Our story

Since its inception in 1910, Groningse Schoolvereniging (GSV, “Groningen School Association”) has provided diverse educational opportunities for children in and around Groningen. By fostering strong partnerships with parents, encouraging their active involvement in school life, and implementing new and transformative learning strategies, GSV has become synonymous with excellence and inclusivity in education.

Today, GSV is a cornerstone of the city, offering a dynamic and engaging curriculum in a supportive environment for children ages 4 to 12. With small classes and a highly skilled team, the school caters to a wide range of needs, backgrounds, and ambitions. This ensures that every child feels safe, inspired, and motivated to take part in school life.

GSV offers three different learning environments:

GSV Tweetalig (Bilingual education)

GSV Tweetalig follows the Dutch curriculum, with Dutch as the main language of instruction. Our school is the only TPO school ("Tweetalig Primair Onderwijs" - Bilingual Primary Education) in the northern part of the Netherlands, where 15%-30% of lessons are taught in English, both by specialist English teachers and by classroom teachers. Bilingual education prepares our pupils for a multicultural society, while maintaining a strong foundation in Dutch.

Naturally, this department offers a broad curriculum, including ICT, music, physical education, nature education, culture, language, mathematics, writing, and citizenship education, often integrated within the themes of IPC (International Primary Curriculum).

GSV Hoogbegaafd (gifted education)

This department has been developed especially for (highly) gifted pupils and focuses on enabling their full potential to flourish. At GSV Hoogbegaafd, these pupils are given the space to explore and develop their interests and talents in the broadest sense. The emphasis is on deeper learning, broadening knowledge and personalised learning, in an environment that challenges and stimulates. The main language of instruction is Dutch, with attention given to a safe atmosphere where pupils feel seen, understood, and motivated. In GSV Hoogbegaafd, 15%-30% of lessons are taught in English.

GSV IPSG (International Primary School Groningen)

The longest-standing international primary school in the north of the Netherlands, GSV IPSG has been home to generations of international families, fostering a close-knit community on its evergreen campus. English is the primary language of instruction, with students also introduced to Dutch and local cultural activities.

IPSG

GSV International Primary School Groningen

With a proud history and a future-focused vision, GSV continues to shape the future of education. We extend a warm welcome to you, and hope you take part in our next chapter!

Our values

Adaptive

Adaptability is essential for growth. It allows us to adjust to change, learn from experience, and overcome challenges with resilience, without losing our core strengths and ambitions. Our school is continually evolving and growing to provide even better educational opportunities, extending beyond the academic curriculum to include soft skills, emotional intelligence, and lifelong learning strategies. Guided by a deep-rooted commitment to the children and families who make us what we are, we embrace new ideas, opportunities, and challenges, infusing them with our unique perspective and character.

Creative

Creativity ignites curiosity, shaping young minds into observant and insightful learners. We encourage our pupils to explore and embrace a wide range of experiences — arts, music, gymnastics, digital skills, nature exploration, and more — to nurture their creativity, discover their interests, and challenge their impulses. By positioning creativity as a central pillar of education, we enable each child to develop a stronger sense of self, a feeling of accomplishment and competence, and a lasting appetite for learning.

Grounded

The act of looking forward to the future finds its meaning in the ability to look back at the past, to appreciate the journey and the important lessons learned. Our school prides itself on maintaining this balance: with a legacy spanning more than a century in the city of Groningen, we combine a deep respect for tradition with a forward-looking vision that prepares pupils for the future. We approach each child with this grounded, dual perspective, supporting their present needs while positively influencing their future.

Do you have a question or suggestion for us?

Contact GSV