The Amsterdam IB landscape
The Netherlands chose IB as the framework for its state-supported international education. AICS (Amsterdam International Community School) operates DUO-funded primary and secondary streams plus a private upper-secondary IB Diploma. The International School of Amsterdam (ISA) is private and IB-focused. Britannica and Amity offer private alternatives. The DUO system means that the most affordable IB Diploma in Amsterdam is also academically credible. but capacity is the binding constraint.
The 2026 top 6 IB schools in Amsterdam
The International School of Amsterdam (ISA)
One of Europe's longest-established IB-only schools. Three-year average above 36 points. Full continuum from PYP. Strong CAS programme; deep faculty. Strong destinations across UK, US, Netherlands and Asian universities. The default first choice for IB-committed families with means and willingness to pay private fees.
Amsterdam International Community School (AICS) - upper secondary IB
Multiple campuses across Amsterdam. DUO subsidised through Year 11; private (DUO-supported) Years 12-13 IB Diploma. Strong cohort outcomes. Multi-year waitlists at all campuses for primary entry; some flexibility at sixth-form. The strongest value IB pathway in Amsterdam if a place is achievable.
Britannica International School Amsterdam
British heritage school with IB Diploma sixth-form. Strong primary feeder. Cohort outcomes solid. Particularly worth considering for British-curriculum families wanting IB optionality without a place at AICS or ISA.
Amity International School Amsterdam
Newer IB Continuum school. Modern campus. Smaller cohort sizes; more individual attention. Cohort outcomes have improved year-on-year. Worth considering as alternative to AICS / ISA where waitlists are insurmountable.
International School Almere (DUO)
DUO-funded school in Almere. Easier admissions than central Amsterdam DUO schools. Solid IB outcomes. Worth considering for families willing to live in Almere or commute.
International School Hilversum Alberdingk Thijm (DUO)
DUO-funded school accessible from Amsterdam by commute. Solid IB outcomes. Worth considering for families based north of Amsterdam or willing to commute.
The waitlist reality
AICS and ISA both have multi-year waitlists at popular ages (primary and Year 7). Strategy: apply to multiple DUO schools immediately on relocation confirmation; treat private schools as backup if DUO doesn't come through; reapply each year as availability shifts. See our waitlist strategies playbook for the full approach.
IB vs. Dutch bilingual stream (TTO)
Dutch state secondaries offer "tweetalig onderwijs" (TTO. bilingual) tracks that lead to the Dutch VWO/HAVO with strong English outcomes. For longer-term Netherlands residents this is a credible alternative to international school IB pathway. Worth investigating particularly for children comfortable with Dutch as a working language by age 11-12.
Fee context
Premium private IB Diploma in Amsterdam costs EUR 24,000-28,000 per year. AICS DUO-supported IB sixth-form is around EUR 6,500. ISA premium is at the top of the fee range. See our full Amsterdam school fees report.