State and independent education

In the 19th century, many religious people wanted to set up their own schools. Initially, they had to fund these schools themselves. This led to much debate. Liberals, in particular, were opposed to government funding for special schools, such as Catholic and Protestant Christian schools.

In 1917, after years of debate, a

Since the 1960s, religion has played a less prominent role in Dutch society, but the distinction between state and independent schools still exists.

In the Netherlands, anyone is free to set up a school (although you must hold a teaching qualification to teach). If enough parents want a special-needs school, the government must fund it provided the conditions laid down by law are met. As a result, many different types of special-needs schools have sprung up in the Netherlands. This is known as ‘freedom of education’.

The government does, however, monitor whether schools are providing a good standard of education. The law also sets out the rules that schools must follow.

The Netherlands has two types of education:

• State education is for everyone, regardless of faith or beliefs. The government is responsible for these schools.

• Independent education is based on a religious or philosophical belief: Catholic, Protestant, Reformed, Islamic or Hindu education. Or schools with their own

  educational philosophy
  , such as Montessori, Dalton and Waldorf. These schools fall under the category of general independent education.

Around 30% of primary schools are state-run. Around 60% are religious independent schools. The remaining 10% are general independent schools.

All schools are funded by the government. All schools must meet the same quality standards.

The government must ensure that there is sufficient provision of state education. In every municipality, children must be able to attend a state primary school.

If that is not possible, the government must arrange an alternative solution. For example, by providing transport to a state school in another town. Or by arranging state education within an independent school.

Independent schools are permitted to teach in accordance with their own religious beliefs or educational philosophy. For example, they are free to choose which textbooks to use and which teachers to appoint. However, independent schools must meet the same quality standards as state schools. These standards are laid down by law. For example, a school must not discriminate or exclude anyone (Article 1 of the Dutch Constitution).

The distinction between state and independent education also applies to

The Netherlands also has some independent universities, such as the Catholic Radboud University (Nijmegen) and the Protestant Vrije Universiteit (Amsterdam).

What is unique to the Netherlands is that the government funds both state and independent schools. In many other countries, the government only funds state schools.

In the Netherlands, state and independent schools receive the same amount of government funding. Parents are responsible for covering any additional costs associated with the school’s identity, such as parties, special teaching materials or adapted facilities. This is often done through a voluntary parental contribution.

The government checks whether schools are providing a good education. This is carried out by the . The Inspectorate checks whether schools meet the quality standards laid down by law. This applies to both state and independent schools.

The inspectorate must not interfere with matters of faith or belief. For example, an independent school is entitled to teach in accordance with its own religious principles.

Every year, the government submits a report to the Senate and the House of Representatives on the quality of education in the Netherlands.

You choose between state and independent schools based on what you consider important for your child.

If you choose state education, you are choosing a

If you opt for independent education, you are choosing a school that operates on the basis of a religious or philosophical belief, or a specific educational approach, such as Montessori or Dalton. People often choose this option if they want the school to align with their own standards, values or beliefs.

In principle, independent education is accessible to everyone. However, some independent schools may impose requirements that are consistent with their identity. For example, a school may ask parents to respect the school’s religious or philosophical principles. However, a school must not discriminate on the grounds of gender, sexual orientation or religion.

Schools are not allowed to refuse pupils simply on the basis of their religion, but in some situations the school’s identity may play a role in the admissions process.

Would you like to find a good school in your area? . There you can compare schools in your area based on factors such as quality, results and atmosphere. Would you like to view official information about a school? There you can read how the Education Inspectorate assesses a school.

Why not attend open days and pick up a school prospectus? This will give you a better idea of what the school is like and help you decide whether it’s the right fit for you and your child.