Founded in 1931, the school has grown steadily to its present size. It is located in the suburb of Voorschoten, in an agreeable semi-rural position. The senior school has undergone a major building and refurbishment to make room for increasing student numbers. It now has state-of-the-art facilities, including laboratories, integrated ICT and library resources; playing fields are extensive, with tennis courts and cricket wicket. There are four feeder junior schools, two in The Hague, one in Assen (north Holland), and a fourth in Leidschenveen. The school offers a British education, following the National Curriculum, with an international and global dimension. Some 60% of pupils are British; the rest come from more than 75 other nations. About a third of pupils stay for their entire education; the remainder spend 3 or 4 years before being relocated. Non-English speakers are given intensive tuition in English as necessary. A favourable staff:pupil ratio allows a good deal of individual attention. The International Baccalureate Diploma is offered alongside AS and A-levels. Academic standards are high results very good. Music and drama are well supported and there is some emphasis on public speaking and oratory. A standard range of sports and games is available, including hockey and rugby (teams take part in the Dutch national leagues as well as international tournaments) and there is a dedicated full-time sports co-ordinator. Large numbers of pupils take part in swimming and gymnastics. There are many cultural, language and sports trips to other countries. Extensive use is made of the cultural facilities of The Hague.
Pupils: Pupils: Total age range 3-18; 2012 day pupils (1028 boys, 984 girls). Senior department, 11-18, 833 pupils (416 boys, 417 girls). Entrance: Entry at all ages, including 16; worldwide intake. Non-selective admissions policy; interview sometimes for senior pupils, along with reports from previous school. No special skills or religious requirements.
Some hardship bursaries, 50%-90% fees. Average extras: week-long field courses, €500-€600; parents not expected to buy textbooks
15+% are doctors, lawyers etc; 70+% in industry; 15+% in diplomatic service. Some 75 different nationalities represented.
Principal: Martin Coles, in post from 2008.
GCSE: Approx 160 in Year 11; 89% gain at least grade C in 8+ subjects, 15% in 5-7 subjects. A-levels: 190 in Year 13; 25% pass in 4 subjects, 67% in 3, 6% in 2 subjects.
98% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course, 6% to Oxbridge. 3% took courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 36% in science and engineering, 39% in humanities and social sciences, 20% in art and design, 2% in drama and acting. Others typically go on to art/drama colleges or to other courses.
GCSE, AS, A-levels and the IB; also Dutch and EAL exams. 24 exam AS/A-level subjects offered. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level. General studies is taught but not examined, including global citizenship award. 27% take science A-levels; 19% arts/humanities; 54% both. Vocational: Work experience available (Year 12); Young Enterprise offered (Year 10). Special provision: Special needs and EAL (english as an additional language) department; 10% of pupils require EAL support. Languages: Dutch, Spanish, French and German offered at GCSE, AS and A-level. Majority of students study 4 languages from age 11; many take GCSE in more than one. Annual language-based trips to Germany/Austria, Spain and France. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject (Years 7-11)and across the curriculum. 150+ computers for pupil use, all networked and with email and internet access; students have remote access to school network.
Music: Up to 65% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups include choirs, swing band, wind band, ensembles, rock bands. Regular concerts (including for charity). Drama: Drama GCSE, theatre studies A-level may be taken. Large numbers are involved in school productions and house/other productions. Successfully competes in speech and drama competitions. Art and design: Popular option at GCSE and A-level. Design, sculpture, textiles, photography also offered. 20% art and design students go on to art courses.
Sport: Football, rugby, hockey, gymnastics, cricket, basketball, netball, swimming, cross-country, volleyball, tennis, athletics compulsory. Optional for sixth form: ice skating, squash, weight training, self-defence, golf. GCSE, AS and A-level PE offered. Hockey, basketball, swimming, golf, football and rugby teams in international tournaments; hockey, basketball and rugby teams in Dutch leagues; fixtures against other international schools. Activities: Youth club organised by sixth form for younger pupils. Duke of Edinburgh Award (bronze, silver and gold level) for Years 10-13. Students take part in international challenges in physics and maths. Large upper sixth group annually to The Hague Model United Nations (school is founding member). Clubs include theatre, choirs, orchestras, bands, various musical, Scouts, Guides, chess, debating, chemistry, history.
Uniform: Except in the sixth form, school uniform worn throughout the school but it changes as pupils progress through it. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. School council with representatives from each year group. Religion: School respects all religions. Weekly assemblies but no religious worship. Social: Netherlands/England public speaking, international schools tournaments, debating and oratory, sporting competitions. Many cultural, language and sports trips to other countries. Pupils allowed to bring own bike to school. School canteen.
Homework set regularly; faculty-run detentions for late or poor homework. School has a clear set of rules, supported by a rewards and sanctions system. Strict policy forbidding drugs, smoking and alcohol.
Antoinette V Bellen (actress); Conrad Bartelski (ski champion); Anna Walker (TV presenter); Anne Nikitin (composer); Joseph O'Neill (novelist); Miles Allen (climatologist); Rod Bolton (film maker).
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