Primary and secondary education in the Netherlands (onderwijs) is characterised by a belief in free education. This means that most forms of education are government-funded, and different pedagogical philosophies are encouraged.
The system is also defined by division, with the aim of tailoring the education to the needs of the student, whether it’s the type of the school they attend, or the specific stream the student enters in high school.
The Dutch education system explained
In the Netherlands, education is compulsory for children from the age of five to 16. However, most children begin their education at age four, after attending early childhood education. They remain in primary education until they reach the age of 12. Dutch elementary or primary school has eight grades, known as groepen. These range from Groep 1 (4-year-olds) to Groep 8 (12-year-olds).
The structure of the Dutch secondary education can seem confusing because at the age of 12 students are separated into different so-called "streams" that offer different courses of study:
- The first stream prepares students for vocational training (VMBO)
- The second stream prepares students to go to a university of applied science (HAVO)
- The third stream prepares students for going to university (VWO)
For more information about how primary and seondary education works in the Netherlands, take a look at our guide to the structure of Dutch school system.
School types in the Netherlands
Since the Freedom of Education Act, signed by the government in 1917, educators in the Netherlands have been given a lot of freedom to set their own curriculum and even start their own schools. This encourages performance and innovation while still following a set of core objectives laid out by the Dutch government. The Netherlands consequently boasts a broad spectrum of flourishing educational approaches.
- Regular (openbaar) public schools run by the government
- Special (bijzondere) schools that are independently operated and based on a specific religion or educational philosophy
All schools, whether regular or special, receive government funding.
Public schools (openbaar)
Public, or regular, schools have no religious or philosophical affiliation and are run by the government. Since 1996, municipalities have permitted a transition to independent governance, meaning that an increasing number of public schools have become independent. Many public schools incorporate elements of the Dalton educational approach.
Special schools (bijzondere)
About two-thirds of children in the Netherlands attend special schools. Here is a selection of the most common types:
Religious schools
Religious schools in the Netherlands are founded on a specific faith group, such as Protestant, Catholic, Ecumenical, Islamic or Jewish. Many of these schools are moderate in their religious perspectives, accepting children with a different religion or no religion at all.
Montessori schools
Based on the philosophy of Italian educator Maria Montessori, this educational approach revolves around the principle "help me to do it myself". The Montessori method supports children’s sense of curiosity and initiative, and encourages the development of their natural abilities, particularly through practical play. Montessori schools help students to develop at their own pace, learning via activities that involve exploration, manipulation, repetition, order, abstraction and communication.
De vrijeschool (Steiner)
Founded by Austrian social reformer Rudolf Steiner, and known in other countries as Steiner or Waldorf education, the vrijeschool (free school) is a holistic educational approach that supports personal development on an intellectual, practical, artistic and social level. The vrijeschool emphasises creativity and imagination, and caters to the individual development of each child, helping them to grow and learn at their own pace.
Dalton (Daltonschool)
The Dalton Plan, developed by American teacher Helen Parkhurst, is an educational concept based on the principles of freedom and responsibility. The Dalton approach, which was influenced by Montessori, gives students the independence to work in a self-directed way at their own pace, while being responsible for the outcome. It also encourages students to teach and learn from each other.
Jenaplan
Jenaplan education is based on the ideas of German pedagogue Peter Petersen and is defined by features such as cooperation, independent learning by doing and shared responsibility. Basic activities are often divided into four fields: working/teaching, discussions, playing and celebrating.
International schools in the Netherlands
International schools in the Netherlands offer students an English-language education (either wholly or in part), tailored to the children of expat families who may spend their educational years across different countries.
They provide students with a tolerant and international outlook, equipping them with the skills and confidence to transition to schools in other countries. Internationally-recognised school certifications, such as the IGCSE and IB diplomas for secondary school graduates, are also offered, enabling students to apply to universities all over the world.
Here are some of the most well-known international schools for expatriates in the Netherlands.
School fees & educational costs in the Netherlands
Education in the Netherlands is government-funded and therefore mostly free. However, some schools may ask for a voluntary contribution to cover extracurricular activities, while private schools charge fees. More can be found on the school fees page.
Dutch school holidays
The Netherlands is divided into three school vacation regions, where dates are staggered to avoid a holiday rush. Some holiday periods are compulsory and set by the government, while others are more flexible, with schools being able to set their own dates. Find out more about school holidays in the Netherlands.
Homeschooling in the Netherlands
All children aged between five and 16 in the Netherlands are required to go to school. It is therefore not possible to "homeschool" your child, except in certain exceptional circumstances. Your child might be exempted from compulsory school attendance (vrijstelling van leerplicht) in the following circumstances:
- Your five-year-old child is struggling to cope with a full school week.
- Your child is seriously ill, or struggling with school due to autism or depression, for example.
- You object to the philosophy or religion taught in your local school.
- Your child is registered in the Netherlands but attends school abroad.
- You have a travelling profession that requires you to move around.