Education

In the Netherlands, children can start school at the age of 4. The Netherlands has its own school system. You can read more about Dutch education on this page.  

Starting school

In the Netherlands, children start going to primary school from the age of 4. School is compulsory from the age of 5. Most children stay in primary school until they are 12 years old. They then start secondary school. 

Primary school

Primary school lasts for eight years. At primary school, children learn basic language, arithmetic and writing, as well as subjects such as world orientation. Many children take a final test in year 8. Then, based on their test results and their teacher's recommendation, they choose a school for their secondary education (a secondary school). 

Secondary school 

Once they have finished primary school, children go to secondary school. This is also called secondary education. There are three levels: 

• VMBO: This takes four years. It is education with a practical focus, and children also learn a trade. After finishing VMBO, many children move on to MBO (senior secondary vocational education). 
• HAVO: This takes five years. Children study a broader range of subjects. After finishing HAVO, they can move on to HBO (higher professional education). 
• VWO: This takes six years. Children get a theory-based education and can then go on to university. 

The level of secondary education chosen for a child depends on the child’s talents and the primary school’s recommendation regarding secondary school. 

Private education in the Netherlands 

In the Netherlands, most children attend ordinary schools. These schools are paid for by the government. Parents do not have to pay money for lessons. Besides these schools, there are also private schools. These are schools that parents pay to educate their children. This is also called private education. 

MBO, HBO and university 

After secondary school, many young people continue studying. This can be done at different levels. 

• MBO: This is ‘senior secondary vocational education’. Students learn a trade so they can work as a chef, carpenter or hairdresser, for example. Study programmes usually take two to four years. 
• HBO: This is ‘higher professional education’. Students learn about a specific profession, such as nursing, teaching or management. Study programmes usually take four years. 
• University: Students study at an academic level. They attend lectures, analyse information and do independent research. A bachelor's degree takes three years and can be followed by a master's degree, which takes one or two years.  

Lifelong learning 

In the Netherlands, learning is not just for children. Adults can also follow study programmes and take training courses, for example if they want to find work or change career. 

Everyone is welcome 

All children are allowed to go to school, even if they have just arrived in the Netherlands. There are special classes for children who do not speak Dutch yet. Children follow these classes so they can join a normal class later on.