Education
On this page you will find information about education in the Netherlands. For example, about primary school, secondary school and about studying at MBO, HBO or university level. And about tuition fees and other costs.
Information
From crèche to university: how does the education system in the Netherlands work?
The Dutch education system can be complicated. Education is divided into different age groups. In this article, you can read about the journey from crèche to university.
State and independent education
Article 23 of the Dutch Constitution governs freedom of education in the Netherlands. People are free to establish their own schools, but these schools must comply with government regulations. As a result, there are state schools, which are neutral, and independent schools, which are based on a particular faith or philosophy of life.
Primary school
Children ages 4 through 12 attend primary school. The primary school has 8 groups. Children are required to attend school from the age of 5 but most children in the Netherlands attend primary school from the age of 4. On this page you can read all about primary school.
How does your child's school recommendation work in primary school?
In group 8 of primary school, your child will receive a final school recommendation. This recommendation states which level of secondary education is most suitable for your child. How does this work, and what can you do if you disagree with the recommendation?
Secondary school
After primary school, children attend secondary school. Secondary school consists of different levels and years. Children up to age 16, sometimes 18, are required to attend school. On this page you can read all about secondary school.
How special needs education works in the Netherlands
Special needs education is designed for pupils who require extra support that a mainstream school cannot always provide. In this article, you can read about how special needs education works and what support pupils receive there.
What is childcare?
In the Netherlands, many children attend childcare centres. There, your child can play, learn and develop. Childcare helps parents to better balance work, integration and care responsibilities. In this article, you can read about what childcare is, what benefits it offers and what it can mean for your child.
What types of childcare are available in the Netherlands?
If you and your partner both work, you may need childcare for your child. There are various types of childcare available in the Netherlands. In this article, you can find out what types of childcare are available, how much they cost, and from what age your child can attend.
Education for children from Ukraine who cannot speak Dutch yet
If you have fled from Ukraine and have children under 18 who do not speak Dutch yet, schools offer help so your child can learn Dutch and get a Dutch education.
Why does the relationship between parents and schools feel different in the Netherlands?
If you are new to the Netherlands, dealing with your child’s school may feel different from what you are used to. Schools and parents work together, but each has their own role to play. Read here to find out how this works in the Netherlands.