Compare International Schools in Groningen, Netherlands

Rijksstraatweg 24, 9752 AE Haren. It sits on a green campus in Haren, just outside Groningen. Since 2020, IPSG resides on this campus. In 2029, the site will be expanded to become The International Campus for the city of Groningen, a center for international community life in the northern Netherlands.

IPS G serves primary-age children. English is the primary language of instruction, with students also introduced to Dutch and local cultural activities.

Publicly funded international primary school.

30 nationalities represented.

Small class sizes. KiVa program supports social-emotional development. GSV Hoogbegaafd provides a Dutch-language gifted program.

Netherlands

There is no uniform; children wear their own clothes.

Water bottle; sinks in all classrooms to refill with water. Morning snack; lunch is eaten in classrooms on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; please pack something simple and healthy.

The school is part of Groningen School Association (GSV), the Groningse Schoolvereniging.

The school uses the English National Curriculum for literacy and numeracy. The IPC features include a thematic approach, learning goals in academic, personal and international development, and a global outlook. Dutch Language and Culture is taught two hours per week; Music, Physical Education, and Information and Communication Technology are taught as specialist subjects. English as an Additional Language (EAL), learning support, and inclusive practices are available to all pupils.

KiVa Program is central to our approach to social-emotional learning. Regular, engaging lessons teach empathy, kindness, respect, and effective communication, and foster a strong group identity where pupils look out for one another. Our mission centers on developing internationally minded citizens who take responsibility for their wellbeing. We recognize diverse language and cultural backgrounds and work with families to navigate links between Dutch culture and other cultures. The education emphasizes learning in English at a pace that fits pupils' experiences and aligns with the English National Curriculum. Our pastoral and support team is led by Sue Beattie, and offers counselling while coordinating with external agencies to support all students.

Learning support is provided for pupils with learning differences. Inclusive practices foster an environment where every pupil feels valued. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is available for non-native English speakers. Our dedicated team works closely with families to nurture each child's academic and personal development. Inclusive education is a consistent focus across IPSG to ensure participation by all learners.

English is the primary language of instruction. Literacy and numeracy are grounded in the English National Curriculum. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided for non-native English speakers. The curriculum integrates language development within core subjects and the IPC. Inclusive practices ensure all students participate fully in learning.

KiVa supports mental wellbeing by promoting empathy, kindness, respect, and effective communication through regular lessons. It helps pupils develop a strong group identity and look out for one another. Our pastoral and support team, led by Sue Beattie, offers counselling and coordinates with other agencies to support students. If you have concerns about your child, speak with the class teacher or Mrs. Beattie. Wellbeing is integrated with the school's international curriculum and language support.

KiVa helps address bullying and promotes a safe school environment. Our pastoral and support team provides counselling and coordinates with external agencies to safeguard students' wellbeing. If your child feels unfairly treated, speak with their class teacher; we are here to listen and support. The safeguarding approach is embedded in our social-emotional work and supports student welfare.

Step 1: Enquiry about a place. Enquiries can be made in person, by phone, or by email. Admissions staff or school staff will share the eligibility criteria with parents and check this. Families are welcome to schedule a visit at IPSG or have an online tour, and you will be accompanied by the Team Leader or another senior member of staff to introduce you to school life. The school is supervised and subsidised by the Dutch government, with a required financial contribution from parents.

Step 2: Meeting. The school meets with the family to discuss their needs and determine whether the school can meet them. This meeting helps establish whether IPSG can meet the child's needs.

Step 3: Confirmation. A registration form is completed, and a place is confirmed. The confirmation reserves a place for the child at IPSG.

Step 4: Starting school. For younger children or those entering lower grade groups mid-year, IPSG may invite your child to attend a half-day trial session to help transition into school.

Hemmenlaan 2, 9751 NS Haren, The Netherlands (Haren is a borough of Groningen).

Middle Years Programme (ages 11-16); Diploma Programme (ages 16-18); transferring to DP for Dutch havo-vwo students.

IB World School offering the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme.

English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided; Inclusion and Special Needs policy is in place.

The Netherlands.

School hours run from 08:20 to 16:50 with lessons 08:20–09:10; 09:10–10:00; 10:20–11:10; 11:10–12:00; 12:30–13:20; 13:20–14:10; 14:20–15:10; 15:10–16:00; 16:00–16:50; breaks 10:00–10:20; 12:00–12:30; 14:10–14:20.

No arranged school transport; students usually travel by public transportation or bike. Buses 50 and 51 run regularly between ISG and Groningen city centre.

The school is part of Stichting Carmelcollege.

ISG offers the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) for ages 11-16 and the IB Diploma Programme (DP) for ages 16-18. ISG is an IB World School with English-language instruction and Dutch language support; English is used for study at all levels and Dutch is taught as mother tongue and as a second language. The MYP provides a broad, balanced curriculum across language and literature; language acquisition (Dutch and French); individuals and societies; science; mathematics; physical and health education; arts; and design. After completing MYP, students may transfer to the Diploma Programme, a two-year pre-university IB programme offered at ISG. The Diploma Programme combines a DP Core (Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, CAS) with six subject groups: language and literature; language acquisition (Dutch and English); economics/global politics/history; sciences; mathematics; and visual arts. The DP studies are conducted in English; Dutch is taught as mother tongue and second language to support integration into Dutch society.

The school has small classes.

The Diploma Programme has a 96% pass rate. The DP diploma opens doors to leading universities in the Netherlands and around the world.

Graduates of the Diploma Programme study at internationally recognised universities around the world. The Diploma Programme opens doors to leading universities worldwide.

ISG runs Rock and Water training to develop social and emotional skills in MYP1. Each student has a mentor who supports wellbeing and serves as the first point of contact for students and parents. Counselling is available when needed to support wellbeing. The school fosters a sense of belonging through a Parent Support Group, a Student Council, and an active alumni network. ISG aims to maintain a safe, inclusive environment where expression is encouraged and differences are respected.

ISG provides a high-quality, inclusive international education with a formal SEN pathway. SEN means cognitive, social, emotional or physical difficulties that call for additional provision. A Mentor, the SENCO, and dedicated SEN support staff coordinate provision, with an EAL teacher providing language support. Counselling is available, and Rock and Water training supports social and emotional development. An individual education plan (IEP) is prepared with parental and student input, progress is monitored, and outside agencies may be involved; admission requires full disclosure of SEN and resources to meet needs.

An EAL (English as a Second Language) teacher provides one-to-one lessons, small-group work, and in-lesson support. They work closely with the SENCO and hold regular meetings to discuss the progress of EAL students.

Counselling is available when a need is identified. Rock and Water training helps develop social and emotional skills. The Mentor and school leadership monitor wellbeing as part of creating a safe, inclusive environment. The Parent Support Group also organises events addressing social and health issues to support wellbeing.

ISG aims to ensure every student feels safe and secure in the school environment. The SEN framework includes mentoring, SENCO oversight, and collaboration with outside agencies to safeguard and support students. Counselling is available to support safeguarding and welfare.

1. Enquiry: Contact International School Groningen by submitting the enquiry form through the Open Apply portal to indicate interest in the school. The enquiry form is available through the Open Apply portal. A space is reserved only after the full application form has been completed and the registration fee has been received.

2. Application: When you decide to join ISG, fill in the application form through the OpenApply portal and prepare all relevant documents for this step (see documents listed on the page). Documents you'll need for Step 2 - Application include copies of the child's most recent and previous two years of school reports in English; for applications to the MYP, a letter confirming that at least one parent is working in the Netherlands or a letter from the parent or parent's employer stating that the family lived abroad due to work; a recent passport-sized picture of the child; and a copy of the child's passport. After completing the application form you will be invoiced a non-refundable application fee.

3. Verification: Before moving to the next step, ISG verifies the following: child successfully passed ISG's placement tests; completed application form was received; all the checklist items in OpenApply have been completed; registration fee has been paid. This verification ensures all required information is in place before processing.

4. Processing: After completion of all previous steps, the management team will consider the application and confirm or refuse enrolment via the admissions portal. If an application has been refused, an appointment can be made to discuss the reasons with the management team.