Compare International Schools in Bergen, Netherlands

Bergen, North Holland, Netherlands

Nursery, Primary, Secondary

European School (day school)

Educational support is available; three levels: General, Moderate and Intensive.

European Schools network (EU-wide)

Nursery and Primary: teaching time 25 hours 30 minutes per week; three language sections (English, Dutch and French); Language 2 is one of the EU working languages (English, French or German) and Language 3 begins in primary; European Hours weekly; secondary day starts at 09:00 and ends around 16:25 with 31–35 lessons per week.

Easy transfer from Alkmaar Central train station by bus.

Dress standard policy provides guidelines for acceptable attire and final say rests with Educational Advisers and/or management. Shirts and tops must cover the midriff, shoulders must be covered, no beachwear or obscene images or words, skirts and shorts must be modest, footwear must be sensible, no headgear indoors, and sports attire is required for physical education.

Canteen meals are available. Nursery and P1/2 may bring a packed lunch or sign up for hot lunches; P3/4/5 join the canteen for lunch, and meals may also be bought at Luna Rossa cafeteria. Canteen arrangements may be adjusted or cancelled due to Covid-19 measures.

The Board of Governors is the supreme decision-making body for the European Schools and lays down the basic rules for organisation and functioning. Local decisions, including admissions, can be made by the school management. The Nursery/Primary Cycle is overseen by the Deputy Director for Nursery and Primary, the Secondary Cycle by its Deputy Director, and the school is led by the Director of European School Bergen.

European School Bergen follows the European Schools curriculum with three language sections: English, Dutch and French. All three sections operate under the same curriculum; Primary and Nursery classes are monolingual. Children are taught in their mother tongue and join the appropriate language section when they join the school. In Nursery and Primary, languages are taught through the language section, while in the Secondary Cycle a third language is compulsory from the first year; languages currently offered are German, Dutch and Spanish, with a fourth-language option in Year 4. The syllabuses are the same across language sections and are drawn up by inspectors and teachers and approved by the Board of Governors, aligned with European Union standards. In the Primary cycle, activities such as the 'European Hours' bring together pupils from different language sections for cross-language learning.

The European School Bergen provides wellbeing support through the Care Team, which focuses on the wellbeing of individuals with social, psychological, physical and academic needs. The Care Team offers preventative support where possible and acts quickly when problems arise. A school nurse is on site, and first-aiders are available among staff. A psychologist is on site on a part-time basis to support pupils' mental health and wellbeing. The school emphasises safety, health and pupil care as a priority in daily life and school activities. Activities and trips provide opportunities for social development and inclusion within a multilingual community.

Opportunities exist for pupils who need extra help or who are new to the school and do not yet have all the language skills required. Pupils are evaluated at the start of the year to identify language and other support needs. Pupils with more intensive support needs follow a defined procedure. Screening tests are used to determine fit for the school, and a trial day is encouraged for new admissions. The admissions process itself includes language and support considerations as part of placement.

The curriculum is delivered in English, French and Dutch. A second language is introduced from the start of the primary cycle. In the secondary cycle, pupils begin with a third language and may later choose a fourth language and Latin, subject to numbers and availability. English is the most popular Language 2 and is expected to be at a high level by the final examinations. The European School Bergen recognises the European Baccalaureate across the European Union, facilitating university entry.

The safety, health and security of pupils are priorities. A school nurse is on site, and there are first-aiders among staff. A psychologist is on site on a part-time basis. The Care Team in the secondary cycle provides support for wellbeing, covering social, psychological, physical and academic issues, and offers preventative help where possible and quick response when problems arise. Pupils can access support through the Care Team when needed.

Safety and safeguarding are priorities at ES Bergen. A school nurse is on site, and first-aiders are available. A psychologist is on site on a part-time basis to support pupil welfare. The Care Team provides safeguarding-related support for pupils with social, psychological, physical or academic issues. The team offers preventative help and rapid response to problems.

European School Bergen is an international school in the Netherlands. To apply, complete the Enquiry for Admission Form and we will contact you as soon as possible. Admission criteria: pupils must be four years old, or turn four during the starting calendar year; screening tests determine fit based on age and level; a trial day is encouraged for Nursery, Primary, or Secondary entrants. Dutch pupils: special rules apply; all Dutch applications require approval by inspectors from the Ministry of Education; we can advise on whether a place is feasible. Fees for 2025-26: Nursery (4-5) €4,195.57; Primary (6-10) €5,768.99; Secondary (11-18) €7,866.78. For the creche (2-3), contact Little Europe. Second child (80% of full fees): Nursery €3,356.46; Primary €4,615.19; Secondary €6,293.42. Third child (60% of full fees): Nursery €2,517.34; Primary €3,461.39; Secondary €4,720.07. If you already have a child enrolled at the school before September 2013, contact us to check the fees. Special contract for businesses allows the mother tongue to be Language 1; the annual fee under this contract is €17,226.24. Scholarships (bourses scolaires) are available for families with low incomes for children enrolled in AEFE schools; scholarships are awarded based on financial and patrimonial situation, family composition, and the burden of tuition on the family budget; these funds are paid directly to the school.

Scholarships are available for families with low incomes for children enrolled in AEFE schools. They are awarded based on the financial and patrimonial situation of families, their composition and the financial burden of tuition on the family budget. They are paid directly to the school.