The BSN Achieves HPL World Class School Status

Preparing Students for a Changing World

In today’s fast-paced world, young people need more than strong exam results to succeed. They require critical thinking skills, adaptability, resilience, and the confidence to embrace challenges. At The British School in the Netherlands (BSN), this belief shapes every aspect of our educational approach.

That is why, in 2023, the BSN joined the High Performance Learning (HPL) global network—a community of schools committed to unlocking the potential of every learner. After two years of dedicated, whole-school engagement with the HPL World Class School Award programme, we are proud to announce that the BSN has been officially accredited as an HPL World Class School.

This prestigious recognition confirms that the BSN has met the rigorous HPL Award Standards and continues to deliver a world-class education across all four campuses.

What is High Performance Learning?

Founded by Professor Deborah Eyre, HPL is based on a powerful principle: all students are capable of high achievement when given the right tools, environment, and support. Drawing on decades of research into how the brain learns and grows, HPL recognises that intelligence is not fixed—it can be developed through deliberate practice and guidance.

HPL focuses on two key areas:

• How to think – Teaching advanced cognitive skills that enable students to become independent, reflective learners.
• How to be – Nurturing values and attitudes such as perseverance, curiosity, and empathy, which underpin success in learning and life.

At its heart, HPL is built on the belief that Everyone Can. Our students are increasingly engaged, reflective, and confident in embracing challenges. HPL provides a strong framework and shared language that supports this journey.
— Fiona Aartsen, Assistant Headteacher

HPL in Action at the BSN

Since introducing HPL, its principles have become part of daily school life:

• Students use HPL language such as Perseverance and Linking in subjects like Maths, Science, and Languages.
• Group projects, leadership opportunities, and home learning encourage independent thinking and self-awareness.
• Parents engage through workshops, events, and resources, creating a shared language and consistent expectations between school and home.

This approach builds on the BSN’s long-standing commitment to holistic education, reflected in the BSN Character Profile, launched in 2018. Many of the personal qualities promoted by HPL—resilience, curiosity, and collaboration—are already central to the school’s identity.

A Shared Achievement

The success of HPL at the BSN is a collective accomplishment. We extend our thanks to the parents who met with HPL assessors and contributed to surveys during the Spring Term. Your feedback was an important part of the accreditation process.

The assessors praised:

• The strength of relationships across the BSN community, marked by harmony, trust, and shared purpose.
• How HPL has enhanced the school’s existing strengths, including the BSN Character Profile and our vibrant, collaborative learning environment.
• The seamless integration of HPL into planning, teaching, and student learning.

Why It Matters

In a world where information is readily accessible but harder to evaluate, students require more than just knowledge; they need guidance on how to evaluate it effectively. They need to ask questions, think critically, adapt, collaborate, and persevere in the face of challenges. HPL equips them with these lifelong skills, helping them:

• Understand themselves as learners.
• Approach challenges with confidence.
• Develop habits of curiosity, collaboration, and critical thinking.

These skills extend far beyond the classroom.

Looking Ahead

The BSN remains committed to embedding HPL across all areas of school life. This is a long-term approach, and its impact is already evident: students are becoming more reflective, resilient, and ready to face the future.

HPL is helping the BSN shape not only high achievers but also compassionate, confident, and curious global citizens—guided by empathy, openness, and a readiness to lead. Students are not simply preparing for exams; they are learning to adapt, contribute, and thrive wherever their aspirations take them.