Primary school

Primary school is for children aged 4 to 12. Your child may start in the kindergarten class (group 1 and 2) at primary school when they are 4 years of age, but they do not have to. Most children start primary school as soon as they turn 5. From that age it is compulsory for your child to attend primary school. This applies to all children in the Netherlands. Primary school education is free.

It is important that your child already understands and speaks the Dutch language well enough Before your child can join the kindergarten class of primary school, they can also attend the toddler playgroup. This is for children aged 2.5 to 4. Your child does not have to attend this. But it can help your child. For example, if they hear and speak little or no Dutch at home.

In the toddler playgroup, your child will learn to interact with other children and play together. They learn to recognise new words and numbers as well as colours and shapes. Going to school earlier helps your child understand the Dutch language better. And speak it better. Your child can then start primary school in group 3 without (language) difficulties. All primary schools have a kindergarten class: group 1 or 2.

Primary school is free. Toddler playgroup is not. What you have to pay depends on your income. Often the tax or the municipality helps pay.

Primary school is divided into 8 school years, also called groups. When a child is 4 years old, they start in group 1. Groups 1 and 2 are also called kindergarten. Starting in group 3, children learn to read, write and do maths. In group 8, students take a final test, called the 'doorstroomtoets' (transition test). The result of the test, together with the teacher's advice, gives an estimate of the child's level for secondary school.

Important lessons taught in primary school include reading and writing Dutch, maths, geography, history, nature and technology, drawing, crafts and physical education. For each subject, the child receives a grade. The grades appear on the report card. In most primary schools, children receive a report card 3 times a year.

Parents are asked to be involved in their children's education. As a parent, you have regular contact with the teachers. For example, you attend parent evenings. These are meetings with the teacher and parents to discuss how the child is doing at school.

Children attend school 5 days a week, Monday to Friday. School hours may vary by school, but usually begin in the morning and end in the afternoon. There are several holidays during the school year, such as the summer holidays, Christmas holidays and spring holidays.

Children do not have to attend school during school holidays, if they are sick or if they are given time off for special occasions such as a wedding, funeral, a day of commemoration or a memorial day. You should always notify the school if your child is sick or ask the school if your child wants a special day off.