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The British School of Amsterdam

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To navigate a successful relocation to Amsterdam, understanding the practical steps of school enrolment is essential. The British School of Amsterdam (BSA) provides a structured, transparent admissions process designed to support families from their initial contact to the first day of school. Below is a guide to the admissions process at The BSA.

The Admissions Philosophy: Nurture, Inspire, Empower

Admissions at The BSA are guided by the school’s core values. The admissions process is not merely an exercise but a "strategic enabler" to ensure that every student - and their family - is a right fit for The BSA’s high-achieving, diverse community.

Year Groups and Placement

The BSA follows the British academic calendar, which runs from 1 September to 31 August. Placement is determined by a child’s chronological age on 31 August.

Early Years School (Ages 3–6): Includes Nursery, Reception and Year 1. Note that children must be fully toilet trained before starting.
Junior School (Ages 6–11): Covers Years 2 through 6.
Senior School (Ages 11–18): Covers Years 7 through 13. Note that students cannot join in Year 11 or Year 13, as these are the second years of two-year examination cycles (GCSE and A Level). Applications for Year 10 or Year 12 must typically be finalised by the start of the Spring Term (January).

The Application Process: Step-by-Step

The BSA accepts applications throughout the year, provided space is available.

Initial Inquiry & Visit: Families are encouraged to visit the school to experience the monumental Havenstraat campus firsthand. This can be done at one of our open days or we can organise a personal tour.
Online Application: A formal application is submitted via the school’s website. Required documentation includes:
- Completed application form.
- Recent passport-sized photo of the child.
- Birth/adoption certificate (English/notarised).
- Proof of identity for parents.
- The most recent school report (translated into English).
- A confidential reference request (sent by The BSA directly to the current school).

*Application Fee: A non-refundable fee of €250 per child is required to initiate the review process.

Senior Assessment: For Senior School applicants, assessments are carried out to ensure English proficiency is sufficient to access the curriculum.
Offer & Acceptance: If successful and all requirements are received, a formal offer is sent.

4. Fee Structure (Academic Year 2025-2026)

As a non-profit day school, fees are reinvested into facilities and staff. Fees are invoiced annually but can be paid in three installments for self-paying families.

One-Time Mandatory Fees:

Application Fee: €250 (Non-refundable).
Enrolment Fee: €750 for Nursery/Reception; €2,000 for Years 1–12 (Non-refundable; guarantees the place). Note: Students moving from Reception to Year 1 pay a top-up fee of €1,250.

A full breakdown of our fees can be accessed here.

Additional Costs: For Years 10–13, a €375 examination surcharge applies to cover GCSE/A Level resources and invigilation. Learning Support for students with additional needs are charged at a separate rate.

5. Essential Enrolment Conditions

Residency: The BSA does not enrol students who will be living alone in the Netherlands. Parents or legal guardians (over 25) must reside with the child to ensure wellbeing.
Language: While The BSA is an international community, the language of instruction is English. Support for English as an Additional Language (EAL) is available, but Senior School entry requires a foundational level of proficiency.
Waitlists: Some year groups operate on a waitlist. Priority is often given to siblings of current students.