Finding the right school or daycare is one of the first things expat parents tackle after landing. The options are genuinely good — but waiting lists are long and the choices have real consequences. Here's what you need to know before you start.
This is the first decision most expat parents face, and there's no single right answer. It depends on how long you're planning to stay, your children's ages, and your priorities.
International schools teach in English (or another language) and follow internationally recognised curricula — most commonly the International Baccalaureate (IB) or the British, American, or German national curriculum.
Well-known international schools include the Amsterdam International School, British School of Amsterdam, International School Eindhoven, and The International School of The Hague. Most have waiting lists — register as early as possible, ideally before you arrive.
Dutch public primary schools (basisscholen) are free and teach in Dutch. The quality is consistently high — the Netherlands regularly ranks among the best in Europe for primary education.
Children under about 10–12 typically pick up conversational Dutch within 6 months of starting at a Dutch school. It feels daunting, but the results are usually better than parents expect. Many schools also have a schakelklas (bridge class) for non-Dutch-speaking newcomers to ease the transition.
A growing number of Dutch primary schools offer bilingual education (tweetalig onderwijs, or TTO at secondary level), teaching partly in English and partly in Dutch. This is a middle path worth exploring — your children learn Dutch while being partly supported in English. These schools often have waiting lists too.
School is compulsory from age 5, but most children start at 4. Registration at your local basisschool can be done as soon as you have a Dutch address.
For children under school age (0–4), childcare in the Netherlands is arranged privately through childcare organisations (kinderopvangorganisaties). There are several types:
This is the part that surprises most expat parents: waiting lists for good childcare can be months long, especially in Amsterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague. Register at multiple childcare providers as soon as you know you're moving — ideally before you arrive. Some providers allow you to register without a Dutch address if you can provide your arrival date.
Childcare in the Netherlands is expensive — hourly rates of €9–€14 per hour are common, and full-time daycare for one child can easily cost €1,500–€2,500 per month before subsidies.
The good news: if both parents work, you're entitled to a significant childcare allowance (kinderopvangtoeslag) from the Dutch government. This can cover 60–90% of your childcare costs depending on your income — it's one of the most substantial financial benefits available to families in the Netherlands.
You apply via the Belastingdienst (tax authority) — you'll need DigiD and your BSN. Apply as soon as you start using registered childcare, as you can only claim up to 3 months retroactively.
Important: the childcare provider must be registered in the Landelijk Register Kinderopvang (LRK) for you to claim the toeslag. Always check registration before signing up.
My child doesn't speak Dutch. Can they still go to a Dutch school?
Yes. Schools are used to this — especially in major cities. Many basisscholen have experience with non-Dutch-speaking children and will work with you. Younger children adapt fastest; ask about schakelklassen (newcomer bridge classes) for older children.
Is there an international school near me?
International schools are concentrated in major cities — Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Eindhoven, and Groningen. If you're in a smaller city or rural area, a Dutch school may be your only realistic option.
Can my employer help with school fees?
Many international employers include a school fee allowance as part of their relocation package, especially for senior hires. Ask HR before you arrive — it's a standard question and many companies budget for it.
What if I can't find a childcare spot in time?
A gastouder (registered childminder) often has shorter waiting times than a kinderdagverblijf. Also look at peuterspeelzalen as a bridge for 2–4 year olds. In the worst case, employer HR teams sometimes have contacts with childcare providers who prioritise company employees.
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