Secondary education

In the Netherlands, when children finish primary school they start secondary school. This is called secondary education. 

What is secondary education? 

Secondary education comes after primary school. At secondary school, children learn more subjects, such as English, maths and physics. Once they have finished secondary school they can start working or continue studying.

Three levels of secondary education 

In the Netherlands, secondary education usually starts when a child is 12 years old. Every child receives a recommendation from their primary school regarding the level of secondary education that would suit them best. There are three main levels of secondary education in the Netherlands: VMBO, HAVO and VWO. Some children spend their first year of secondary school in a mixed class to see which level would suit them best. 

• VMBO is a form of practice-oriented education in the Netherlands in which children learn a trade. After finishing VMBO, many children move on to MBO (senior secondary vocational education). VMBO takes four years. 
• HAVO is a form of secondary education in the Netherlands that is at a higher level than VMBO. Pupils study more subjects and get lessons on theoretical concepts. After finishing HAVO, they can move on to HBO (higher professional education). HAVO takes five years.  
• VWO is the highest level of secondary education in the Netherlands. Pupils have lots of lessons on theoretical concepts and can go to university when they have finished school. VWO takes six years.  

Compulsory attendance up to age 16 

In the Netherlands, every child under the age of 16 must go to school. This is called compulsory attendance. After that, the 'obligation to obtain a basic qualification' applies up to the age of 18. This means children must go to school until they get a diploma. If your child is frequently absent from school without a valid reason, you and your child can be fined. Other measures are also possible.