We are always happy to provide further help and information to families considering the BSN. Whether you are moving to The Netherlands for the first time or are already resident we are happy to help answer any questions you may have.
As many parents face similar issues when selecting a school for their child we have put together a few Frequently Asked Questions which you may find helpful.
Further practical information is also available through the links to the left.
General / Admissions
Q. Do you have waiting lists?
A. We do not have waiting lists for any year groups. We have recently extended our Foundation 1 facilities and are in the process of building an additional campus in Leidschenveen to increase our capacity still further.
Q. How far in advance should we apply for a place?
A. It is preferable that we receive your application a term in advance of your requested entry date. We understand however that this is often not possible and are always willing to assist with late or last minute applications.
Parents with pre-school children are welcome to put in advance applications for Foundation 1 or 2.
Q. How many nationalities are there in the school?
A. We have over 80 nationalities throughout our schools. We are proud of the rich educational and social experience that this provides to all our students.
Q. How many children are there in each class?
A. The maximum class size in the Junior Schools is 24, and the average is around 22. In practice the class sizes in the Senior School are often much smaller. For example groups of 8-15 students are common in our Sixth Form (Y12-13)
Q. Do you have cafeteria facilities at your schools?
A. Only the Senior School has canteen facilities. Junior and Foundation aged children bring in a packed lunch from home.
Academic
Q. Do you offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma or A Levels?
A. YES - we offer both programmes.
Q. Will my child be able to return to their home country for University if they study A Levels?
A. YES, students from the BSN are attending Universities in every continent. There are considerable differences in the way that Universities handle admissions (for example, certain countries still require students to take an entrance exam in their mother tongue) so students are provided with personal careers/higher education advice from specialist staff. Assistance is given with applications to all universities.
Q. What are the main differences between A Levels and the IB Diploma?
| INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA |
|
A-LEVEL |
| International qualification with IBO* based in Geneva |
|
Internationally recognised UK based qualification |
| Six subjects - 3 at standard level & 3 at higher level. Compulsory breadth. |
|
Any 4 (or 5) subjects taken at AS level (Year 12). Three (or 4) of those subjects taken at A2 level. Free choice. |
| All 6 subjects together with the 3 core elements form part of the IB diploma which will be awarded if all subjects have been passed |
|
Individual subject qualifications can be taken and will be recognised. |
| Regulated by IBO independent of national governments |
|
Regulated by QCA (UK government institution) |
| Linear assessment, i.e. no modules but final examination |
|
Modular assessment, i.e. periodic examinations taken in modules |
| Examinations cannot be retaken in the same year |
|
Modules can be retaken |
| Final assessment by external examination or internal assessment which is externally moderated |
|
Final assessment by external examination or internal assessment which is externally moderated |
School Bus Service
Q. Can all year groups use the school bus service?
A. Children can start using the school bus service from Foundation 2 onwards (please note the service is only offered to F2 pupils the Monday after Autumn Half Term). The school bus service is NOT available for Foundation 1 children.
Q.What happens if my child has an after school club/activity – can they still come home on the bus?
A. No - the bus service only operates at school home time.