About us
Who we are
The Johan de Witt Scholengroep is a public secondary school with seven locations in The Hague. Our school group offers all levels of secondary education: from practical training, pre-vocational secondary education (VMBO) basic, intermediate, and senior general secondary education (MAVO), to senior general secondary education (HAVO), pre-university education (VWO), and gymnasium (Gymnasium). We also offer the Entrance Program, the International Transition Class (ISK), and the Middle Years Program of the International Baccalaureate.
Mission
We offer inclusive and promising education in a global context based on 3 pillars:
The Johan de Witt School Group offers education that goes beyond simply imparting knowledge. We prepare students for a meaningful future, where they confidently and with a strong sense of values will take their place in the world. The Johan de Witt School Group contributes to equal educational opportunities, social engagement, and sustainable development. In close collaboration with parents, community organizations, and our urban environment, we connect education with the world of today and tomorrow. This way, our students not only grow academically but also learn to actively contribute to a better society, both near and far.
The Johan de Witt Scholengroep is a learning and working environment where collaboration and professional growth are paramount. We carefully guide (new) colleagues and students, integrate them into our culture of high expectations, and value their unique contributions. We believe in the power of shared responsibility. Our shared confidence in our ability to empower every student to learn (collective teacher efficacy) drives our educational quality. By designing, reflecting, and improving together, we maximize our impact. Our shared language and approach—embodied in the JdW-Kijkwijzer, Klimwijzer, and Koerswijzer—strengthen cohesion and clarify what we can expect from each other. This is how we build a culture of learning for both students and colleagues.
The Johan de Witt School Group is firmly rooted in The Hague: an international, incredibly diverse city and the democratic heart of the Netherlands. With seven locations, we actively utilize the cultural, social, and economic richness of our region as a meaningful learning environment. Thanks to a strong network of partners, students have the opportunity to further develop their interests and talents, explore current social issues, and make a valuable contribution to a just society.
Core values
The Johan de Witt Scholengroep offers high-quality education, driven by the belief that every student can learn and excel. We encourage growth through high, positive expectations and continuously invest in the professional development of our team. We believe that the competencies and dedication of our teaching staff are crucial to our students' academic success.1 Therefore, we focus not only on lesson content but also on the quality of pedagogical and didactic practice in the classroom. Our school functions as a Professional Learning Community (PLC), where collaboration, reflection, and results-oriented improvement are central. We operate evidence-informed, take shared responsibility for learning outcomes, and utilize data to make education more effective, efficient, and sustainable.2 In this way, we create a culture where learning is paramount – for both students and colleagues.
At the Johan de Witt School Group, we work together to ensure the success of every student. We build a school community where everyone feels welcome, valued, and safe. Parents, staff, and students share responsibility for a school climate of calm, respect, and trust. We combine clear guidelines with personalized guidance and challenge students to take ownership of their learning. For us, engagement also means unconditionally believing in the developmental potential of young people. A strong sense of belonging is essential for motivation, academic performance, and well-being. Engagement isn't an abstract ideal, but the daily practice we shape together, guided by the student's best interests.
The Johan de Witt Scholengroep is a global school in the heart of a truly diverse city. Our student body comprises over 90 nationalities, with a wealth of languages, backgrounds, and perspectives. We view this diversity not as a challenge, but as a source of strength for development and learning.
We offer a rich curriculum and are committed to culturally responsive education, where students' worlds are visible and valued. In a majority-minority city like The Hague, where no single group constitutes a majority, this requires conscious and inclusive action from every educational professional.
Research shows that recognizing and utilizing diversity contributes to higher learning outcomes and greater school engagement. That's why we're building a community where students learn for life, with attention and respect for one another. For us, inclusivity isn't just an aspiration; it's a necessary condition for good education. In this way, we align with the United Nations' international ambition for inclusive education.
Our course
At the Johan de Witt Scholengroep, we believe in education that extends beyond grades and diplomas. In a rapidly changing, increasingly globalized society, we educate young people to become well-informed, self-confident, and socially engaged global citizens. Young people who know their talents, are self-assured, dare to think critically based on knowledge, connect with others, and take responsibility for their role in the world.
Our vision is rooted in both a social mission and a strong educational philosophy. In a society where boundaries are blurring, technology (AI) is playing an increasingly important role, and diversity has become the norm, young people need a solid foundation of knowledge more than ever. For us, knowledge precedes skills: it empowers students to confidently navigate a complex world and is the key to equal opportunities and personal growth.
We've translated this vision into our own interpretation of Biesta's three-pronged approach. We equip students with the knowledge and skills that enable them to shape their future (qualification). Knowledge is the indispensable building block for critical thinking, self-development, and social participation. Based on knowledge, they learn to express themselves, make well-considered choices, and navigate a complex society with understanding. We help students develop their own voice, enabling them to act confidently, reflect, and give direction to their lives (personal development). Simultaneously, we guide them in living together with others, as engaged citizens in a diverse, democratic, and ever-changing society (socialization).
The Excellent School
All study programmes hold the 'Excellent School' designation. These designations are awarded to schools (or types of schools) that provide high-quality education and, in addition, distinguish themselves from other good schools by excelling in a specific profile. The jury states that it is impressed by the coherent and pervasive approach to providing the best possible education.