International School of the Hague

The Hague, Netherlands

About the International School of the Hague: The International School of The Hague (ISH) is a not-for-profit Dutch International School with over 2,000 students from more than 100 nationalities. Established in 1983, ISH offers the International Baccalaureate continuum (MYP, DP) alongside the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), with English as the language of instruction.

School Mission: Curious, connected and compassionate: inspiring personal excellence in our strong and diverse community.

School Vision: To shape a better future for all: inspiring students to become compassionate and proactive global citizens.

Head to the school’s website for more details and job vacancies.

ITF Review
(Based on Independent Research)

Would you recommend this school to other teaching families?

Yes – overall ISH offers a strong package for teaching families, with an excellent lifestyle in the Netherlands. Salaries are competitive for Europe and, when combined with the 30% tax ruling, relocation support, and tuition coverage for up to two dependents, can make life in The Hague manageable for families. The cost of living is high, particularly housing, but the city provides exceptional quality of life, strong public services, and a welcoming international community.

Overall compensation package rating

ISH offers competitive salaries – for at least the first five years. But, once Dutch taxation is applied (which means benefits are treated as taxable income), the overall package is reduced.
For a dual-income teaching couple, the package is likely to maintain a comfortable lifestyle, but for families relying on one salary, it may be a stretch.

Tuition benefits

Staff hired from abroad receive free education for up to two dependent children, though this benefit is limited to a maximum of five years under current tax rules.

Housing

There is no housing allowance included in the package. Teachers are responsible for securing and paying for their own accommodation in The Hague. The relocation allowance helps with initial costs, but rent can be high.

Flights

ISH doesn’t cover annual home leave flights (unlike some other international schools). Instead they offer a one-time relocation allowance that can be used to cover flights plus moving personal effects. Depending on where you’re coming from, this may or may not be enough to cover your family’s flights.

Healthcare

Teachers must purchase basic Dutch health insurance (around €160/month per adult, with children covered free under the same policy).

Adjustment for kids

The school has a reputation for being a truly international and diverse school – with a welcoming community for families. There are more than 2,000 students (the majority in secondary), from over 100 different nationalities.

Average class sizes

All class sizes are 22 students or less across all age levels.

Teaching experience required

The school prefers to hire highly experienced teachers who qualify for a highly skilled migrant visa (for non EU passports). You’ll need at least two years teaching experience and formal teaching credentials.

Curriculum

Primary school offers the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), and secondary curriculum is IB (MYP and DP).

Retirement/pension benefits

Based on our research there is no private pension fund. This means teachers are usually enrolled in the Dutch state pension system (AOW) through mandatory payroll contributions. Benefits only accrue for years worked and lived in the Netherlands and are paid out upon reaching Dutch retirement age. These contributions cannot be refunded or transferred as a lump sum when leaving the country, meaning most expat teachers will not see direct pension benefits unless they remain in the Netherlands long term.

School history & stability

The school originally opened its doors in 1983.

International School of the Hague – Additional Benefits

  • Relocation allowance
  • High quality of life in The Hague
  • Access to strong professional development
  • Laptop allowance
  • Excellent work–life balance available in the Netherlands
  • Clear employment terms in line with Dutch education regulations

What Teachers are Saying About International School of the Hague

The school has great staff and kids – the working conditions are very good for teachers. But be prepared for pretty awful weather!

EX INTERNATIONAL TEACHER AT ISH

It’s a very positive place to work with supportive staff and good salary and benefits. But there are a lot of meetings and not a huge amount of consultation between leadership and teachers.

EX TEACHER, ISL

According to a friend who used to work there it’s not anywhere near as good as its reputation. Recent years have seen them hire less qualified staff. It’s also very hard to find affordable housing near the school.

INTERNATIONAL TEACHER IN EUROPE
  • Snow covered castle view in Luxembourg featuring a dramatic winter sunset and stone balcony - what you can expect if you work at the International School of The Hague
  • Scenic view of traditional dutch windmills near water under a blue sky
  • Charming autumn landscape in bourglinster-luxembourg - a site you can see if you work at the International School of Luxembourg.

Safety, Adaptability & Cost of Living

  • Safety: High – The Hague is considered one of the safest cities in the Netherlands. It offers a relaxed, family-friendly location for many families who live in districts such as Statenkwartier or Archipelbuurt. Other quieter residential areas like Benoordenhout and Kijkduin offer more space and access to parks and the coast.
  • Adaptability: Strong – With a large international community tied to the presence of the International Court of Justice, embassies, and global organisations, The Hague welcomes expat families. English is widely spoken, though Dutch is the main local language. Families benefit from excellent public services, cycling-friendly infrastructure, and quick access to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and the rest of Europe by train.
  • Cost of Living: High – While generally less expensive than Amsterdam, The Hague still has a high cost of living, particularly for housing in popular expat districts. Groceries, transport, and dining are moderately priced by Northern European standards, and healthcare is excellent. Many families find the costs are balanced by the city’s safety, cultural diversity and location.

General Overview for Teaching Families

The International School of The Hague is a leading not-for-profit international day school in the Netherlands, educating around 2,000 students from more than 100 nationalities. Founded in 1983 and part of the Rijnlands Lyceum Foundation, ISH is known for its diverse, globally minded community and commitment to high academic standards. The school offers the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), and the IB Diploma Programme (DP), with English as the language of instruction.

ISH prides itself on inspiring personal excellence by encouraging students to be curious, connected, and compassionate. Its modern campus, located in an area of natural beauty in The Hague, provides strong academic, arts, and sports facilities. Students benefit from a holistic education with an emphasis on global citizenship, collaboration, and inquiry-based learning.

For teachers, ISH offers a supportive, highly international working environment with PD opportunities, relocation assistance, and tuition benefits for dependents. While the Netherlands has a relatively high cost of living, benefits such as the 30% tax ruling for expats and moving allowances help offset expenses. With its safe, family-friendly setting, excellent infrastructure, and strong sense of community, ISH is regarded as a rewarding place to teach and live.

Do you currently teach at ISH? Please get in touch to share your feedback or complete our teacher survey to tell us more.

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