Business In The Spotlight
Stuart May
the same level. Their peer group is very
The British School of Amsterdam:
“EACH CHILD IS SEEN AS AN INDIVIDUAL”
important for making friendships and for social interaction. British education is about shaping the curriculum around their level with the idea that education should enable every child to reach their potential.” With a diverse international mix of pupils, the school wants to make everyone feel welcome in their community.
After a complicated relocation to merge three separate school locations, plus Covid restrictions preventing people from coming together, The British School of
Family-oriented
Amsterdam is finally getting back to its normal routine. Stuart May, Vice Principal
The British School also plays a central
and Head of Junior School, could not be more excited: “It’s really good to get back
social role in the lives of many families,
to normal and to have all the children and their families back together again.”
most of whom are expats. But Dutch families are also eager to connect with
When construction at the new location was
child protection, school safety and safer
each other. The parents’ organisation is a
finally over at the beginning of summer and
recruitment.” Though he never intended to
vital part of the school. “There are a variety
Covid restrictions were officially lifted last
settle in Amsterdam, Stuart says he was won
of special interest groups and even more
September, The British School picked up
over by the city itself and pace of life here.
activity groups such as the dads’ night out, cheese and wine club and running groups.
where it left off, starting with assemblies, after-school activities and family meet-ups.
Individual approach
They are very supportive of parents overall,
Stuart has been with The British School of
British education has a holistic and well-
and we feel it’s so important to give people
Amsterdam for nearly 13 years. “My day-to-
rounded focus and sets high standards. At
a warm welcome upon moving to a new
day role is as Head of Junior School, where
the same time, expectations are attuned
country. If you would like to learn more
I am responsible for all the teaching staff
to the pace that is right for each individual
about our school, please feel free to come
and the 405 children in the Junior section,
child. This approach is rooted in The
and visit us.”
divided over 20 classes. In my other role
British School’s core values: ‘We nurture.
as Vice Principal, I focus on training and
We inspire. We empower’. Stuart explains:
development of our staff. Alongside this,
“We monitor each child individually, rather
I oversee school policy matters such as
than trying to keep all the children at
Text: Nicole Pak & Céline Boute • Photography: Roxanne Wilm
The British School of Amsterdam Havenstraat 6 1075 PR Amsterdam +31 (0) 20 679 78 40 www.britishschool.amsterdam
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