilingual programmes. The Dutch education system is known for high standards, affordable public options, and a strong emphasis on student wellbeing.

Choosing the right school depends on your child's language, future plans, and learning style. Some families prefer the International Baccalaureate, others the British or American curriculum, and many opt for Dutch schools to help children integrate locally. Below are ten schools that stand out.

The Top 10 Schools in South Holland

1. The International School of The Hague

The International School of The Hague offers primary and secondary education with the International Baccalaureate programmes. Its modern campus near the dunes, diverse student body, and strong academic results make it one of the most sought-after schools for expat families.

2. The British School in the Netherlands

The British School in the Netherlands operates several campuses in and around The Hague. It follows the English National Curriculum through to IGCSE and offers the IB Diploma in the senior years. Its extensive extracurricular programme and pastoral care are widely praised.

3. The American School of The Hague

Located in Wassenaar, the American School of The Hague provides an American-style education from early childhood through high school, including Advanced Placement and IB options. Its excellent facilities for sports, arts, and technology attract families from many nationalities.

4. Haagsche Schoolvereeniging (HSV)

HSV is a Dutch-subsidised international school offering the IB Primary Years Programme alongside Dutch-stream education. Its relatively affordable fees and strong community spirit make it a popular choice for internationally mobile families.

5. European School The Hague

The European School The Hague provides multilingual education following the European Schools curriculum, culminating in the European Baccalaureate. It serves children of employees of European institutions and other families seeking a strongly multilingual approach.

6. Rotterdam International Secondary School

Rotterdam International Secondary School offers the IB Middle Years and Diploma programmes at subsidised rates. It is known for its welcoming atmosphere, diverse student body, and close ties to Rotterdam's international business community.

7. Erasmiaans Gymnasium

The Erasmiaans Gymnasium in Rotterdam is a prestigious Dutch pre-university school offering classical education, including Latin and Greek. It is consistently regarded as one of the top academic secondary schools in the region.

8. Stedelijk Gymnasium Leiden

The Stedelijk Gymnasium in Leiden has a long tradition of academic excellence. Located in the historic university city, it offers a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for university study and fosters intellectual curiosity.

9. Lycée Français Vincent van Gogh

The Lycée Français Vincent van Gogh in The Hague offers French-curriculum education from kindergarten to the baccalauréat. It is an ideal choice for French-speaking families and those seeking a strongly bilingual environment.

10. Deutsche Internationale Schule Den Haag

The German International School in The Hague follows the German curriculum and offers the international German Abitur. Small class sizes and bilingual instruction make it attractive to German-speaking and multilingual families.

Trends in South Holland Schools

Demand for international school places in The Hague and Rotterdam remains high, leading several schools to expand campuses and add new classes. Bilingual education, known as TTO, is growing in Dutch secondary schools, offering a middle ground for families who want integration and English proficiency. Digital learning tools and project-based approaches have also become more common across the province.

Wellbeing and inclusion are strong priorities. Many schools invest in counselling, learning support, and programmes that help newcomers adjust to a new country and language.

How to Choose the Right School

• Consider the curriculum and how it aligns with your child's future university plans
• Check waiting lists early, as popular international schools fill up quickly
• Compare fees, noting that Dutch-subsidised international schools are more affordable
• Visit campuses to experience the atmosphere and meet teachers
• Think about commute times, as cycling to school is common in the Netherlands

Understanding the Dutch School System

For families new to the Netherlands, understanding the local system helps in making informed decisions. Children typically attend primary school from age four until around twelve. In the final year, teachers give a school advice, supported by a national assessment, that guides children toward one of several secondary tracks: VMBO for pre-vocational education, HAVO for senior general secondary education, and VWO for pre-university education. The gymnasium is a form of VWO that includes classical languages.

International families often wonder whether a Dutch school is realistic for their children. Younger children usually adapt quickly, and many municipalities in South Holland offer newcomer classes, known as internationale schakelklassen, where children learn Dutch intensively before joining regular classes. Older students with limited time in the country may benefit more from an international school to maintain continuity in their studies.

Costs vary widely. Dutch public and faith-based schools are government funded and charge only modest voluntary parental contributions. Dutch-subsidised international schools charge moderate fees, while private international schools can be considerably more expensive, although many employers include school fees in relocation packages. Weighing these factors alongside academic goals and family plans helps parents choose the best option.

Conclusion

South Holland offers outstanding educational choices for every family. Whether you prefer a global curriculum at an international school in The Hague, a classical gymnasium in Rotterdam or Leiden, or a national-curriculum school in your home language, the province provides a strong foundation for children's academic and personal growth.