Patrick Heuff, new headteacher of The British School in The Netherlands

This academic year, The British School in the Netherlands (BSN) has been delighted to welcome a new headteacher to the Senior School in Voorschoten. Mr Patrick Heuff, who was previously working at St George’s British International School in Munich, became a welcomed member of the BSN community in September.

Just like the BSN community has felt Mr Heuff’s positive influence within the school from the beginning, he reports feeling very welcomed himself by the friendly students and welcoming staff. In a recent interview with the school’s podcast club, he delved into his reasons for wishing to join the BSN as headteacher. 

Mr Heuff told the interviewers that he felt “the pull of the BSN” and an “initial attraction” for the school having heard about its “warm and friendly” atmosphere. He was pleased to see that the school’s reputation did not disappoint. He specified that he had never come across more friendly and welcoming students in the past and that given the choice, the school’s environment is something that he would not want to change, but instead build upon. He revealed his wishes for the school to “provide the most excellent education that it possibly can” and continue to progress its approaches to teaching. 

Additionally, Mr Heuff explained that he was interested in learning more about the Netherlands, the Dutch culture, and the Dutch language due to a personal connection to the Netherlands. He had previously lived in Germany for 4 years and in England before that, but by moving to Voorschoten he felt immediately welcomed and said it “feels a bit like coming home”. This can be attributed to the warmth and openness of the local community of Voorschoten. 

Whilst expressing his admiration for the school’s inclusivity and diversity, he also spoke about how proud he was of students being able to have high academic outcomes, whilst also participating in activities and experiences outside of the classroom. 

Mr. Heuff is passionate about the extra-curricular opportunities such as sports, Drama, leadership roles, Model United Nations, and the International Award that the school provides. He explains that he and the leadership team in the school are “looking at developing extra-curricular activities within the BSN and really pushing them forwards” as they believe that it is with the assistance of these extra-curricular activities that they can provide the most well-rounded education possible. He is delighted about the base that this school provides for students to continue to higher education or careers and wants to continue with the “high academic expectations” he has been able to observe at the school.

After attending an alumni event at the school, Mr Heuff described being pleased to see that the “friendships and connections formed at the BSN continue throughout their lives.” To him, a legacy is the memories that are left behind and it was clear that all the alumni shared this sentiment as they returned to the school building again after so many years.

They were able to see the effects of their legacy on the school, with some extra-curriculars they had put in place still continuing to this day or whole school events they had helped plan, are still incorporating their ideas.

We wish Mr. Heuff the best of luck during his time at the BSN and look forward to seeing the lasting impact he leaves on the school.

By Marlène Spicq