Belong. Grow. Achieve. The British School in the Netherlands' way
At The British School in the Netherlands (BSN), developing your child’s unique talents, creativity, and character is just as important as academic excellence and forms the foundation of their success. Established in 1931, the BSN provides high-quality, future-focused British and international education to students aged 3 to 18 across four campuses in and around The Hague.
A student-centred, holistic approach
The BSN’s student-centred, holistic approach can be visualised as a pyramid, inspired by Abraham Maslow’s well-known "hierarchy of needs". At the base are fundamental needs: food, warmth, rest and safety. Above these are relational needs: belonging, trust, love and respect. At the top sits self-fulfilment: realising personal goals and becoming your best self.
Through this approach, the BSN supports students to become curious, compassionate and confident global citizens.
The BSN supports holistic development by:
- Providing a safe and nurturing environment where each child feels seen and cared for
- Celebrating its diverse community and actively helping students form connections and develop compassion
- Offering a choice of learning pathways and opportunities for self-discovery and self-development
Creating a safe environment
All BSN staff are responsible for student wellbeing and are trained to recognise vulnerable children. Students’ safety, health, and emotional wellbeing are additionally supported by qualified Health Care teams, Safeguarding Leads on every campus and Counsellors on Senior School campuses. Mental health and wellbeing are embedded in daily routines.
At the Junior School level, emotional regulation and coping strategies are explicitly taught, and dedicated mental health coordinators provide further support to students. Quiet and sensory spaces accommodate a range of needs and preferences. These factors combine to create a safe environment that is foundational for learning.
In an external accreditation, the Council of British International Schools (COBIS) awarded the school the "Beacon" status for excellence in its commitment to student wellbeing.
Building connections and belonging
At the BSN, families play a crucial role in fostering a sense of community. As soon as a family enrols their child at the BSN, they automatically become part of the BSN’s Family Association (FA), which includes all parents/guardians, students and staff. Working in close partnership with the school, the FA Board and volunteers, along with the International Representatives, helps welcome new families and integrate them into the school community. It also organises a range of activities and events that bring people together.
As a diverse, international, multilingual and multicultural community, The British School community understands the importance of a warm welcome and building a sense of belonging.
Two initiatives highlight the BSN’s commitment to helping students form connections beyond the classroom:
- Positive playground experience (Junior School): Designated staff members in purple vests help students make friends at playtime by coordinating activities.
- "I’ve got your back" (Senior School): A campaign by the Physical Education department to increase team spirit and make students more conscious about caring for each other beyond sports.
BSN's international community, representing nearly 90 countries, encourages students to appreciate diverse perspectives. Culture clubs and ambassador roles provide opportunities for students to share their own traditions and foster a sense of pride in sharing their experiences and identity.
Boosting self-esteem
Co-curricular activities (CCAs) are an essential part of life at the BSN, providing students with invaluable opportunities for personal growth. From the earliest years to the Sixth Form, a broad range of activities complements and enriches the curriculum; from crochet to coding, from Model United Nations (MUN) to Young Entrepreneur, from Eco Club to Football Club, and from service projects to journalism.
Students learn new skills, interact positively with their peers, discover or develop existing talents, and often take on additional responsibilities. Participation in CCAs helps students grow in confidence and independence, fostering a sense of accomplishment.
Senior School student Reyansh describes his experience with the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award programme, which nurtures self-discovery and personal development:
Achieving self-actualisation
The BSN offers students a choice of globally recognised and respected qualifications at Sixth Form, including the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBDP) programme, British A Levels, the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP), or BTEC. Students select the academic pathway that best suits their needs and ambitions.
The choices and opportunities available at the BSN and the support of dedicated, passionate staff helps students achieve self-fulfilment and thrive. In this video, four students and their families share their unique BSN Sixth Form journeys:
Inspiring changemakers
Maslow later added transcendence to the top of his pyramid, meaning to transcend the needs of the self and to pursue higher goals that benefit society. This is the BSN’s mission and the aim for all the students in their care: to inspire changemakers who can help build a better world.
Learn more about The British School in the Netherlands’ community and school
The Admissions Team understands the importance of finding the right school for your child or children. They are there to make this decision an easy and positive experience. The team is excited to share what the school has to offer you and your child.
Book a tour!
Book a tour or take a virtual tour of the schools and the facilities; call the Admissions Team at +31 (0)70 315 4077 or email admissions@britishschool.nl.
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