An international boarding school in a historic Dutch castle with nearly a century of history and an intimate atmosphere—just 110 students from 25 countries earning the globally recognized IB diploma.

History and International Recognition

When a private school opened in a Dutch estate with an 18th-century castle in 1934, few imagined that ninety years later, Eerde would remain among Europe’s oldest international institutions. The 1715 castle became an educational center long before international education gained popularity, and this continuity since prewar times grants it special standing. Today, it holds accreditation from ECIS, Cambridge IGCSE, IB, and MSA CESS. More intriguing is its partnership with Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum since 2017, where students work on projects in museum galleries and study works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and van Hals during art studio sessions.

Campus in Historic Castle

The estate near Oosterbeek blends seclusion with accessibility—forests surround it, yet Amsterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht lie just two hours away. At its heart stands the moat-encircled castle. A thirty-second walk leads to a modern building whose sloping roof fits the landscape while large windows flood classrooms with natural light. All spaces feature both traditional and digital teaching tools. The Orangery art studio, housed in a late-19th-century conservatory with panoramic glazing, serves as both workspace and inspiration for students exploring painting, design, and modeling.

Programs at Eerde International Boarding School

The academic path progresses from foundational knowledge to pre-university preparation. Primary students follow IPC combined with Cambridge programs for English and math. Middle school uses IMYC with modular units built around conceptual “big ideas.” Those entering after ninth grade take a Pre-IB Year to strengthen language, math, and science skills while learning research methodology. Older students (16-19) choose between IBDP—recognized by over 3,300 universities in 140 countries—or Eerde High School Diploma, which offers flexibility for those focusing on specific subjects or preferring standard-level courses.

Extracurricular Life and Unique Opportunities

Despite its compact size, the program spans sports, arts, culture, and social activities. Music includes choir, performances, and private instrumental lessons, while athletics covers football, basketball, rugby, volleyball, tennis, golf, crossfit, and chess—with teams competing against other Dutch international schools. What truly distinguishes Eerde are its unusual opportunities: Model UN delegates attend European conferences, Week Without Walls sends students away for two-week learning experiences, and Career Carousel introduces various professions. The estate’s location in Holland’s equestrian region enables horseback riding with experienced trainers, participation in prestigious events like CSI Ommen, and even earning specialized diplomas. Students and staff represent over 30 nationalities, creating authentically international surroundings reflected in celebrations from Santa Lucia and Lunar New Year to Halloween—complete with a “haunted house” in the castle—and traditional Dutch Sinterklaas.

Boarding Facilities

Two classic buildings on castle grounds separate by gender: the east wing for girls with individual showers, the west for boys. Both feature common lounges, kitchens, laundries, and relaxation zones thirty seconds from classrooms. Most share double rooms with same-gender peers, promoting cross-cultural connections, though single accommodations exist. Eerde offers full seven-day boarding for ages 12-19 and flexible five-day options with weekend departures home—the only Dutch international school with such variety. Houseparents serve as experienced mentors available around the clock, helping with time management, daily routines, and sleep schedules. Weekends fill with activities: Friday pizza nights, museum visits, laser tag, karting, swimming, camping, horseback riding, movie marathons, or simply relaxing in garden hammocks. Students often organize events themselves, rotating as captains to develop leadership abilities.