Which schools serve Leiden families?

In 2026, Leiden, the city of discovery, will not only be a center of science and culture, but also a place where educational innovation and tradition go hand in hand. For families who live in or move to the “Key City”, the educational landscape is diverse and of a high standard. From small-scale primary schools in the historic city center to modern campuses in the Bio Science Park zone: the options are extensive.

In this overview, we dive deep into Leiden's school offerings for 2026, ranging from primary education to international education and the latest developments in secondary education.

Primary education: A range of concepts

In 2026, primary education in Leiden will have more than 34 schools that together serve more than 8,800 students. What is striking is the strong presence of various educational concepts. Here, parents can choose a shape that really suits the child.

• Public education: Schools such as OBS De Arcade in the Stevenshof and Jenaplan School De Dukdalf in the Merenwijk are known for their inclusive character. The dukdalf will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026 and will remain a leader in investigative and design learning.
• Montessori and Dalton: For families that value independence, schools such as Montessori School Apollo (Fortuinwijk) and the Leiden Wood School (Raadsherenbuurt) offer a tried and tested method. In 2026, Apollo will focus extra on citizenship and social skills.
• Confessional education: The Leiden Confessional Education Foundation (SCOL) manages a large number of Catholic and Protestant Christian schools, such as the popular St. Joseph school in the Burgemeesterswijk and de Ley.
• Free school: For an anthroposophical approach, families can contact the Mareland primary school, which is deeply rooted in Leiden culture.

Continuing education: Specialization and growth

With 17 secondary schools and more than 10,000 students, secondary education in Leiden is a dynamic sector. In 2026, we will see a strong trend towards broad bridge classes and better flow opportunities.

The gymnasium bastion

Leiden is famous for its urban gymnasium, with two locations: Athena and Socrates. It is one of the largest and oldest independent gymnasias in the Netherlands. For academically inclined students, this will still offer an unparalleled intellectual climate in 2026.

Broader school communities

• The Vinci college: With several locations (including Kagerstraat and Lammenschans), Da Vinci offers a broad spectrum from VMBO to gymnasium. It is known for its close ties to local industry and science.
• Visser't Hooft Lyceum: A Protestant Christian school known for its sporting profile and its focus on international exchanges.
• Bonaventura college: A classic value in Leiden education, spread over locations such as Burggravenlaan and Mariënpoelstraat, where in 2026 the focus will be on “Promising Education”.

International education: The expat hub

Due to the growth of the Leiden Bio Science Park, the international community will be larger than ever in 2026. This has led to a further professionalization of the international educational offer.

• Leiden International School (ISL): Located on the Van Vollenhovenkade, ISL is the first choice for international families in the region. The school follows the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) and offers a seamless transition for children entering from abroad.
• Elckerlyc international: Located in nearby Leiderdorp, this school serves many Leiden families looking for a Montessori-inspired international environment.
• Intermediate international: For secondary education, many families are moving to the Rheinlands lyceum Oegstgeest, which offers an internationally recognized IB (International Baccalaureate) program just 10 minutes by bike from Leiden Central Station.

Education types in Leiden: A comparison

Leiden offers a diverse education system with several types of schools designed to meet different learning needs and backgrounds. Public primary education is the most common option, with 17 schools that focus on diversity and provide a neutral learning environment without a religious basis. In comparison, confessional schools (SCOL) include 14 or more institutions that follow the national curriculum while incorporating Catholic or Protestant-Christian values into their teaching approach. These schools appeal to families who prefer education that integrates religious traditions alongside academic learning.

At the next level, Leiden has 17 secondary schools offering a wide range of programs from VMBO to gymnasium, allowing students to follow academic or vocational pathways suited to their abilities and future goals. The city also includes one international primary school that follows the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) and teaches mainly in English, making it suitable for expatriate families. In addition, four special education schools provide tailored support for students with specific needs, such as gifted learners or those with learning challenges, ensuring more personalized educational support.

Innovation and support in 2026

The municipality of Leiden has reserved an ambitious budget for 2026 for the 'Action Plan for Promising Education'. This has direct consequences for the families in the city:

• The bridge officer: Bridge officers will be deployed at more and more primary schools in Leiden (especially in the neighborhoods of Slaaghwijk and de Mors) in 2026. They form the link between the family and the school and help with questions about parenting, finances and well-being.
• Giftedness: In 2026, the Anne Frank School will be a recognized center of expertise for full-time gifted education, allowing families with HB children from all over the region to move to Leiden.
• Appropriate education: Through the PPO Regio Leiden partnership, more than ever will be focused on inclusion in 2026, with additional care support more often taking place in the regular classroom.

Location and accessibility

Choosing a school in Leiden also means looking at the neighborhood. The city is compact, but the parking pressure in 2026 makes a school's “bikeability” crucial.

• Stevenshof & lake district: Here you'll find spacious schools with plenty of private play area, ideal for families living in the suburbs.
• Downtown & mayor's district: The schools here are often housed in monumental buildings. Although the playgrounds are smaller, the social cohesion in these neighborhoods is often very high.
• Bio science park/New Rhine Spirit: For families working in technology or science, the schools on the outskirts of the city (towards Oegstgeest) are strategically very attractive because of their modern facilities and the international atmosphere.

Important dates for the 2025-2026 school year

Families in Leiden fall under the central region. The most important holidays for the current year include:

• Autumn break: October 18 to October 26, 2025
• Christmas holidays: December 20, 2025 to January 4, 2026
• Spring break: February 14 to February 22, 2026
• May holidays: April 25 to May 3, 2026

Summer vacation: July 18 to August 30, 2026