Moving to a new country is stressful enough, but doing so with school-age children raises the stakes considerably.
Thankfully, The British School of Amsterdam has been helping international families find their footing in the Netherlands since 1978.
Founded by expats who needed a familiar, high-quality education for their children in Amsterdam, The BSA has spent nearly five decades building a school that offers world-class education.
But what is it about The British School of Amsterdam that makes it a good option for your child? Let’s talk about it.
It’s a school with roots (and a really nice building)
The BSA is housed in a beautifully re-engineered monumental building in Amsterdam Oud-Zuid, one of Amsterdam’s most elegant and leafy neighbourhoods. Think green spaces, proximity to Vondelpark, and architecture that blends old with new.
It’s also well-connected across the city and the wider region, making the morning commute considerably less of a logistical headache.
Inside, The BSA boasts a sports hall, theatre, science labs, music rooms, and bright classrooms designed to actually make children want to be there.
Each school section also has its own dedicated wing, purpose-built to appeal to that age group.
It fosters a truly international community
Home to over 1,000 students from more than 70 cultures, and with over 40 languages spoken across its community, The British School of Amsterdam is about as international as it gets.
But it’s more than just impressive statistics. Inclusivity and international-mindedness are embedded in the school’s ethos, not merely printed in a brochure and forgotten about.
According to the Principal, Ciaran Harrington, The BSA is really a school for everyone.
READ MORE | 6 ways international schools differ from Dutch state schools
With so many nationalities and backgrounds represented, diversity simply becomes the norm. Students at The BSA don’t “see differences” because being part of a richly varied community is just their everyday reality.
For children who’ve moved countries multiple times and are starting over yet again, that kind of environment offers something valuable: familiar ground in an unfamiliar city.
It educates children all the way from ages 3 to 18
One of The BSA’s most practical advantages is its all-through school structure.
Children can join from age three in Early Years and stay right through to age 18 in the Senior School, with:
- The Early Years School for children aged 3 to 6,
- Junior School for children aged 6 to 11, and
- Senior School for children aged 11 to 18.
That continuity matters more than it might initially seem. Children build relationships, habits, and an academic mindset over years, not months, without the disruption of switching schools every time the family’s circumstances change.
Each stage is tailored to where students are developmentally, socially, and emotionally, and crucially, transitions between stages happen within the same community.
Good to know: For children with additional needs, Learning Support Coordinators are present in every school section. EAL (English as an Additional Language) support is also available for students who are new to English.
The BSA also places great value on connection to local roots. The Dutch language is integrated into the curriculum, and the school celebrates local holidays, reflecting its commitment to helping students embrace and understand the local language and culture.
It teaches a world-class British curriculum with global reach
Continuity aside, The British School of Amsterdam follows the National curriculum used in England through to IGCSE/GCSE and A-Levels.
These are globally recognised qualifications that open doors to universities across the world, not just in the UK.
The numbers speak for themselves. BSA graduates go on to study at top institutions across the Netherlands (50%), the UK (29%), and internationally (21%), including Russell Group universities and leading Dutch research universities.
And it’s not just the GCSE results that shine. The BSA’s SAT results at Key Stage 2 (Junior School level) consistently sit above national averages.
The Sixth Form (Years 12 and 13) offers up to five A-Level subjects alongside the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and a wide electives programme, giving older students the breadth and depth that top universities are looking for.
It offers life beyond the classroom
A good school isn’t just about what happens in lessons, and The British School of Amsterdam clearly takes that seriously. Over 100 extracurricular activities are offered each term, spanning sports, arts, music, debate, STEM, language clubs, and more.
Senior School students can get involved with Model UN, Orchestra, Rowing, the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, TEDx events, and various student leadership roles.
Meanwhile, Junior School students can join the School Council, the Eco Squad, or become Prefects in Year 6, all meaningful responsibilities that build confidence and a sense of belonging.
It ensures that the whole family belongs
Relocating to Amsterdam affects the entire household, not just the children. The British School of Amsterdam’s active Parents’ Organisation runs a dedicated committee that organises regular events and meet-ups throughout the year.
The organisation often hosts cultural and interest groups, helping the whole family feel settled, not just the students.
For younger children, after-school care is available through Majest Global for ages 3 to 12, taking at least one scheduling puzzle off your plate.
It’s this kind of support structure that makes a real difference when your family is adjusting to a new country and needs some stability. Think this may be the school for your child? Learn more.
Are you weighing up international school options in Amsterdam, or have you already made the move to The BSA? Share your experience in the comments below!