Thomas a Kempis College Zwolle

What Thomas a Kempis College Zwolle does

Thomas a Kempis College (TaK) is a private Dutch secondary school (brede scholengemeenschap) operating from a single campus at Schuurmanstraat 1, 8011 KC Zwolle, Netherlands. The school operates as part of the Landstede Groep educational consortium and serves secondary-school-age students from the Zwolle region across four educational tracks — vmbo-tl, havo, atheneum, and gymnasium — unified under the 'Expeditie TaK' pedagogical framework. From school year 2026-2027, TaK will additionally offer Agora-onderwijs, a self-directed alternative learning route in which students define their own curriculum through challenges, guided by coaches in mixed-age heterogeneous groups. The school differentiates through dakpanklassen (dual-level classes enabling fluid TL/Havo/Atheneum/Gymnasium transitions), Classes (passion-driven electives including Art, Science, Sports & Health, and sport-specific tracks), a dual-mentor system, specialised tracks for gifted learners (BegaafdheidsProfielSchool) and elite athletes (Topsport Talentschool via EVOT), and structured formative assessment (formatief handelen).

The school's technology stack is composed of off-the-shelf educational and productivity platforms rather than proprietary systems: Magister serves as the student information system and electronic learning environment, Microsoft 365 provides productivity software and OneDrive storage, Qompas delivers the longitudinal career orientation (LOB) programme with adaptive assignments and a maintained career dossier, Noordhoff provides digital learning materials, SURFspot offers educational-software access, and Blackthorn.io handles event registration for open days. The school's genuinely proprietary assets are pedagogical — dakpanklassen, Agora-onderwijs, the Expeditie TaK framework, formatief handelen, Keuzewerktijd, and Leerhuisuren — supported by operational partnerships with EVOT, CSE Zwolle, BegaafdheidsProfielScholen, Vereniging Agoraonderwijs, HC Zwolle, Squash & Padel Centrum Zwolle, Vivente, and the GGD.

The school's revenue model is built primarily on Dutch government per-pupil funding as a recognised secondary institution within Landstede Groep, supplemented by voluntary parental contributions (vrijwillige ouderbijdrage) graded by year level and educational track, which fund extracurricular activities such as excursions, exchanges, and introductory camps. Since August 2021, no student may be excluded from prescribed school activities for non-payment. Starting school year 2026-2027, learning materials (leermiddelen) will be procured through VanDijk. Distribution is direct: prospective students typically enter in year 1 via primary-school outreach and a March enrollment window through the leerlingaanmelden.nl portal, with year 2+ transfers handled by email.

Name

Thomas a Kempis College Zwolle

Legal name

Thomas a Kempis College

Website

https://thomasakempis.nl

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Thomas a Kempis College is a Dutch private secondary school in Zwolle, part of Landstede Groep, offering vmbo-tl, havo, atheneum, gymnasium, and from 2026-2027 Agora-onderwijs, serving students from the Zwolle region through the Expeditie TaK pedagogical framework.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Secondary Education

NAICS

All Other Schools and Instruction (61169)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Accelerated Learning & Grade Advancement Programs (EDAJAGAE)

akta.pro secondary industry

Gifted & Talented (G&T) / Advanced Learner Tutoring (EDANAKAC)

Keywords

• Secondary education
• Vmbo havo vwo
• Agora self-directed learning
• Topsport talentschool
• Gymnasium classical education

Headquarters

HQ city

Zwolle

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Others

Pricing tiers

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

Thomas a Kempis College is a Dutch secondary school (voortgezet onderwijs) in Zwolle offering multiple educational tracks: vmbo-tl, havo, atheneum, gymnasium, and Agora-onderwijs (self-directed learning launching 2026-2027). The school provides structured secondary education across six years with personal mentorship, dual-mentor system, choice-based elective Classes (Art, Science, Sports & Health, Sport Specific), dakpanklassen (dual-level classes), and specialized programs for gifted students and elite athletes.

Product overview

Thomas a Kempis College is a comprehensive secondary education institution (brede scholengemeenschap) in Zwolle, part of Landstede Groep. The school operates two main educational programs: TaK College (the standard structured route offering vmbo-tl, havo, atheneum, and gymnasium) and TaK Agora (an alternative self-directed learning route launching 2026-2027 based on personal challenges). TaK College features the 'Expeditie TaK' concept with dakpanklassen (mixed-level classes), personal mentorship, and Classes (elective courses including Art, Science, Sports & Health, and Sport Specifiek options). Additional support services include Leerhuisuren (structured study time), Keuzewerktijd (elective work time), Begeleiding (comprehensive student support), Topsport Talentschool (for athletes), DOC93 (specialized support), and Eureka-lessen (enrichment for primary students). The school uses Magister as its electronic learning environment and Microsoft 365 for productivity tools.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• TaK College Main educational program of Thomas a Kempis College following the 'Expeditie TaK' concept, offering structured secondary education across four levels (vmbo-tl, havo, atheneum, gymnasium) with personal mentorship and choice-based learning. Designed for secondary school students in the Zwolle region.
• Agora-onderwijs Alternative self-directed learning route within TaK starting 2026-2027, based on personal challenges, coaches instead of teachers, and the world as classroom. Students work on research questions from their own curiosity without a fixed curriculum. For autonomous learners with vmbo-tl/havo/vwo advice.
• Classes (Elective Subjects) Elective subject clusters in years 1-3 including Art, Science, Sports & Health, and sport-specific classes (Hockey, Voetbal, Racket, Turnen). Students choose annually and work on projects tailored to their interests and level. Part of the regular timetable schedule.
• Topsport Talentschool Recognition as a Topsport Talentschool (through EVOT) offering flexible schedules, alternative exam arrangements, and professional topsport guidance for students meeting NOC*NSF criteria. Collaboration with CSE (Centre for Sports & Education) in Zwolle.
• Begeleiding (Student Support and Mentorship) Comprehensive student support system including mentors (usually two per class), teachers, deans for career guidance, and an internal support team with zorgcoordinator for academic and social-emotional guidance. Includes expedition conversations and personal mentoring.
• Maatwerktraject for Hoogbegaafdheid (Gifted Program) Customized pathways for gifted students as part of the BegaafdheidsProfielSchool network, including project work aligned with personal interests, coaching, study skills support, and the option to follow subjects at higher levels.
• DOC93 Specialized Support Specialized support program for students needing additional care or guidance, handled through the internal support team with various experts including orthopedagogue and school coach. Includes DYVA-training (dyslexia training and support from identification through final exams).
• Havo P (Practical Route) Practical route within Havo available from year 4 starting 2026-2027, for curious explorers. Students complete assignments inside and outside school including at companies or HBO institutions, learning theory through practical application.

Quantifiable outcome

• Students can transition between educational levels without changing class groups through dakpanklassen
• +3 more outcomes

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration12 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Landstede GroepcoreOthersThomas a Kempis College is part of Landstede Groep, a multi-school educational organization in the Netherlands. Landstede Groep provides administrative, financial, and operational infrastructure, including a shared ondernemingsraad (enterprise council), privacy and data policies, school safety plans, complaint procedures, and collective insurance. The school operates under the Landstede Groep umbrella for HR, legal, ICT, and governance matters.
• Centre for Sports & Education (CSE) ZwollecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCSE (Centre for Sports & Education) is a specialized partner enabling the Topsport Talentschool programme at Thomas a Kempis College. Through CSE, elite athletes can combine training and competitions with secondary education. CSE provides expertise and infrastructure for sports-education integration, complementing TaK's flexible scheduling and exam accommodations.
• EVOT (Expertisecentrum Voortgezet Onderwijs & Topsport)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEVOT is the Expertisecentrum (Expertise Center) for Secondary Education & Top Sport, affiliated with Stichting EVOT and NOC*NSF. As a Topsport Talentschool, Thomas a Kempis College is registered with EVOT and follows NOC*NSF guidelines for elite athletes. EVOT provides the framework for flexible lesson times and exam arrangements for qualifying student athletes.
• BegaafdheidsProfielScholen (BPS) networkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThomas a Kempis College is an officially recognized BegaafdheidsProfielSchool (Gifted Profile School), part of the national BegaafdheidsProfielScholen network. This partnership provides the framework, methodologies, and recognition for offering specialized maatwerktrajecten to (hoog)begaafde students, including project work, coaching, and subject acceleration.
• HC Zwolle (Hockey Club Zwolle)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHC Zwolle provides its water turf field as the venue for the Hockey Class at Thomas a Kempis College. Training sessions for the Hockey Class take place at HC Zwolle facilities (08:15-09:30), with the partnership enabling sport-specific training as part of the school's sport-specific Classes programme.
• Squash & Padel Centrum ZwolleminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSquash & Padel Centrum Zwolle provides real courts for the Racket Class at Thomas a Kempis College. Students take lessons at the actual courts of this facility, enabling authentic racket sport instruction for the Racket Class within the school's sport-specific Classes programme.
• Vivente (primary school association)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVivente is a primary school association in the Zwolle region. Thomas a Kempis College collaborates with Vivente on Eureka-lessen — enrichment lessons for group 7 and 8 primary students (not requiring giftedness) developed in partnership with Carolus Clusius College and Meander College. This partnership supports the school's enrollment funnel from primary to secondary education.
• Vereniging AgoraonderwijscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThomas a Kempis College is affiliated with the Vereniging Agoraonderwijs (Agora Education Association), the national body for schools practicing Agora-style self-directed education. Agora students at TaK are monitored by the Open Universiteit, and the association conducts long-term research on Agora education outcomes. This partnership provides pedagogical legitimacy and quality assurance for the Agora-onderwijs route launching in 2026-2027.
• De Krachtcentrale and De VogellandenminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExternal partners De Krachtcentrale and De Vogellanden are referenced in the Sports & Health Class programme. Health assignments within this Class are conducted at these external facilities, in addition to on-school sessions. This partnership enables authentic health and fitness education beyond the school's own facilities.
• VanDijk (educational materials supplier)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVanDijk is the school's designated leermiddelenleverancier (educational materials supplier) starting from school year 2026-2027, replacing the previous supplier. Parents order books and materials through VanDijk's website (leerlingen.vandijk.nl), with an order deadline of the first week of the summer holiday.
• GGD (Municipal Health Service)minorOthersThe GGD (Gemeentelijke Gezondheidsdienst) is involved in the school's approach to student health and wellbeing. GGD professionals can be contacted in cases of persistent absenteeism or complex health situations. Additionally, the school monitors student nutrition and weight through the Jeugdgezondheidszorg and EMOVO research programme.

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Greijdanus College: Zwolle-area brede scholengemeenschap offering vmbo, havo, and vwo with a Christian-identiteit profile. Competes for the same regional student pool with a similar broad-track offering.
• Stedelijk Gymnasium Zwolle: Gymnasium in Zwolle offering a vwo-only classical curriculum including Latin and Greek. Competes with Thomas a Kempis College's gymnasium track for the top end of the Zwolle student market.
• Meander College: Zwolle-based secondary school also explicitly named as a collaborator on the Eureka-lessen program. Direct competitor for Zwolle group 8 enrollment with comparable vmbo/havo/vwo portfolio.
• Carolus Clusius College: Secondary school in Zwolle explicitly named alongside Thomas a Kempis College as a collaborator on the Eureka-lessen enrichment program. Competes for the same group 8 cohort in Zwolle and offers overlapping vmbo/havo/vwo tracks.
• Van der Capellen Scholengemeenschap: Secondary school in the Zwolle region offering multiple tracks. Competes directly for Zwolle-area group 8 students and shares the brede scholengemeenschap model.

Others

• Open Universiteit: Dutch open university that monitors outcomes of Agora-onderwijs students including at TaK starting 2026-2027. Adjacent ecosystem partner providing external quality assurance rather than a direct competitor.
• Qompas: Provider of the LOB career-orientation platform integrated into Thomas a Kempis College's curriculum. Ecosystem enabler rather than a competitor, but a comparable supplier-side peer for the Dutch secondary education technology stack.

Emerging players

• Agora Lelystad: Member of the Vereniging Agoraonderwijs network operating Agora-style self-directed learning. Comparable emerging alternative-learning model to TaK's upcoming Agora-onderwijs launch in 2026-2027.

Broad incumbents

• Landstede Groep (parent organization's other schools): The multi-school educational consortium under which Thomas a Kempis College operates. Sister schools within Landstede Groep share back-office infrastructure and could serve as either internal best-practice peers or future consolidation candidates.

Regional players

• CSG Liudger (Drachten): Brede scholengemeenschap in Friesland offering vmbo/havo/vwo with sport-class specializations and recognized Topsport Talentschool status. Comparable multi-track + sports positioning, serving a different Dutch region.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/watch?v=VmubCuMZ-AY&t=1s
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/thomasakempiscollegezwolle

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Thomas a Kempis College Zwolle