
Exciting International Secondary Education Developments
In a major step towards enhancing the educational landscape for international families, we are thrilled to announce that the Ministry of Education has granted a license for the establishment of an International Secondary Education (IGVO) school in Haarlemmermeer. This marks a significant milestone for the international community in the region, and the boards of Floreer and Haarlemmermeer Lyceum, in collaboration with the municipality, have been working tirelessly towards this achievement.
The new school will cater to the growing demand for continuous international education, allowing students to transition seamlessly from primary education to secondary school. As part of this initiative, discussions are currently underway between the involved parties to lay the groundwork for the school’s opening in the 2026-2027 academic year.
This development represents an exciting opportunity for students in Haarlemmermeer, as they will now have access to a consistent international learning path. The goal has always been to provide an education system that supports mobility and global opportunities, and this new IGVO school will fulfill that vision, ensuring that students can continue their international education without interruption.
The Pathway to International Secondary Education
As we move forward with the establishment of the IGVO, it’s crucial to understand how this will impact current and future students, especially those in Groups 5-7. Our primary education model remains unchanged, with two distinct programs designed to prepare students for either international or Dutch secondary education.
- International Programme (INT): This program is tailored for mobile families who require an internationally recognized curriculum. It offers a flexible educational structure, ideal for families uncertain about their long-term plans. Students in this program will be well-prepared to continue their education in international secondary schools, including the upcoming school in Haarlemmermeer.
- Dutch Enrichment Programme (DEP): Designed for families intending to stay in the Netherlands long-term, the DEP enriches Dutch language education alongside the international curriculum. This program is particularly beneficial for students who plan to transition to Dutch secondary education. Although, with the arrival of the IGVO, the need for this program as a bridge to international secondary education is no longer necessary, we will continue to offer the DEP learning pathway.
Visual Overview of Educational Pathways
To help visualize the pathways students can take, here’s a graphic that outlines how our curriculum supports both international and Dutch educational tracks. This pathway poster shows the different age groups and educational stages, from Early Years through to secondary education, for both international and Dutch enrichment paths.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is IGVO? IGVO stands for International Secondary Education (Internationaal Georiënteerd Voortgezet Onderwijs), which is a secondary school offering an international curriculum in the Netherlands.
- What is IB? The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a globally recognized educational program that focuses on academic excellence and holistic development.
- Is it advisable to switch from DEP to INT with these changes? This depends on your family’s long-term plans. If you are considering an international education or expect to be relocated, switching to the international pathway might be the right choice. However, if your child is likely to continue in the Dutch system, staying in DEP may be better.
Looking Ahead
This exciting new development in Haarlemmermeer is set to provide a long-awaited solution for families seeking continuous international education. The launch of the IGVO school ensures that our students will be able to continue their international academic journey smoothly, supporting both their current needs and future aspirations.
We look forward to sharing more updates as we move closer to the opening of the new school and the ongoing development of our educational offerings.