Frequently Asked Questions

Does IPS Hilversum have a waiting list? 

All year groups currently have places available. However, it is not unusual for a ‘bubble' to develop from time to time, which results in limited places in specific year groups.

Is it possible for a student to be enrolled midterm and, if so, is there a risk they could lose a year?  

Our admissions process is ongoing year round to enable students to join us throughout the year. Placement is made with the intention of moving up a year at the end of the academic year a student joins. 

When a place is confirmed, do students have to apply for re-enrolment the following academic school year? 

Enrolment is continuous unless the school is no longer able to meet specific needs for a child or a family has not fulfilled all tuition fee payment requirements.

Is admission made based on a certain level reached in the subjects, or is it based on age? 

There is no streaming in any of our year groups. Every child is unique and circumstances can affect placement that is always made in the best interest of the child and in full cooperation with the parents.

Is admission to IPS Hilversum based on the postcode of residence? 

Place of residence plays no role in admission. Our current families live in a wide area ranging from Amsterdam to Utrecht.

What are the provisions, admission requirements and support for children with special learning needs? 

Upon enrolment, you are asked to disclose any special learning needs your child may have. Within school, we have a learning support department with two coordinators and a number of teachers who support students with different learning needs. Support is given both in the class (push-in) and pull-out depending on a child’s specific needs.

Do you have a school sibling policy? 

No. There is no specific policy regarding siblings and placement. All applications are considered separately.   

Is it possible to have the final exam pass rate and average grade obtained by students? 

As an IB World School implementing the Primary Years Programme, there are no final exams (Group 8 students undertake an Exhibition; see information in the Curriculum Guide). We do administer external standardised assessments during the year. These are used to inform teaching and personalisation of learning. Upon request, a meeting can be made with the Learning Support Coordinator to discuss the outcomes from the assessment.  At the end of the final year of primary, the level of secondary education is reflected in the secondary school advice. Our graduates, aged 12, have averaged 90-95% acceptance to A-level equivalent over the past 10 years.

What support/pastoral care is available in case of emotional/additional support needs? 

In school we have a specialised school contact person. Locally, authorities provide all services that any Dutch primary school would receive, which is mostly free of charge.