Choosing a primary school is one of the first and most emotionally charged decisions families face when relocating to the Netherlands. In this most‑played moment from Episode 026, Mickelle revisits a standout conversation with Annebet van Mameren of New2NL, whose decade of experience supporting international families brings calm, clarity, and perspective to the process.Together, they explore why children’s happiness is foundational to a successful move, how the Dutch school system is designed around choice rather than ran...
Choosing a primary school is one of the first and most emotionally charged decisions families face when relocating to the Netherlands. In this most‑played moment from Episode 026, Mickelle revisits a standout conversation with Annebet van Mameren of New2NL, whose decade of experience supporting international families brings calm, clarity, and perspective to the process.
Together, they explore why children’s happiness is foundational to a successful move, how the Dutch school system is designed around choice rather than rankings, and what really matters when selecting a school, especially for internationally minded families navigating language, culture, and community for the first time.
This clip is an essential listen for parents at the beginning of their journey and a grounding reminder for those already immersed in the Dutch education system. Links to the full episode, the Amsterdam School Lottery guide, and the supporting app can be found in the show notes.
In this episode:
Why children’s happiness directly impacts family and professional wellbeing
How the Dutch school system prioritizes choice over “best school” rankings
What international families should look for when choosing a primary school
The role of community, language, and parental involvement in school fit
Annebet van Mameren is the founder of New2NL, a relocation consultancy that supported international families for over 10 years. While the company has since closed, the insights shared here remain highly relevant.
🎧 Full episode: https://www.houseofperegrine.com/podcast/ep-026📘 School Lottery Guide: https://www.houseofperegrine.com/journal/ams-school-lottery-nav
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