Our 10-year anniversary

In 2023 the ISE celebrated its 10-year anniversary of coming together as one school. Our school has a rich history, and we would like to take you on that journey!

Philips International School

It all began in 1966 with the establishment of the Philips International School, an initiative that sprouted from the Board of Directors in 1964. It was driven by the vision to create an international school catering initially to the children of N.V. Philips’ Gloeilampenfabrieken employees. However, soon after they also opened their doors to include students whose parents were not affiliated with Philips. Starting modestly with just 28 students, the school experienced significant growth, reaching 65 students by 1969.

In its early days, the curriculum featured Dutch, English, and French Language streams. The year 1970 witnessed the addition of a German language stream, a move that proved successful, reflected in the enrollment surge to 109 students hailing from 22 different nationalities.

As the student population continued to grow, preparations were made to expand the school facilities. On the 16th of June 1975, the students of that time took the first steps into the new building. The construction of a different school put Philips International School on a new path. Consequently, the school’s name changed.

Regional International School (RIS)

As of September 1975, the Regional International School (RIS) became a reality. As the RIS grew and developed, students who graduated had a difficult choice: either enter the Dutch education system or return to their home country since there was no secondary school for them to continue their studies.

Van der Puttlyceum Secondary School

As a solution Phillips went into partnership with a large national high school: the Van der Puttlyceum secondary school, in Woensel, North Eindhoven. In September 1974, the first students were admitted into the English stream of the Van der Puttlyceum, and with an increase in student numbers, the decision was made that all lessons would be taught in English. In September 1978, the first graduation ceremony was held for students in the English stream.

International Secondary School Eindhoven (ISSE) to International School Eindhoven (ISE)

The English stream was eventually renamed the International Secondary School Eindhoven (ISSE).

On the 1st of January 2009, RIS and ISSE merged and the International School Eindhoven (ISE) officially started its operation. In September 2013, the ISE -primary and secondary departments together- moved to its new location on the Oirschotsedijk. The school is now located within the Constant Rebecque Kazerne, an old army barracks, and surrounded by a green area of the city. The buildings are a Dutch historical monument.

Since then, the school has grown to be a fully-fledged international school with students representing over 50 nationalities, spread over three departments, a Dutch Bilingual Primary Department, an International Primary Department and a Secondary Department.

One School, Two Locations, Three Departments

Starting from the 2024-2025 school year, the International School Eindhoven (ISE) is operating as one school across two locations. Our Primary Dutch Bilingual Department is located at Jan Luikenstraat 49,  and our Primary International and Secondary Departments remain at the ISE campus, Oirschotsedijk 14B Eindhoven.