Lifelong Learning Special
Paul Morgan
The British School of Amsterdam:
A PIECE OF GREAT BRITAIN IN HOLLAND Founded in 1978, The British School of Amsterdam has grown over the years to
nationalities, the main ones being British
occupy three separate locations in Amsterdam’s Oud Zuid district. But on 21
(15%), Indian (22%) and Dutch (12%).
April, The British School of Amsterdam finally made its long-awaited move to new
As well as teaching Dutch in an English-
premises. School Principal Paul Morgan is immensely proud of The British School’s
oriented curriculum, the school also
new building and the beautiful city of Amsterdam it calls home.
observes all the Dutch celebrations and holidays. As Paul says, the school is a little
New building
scale model of the new building so kids
The British School’s new home brings four
could see where their classes would be.
piece of Great Britain in Holland. Independent thinkers
separate sections of the school together on the site of a historic 19th-century listed
Strong brand
Amsterdam is an internationally-oriented
building. According to Paul, this project has
Worldwide, there are around 11,000
city, and with many global companies
been extremely exciting but an enormous
international schools offering a British
based or locating here, high-quality
challenge as well. “The meticulous
curriculum, about 6,000 of which are
international education is crucial. “We are
planning that has gone into the move
British in style. The British School has three
all trying to create independent thinkers
really paid off. It had such little impact
school sections: an Early, Junior and Senior
with good habits, so that when they leave
in the school itself. As the original shape
school. “We are developing knowledge,
here, they take those habits with them
of the building was a cross, each section
skills and learning styles. In addition to
into the world.” The British School of
will have its own wing. We take pride in
developing knowledge and skills, one
Amsterdam hopes its community will take
creating a seamless transfer when children
important aspect in the British system is
pride in this new building, where love of
move through the different sections.” A
the fact that we look at the whole child. We
learning will be its main priority.
photographer documented all the different
look after the children and make sure to be
phases of development so the school’s
their first support system, alongside their
communities could follow the process, and
parents. It’s about developing life skills
one of the parents created a small LEGO
and confidence.” The school has a mix of
Text: Nicole Pak & Céline Boute • Photography: Caily Bobbie Jo
The British School of Amsterdam Havenstraat 6 1075 PR Amsterdam +31 (0) 20 679 78 40 britishschool.amsterdam
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