Start with the family’s living arrangements
Some families already live in the Netherlands and want an English-language education. Others plan to send a child while the parents remain abroad. Both may consider international schools, but their practical needs are different.
When parents live nearby, school choice can include day schools, commuting and after-school arrangements. When they do not, a suitable boarding arrangement must cover life outside lessons, including term-time weekends.
This series focuses mainly on the second group, reflecting LEP’s current Dutch school services. Other international day schools exist, but a long list of names does little for a family whose first requirement is boarding.
Why we focus on Eerde
Eerde International Boarding School offers full boarding, including term-time weekends. It brings education and everyday life together for students whose parents are not living locally.
I have visited the school and spoken directly with its staff. The combination of a historic castle estate and modern teaching facilities stood out to me. I found the boarding accommodation satisfactory and the people who welcomed us particularly warm and approachable. These first-hand impressions are part of why I believe the school is worth considering.
Families already in the Netherlands can also consider Eerde. They can discuss day attendance or boarding in light of their location and the child’s needs.
Our main application focus is age 14 and above
For students moving from abroad without their parents, LEP concentrates on secondary-school applications from age 14. We consider both the appropriate academic stage and readiness to live away from home.
This describes our service focus, not a universal minimum boarding age. The student’s circumstances, year group and the school’s requirements still need to be considered together.
English can open the route
Students considering English-taught international education do not need to master Dutch before exploring schools. What matters initially is whether their English supports learning, or whether they need a preparation pathway.
Eerde offers different educational stages and preparation before the IB Diploma Programme. A student already learning confidently in English and one needing additional English support should not automatically be placed on the same route.
UWC is a different pathway
UWC Maastricht also has a residential upper-secondary programme, with its own selection process. LEP has not established a partnership with UWC Maastricht, and we do not present it as a service already arranged through us.
Start by telling us about your child’s age, English, budget and boarding needs. We can then discuss a realistic school direction and the questions to take to Eerde.
Why work with LEP on this application?
LEP helps international families connect school choice with a workable application. Based in Luxembourg, we have visited Eerde, liaise directly with the school during European working hours and organise school visits in the Netherlands each quarter.
Until 15 September 2027, LEP charges no additional service fee for assistance with an Eerde application. This includes application assessment, school liaison, document preparation and visa application support. School tuition, boarding and government or other third-party charges remain payable.
Discuss your child’s application and a school visit with James Liu
Tell us your child’s age, current year, English level and intended starting date.