Students give start signal for new International School Utrecht building and unveil hoarding with their own drawings
On Wednesday, 19 March, students from the International School Utrecht (ISU), together with Alderman Eelco Eerenberg (Education), officially marked the start of construction for their new school. Fifteen years after its founding, ISU is set to gain a permanent building at the Utrecht Science Park (USP). Located on Cambridgelaan, the modern school building will feature sports facilities and accommodate approximately 1,200 students aged 4 to 18. The new school is expected to open its doors in 2027.
Students and School introduce themselves to the neighbourhood
ISU students participated in a drawing competition, creating illustrations to introduce themselves and their school to their future neighbours at the Utrecht Science Park. The best drawings were displayed on a construction fence banner. During today’s celebratory start event, students, along with Alderman Eelco Eerenberg and ISU Director Marieke Folkers, unveiled the banner, showcasing the drawings to the local community. It served as a wonderful symbol of ISU’s growth and future.
“After years of preparation, construction is now truly underway. We are delighted to provide the International School Utrecht with a beautiful new building. The school not only offers a rich and diverse educational offering to our city but also strengthens the connection between international and Utrecht communities. This contributes to Utrecht’s ambition to be an inclusive and attractive city—not just for international talent but for everyone who lives, works, and feels at home here.”
Eelco Eerenberg, Alderman Education.
The new facility at USP will house both primary and secondary schools, as well as childcare and after-school care services. Marieke Folkers said: “Our students span across 12 school years. It’s wonderful that we will soon have a building that suits our educational programme and is comfortable for both young children and young adults. For example, there will be two separate entrances: one for the youngest children and another for secondary school students. For students and their parents, ISU is not just a school but also a meeting place. We regularly organise activities to connect them with local sports clubs or cultural events. This fosters links between the local and international communities. As such, the new building will also feature meeting spaces that enhance the sense of community and campus spirit.”
ISU’s Contribution to Utrecht
ISU is not only a school for 1,200 children but also significantly benefits Utrecht’s international appeal. The school fulfils both urban and regional roles. Mobility is, therefore, an important aspect of the project. Ample bicycle parking will be provided around the building, as well as a parking garage. The school encourages students, parents, and staff to use public transport and bicycles. A new cycle path will be built from Toulouselaan to the school, and a crossing for cyclists and pedestrians will be added on Cambridgelaan near ISU.
Artist impression ISU
About the project
The design of the building and its healthy, green surroundings was commissioned by the Municipality of Utrecht and developed by a team comprising SVP Architectuur and Stedenbouw, CROSS Architecture, Copijn Landschapsarchitecten, Pieters Bouwtechniek, Adviesbureau DWA en Fokkens Bouwkostens. Construction company Van Wijnen Arnhem will oversee the build, with ITN managing the installation technology.
About ISU
ISU provides suitable education for children of internationally working parents who typically stay in the Netherlands for three to five years. Students follow the same curriculum in English worldwide, enabling them to transition between countries and schools without falling behind academically. ISU also caters to Dutch children returning from abroad with their families. Established in 2012, ISU has grown over the years from 63 students to approximately 1,200. The students, aged between 4 and 18, along with the staff, represent over 60 different nationalities.
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