International Schools and the Education System in the Netherlands | InterNations GO

Primary and Secondary Schools

Primary schools in the Netherlands do not differentiate much between students. However, once you enter the secondary school realm, academic potential becomes very important.

Children need to choose between educational approaches that allow them to achieve different levels of education––the more theoretical schooling is, the higher level it is considered to be. And while each student chooses what is best for them, the highest educational level can be achieved in schools with an academic approach to learning.

Primary (Elementary) School

Primary education is eight years long and divided into eight levels (groups 1–8). In the Netherlands, it is mandatory for children to attend school from five years of age, but many children start at four. If you want your child to start school at five, they will be admitted into group 2.

In some schools, groups 1 and 2 are merged. These first two years of primary school are the closest thing to kindergarten in the Netherlands. The approach to schooling here is very similar to daycare centers where teaching is play-based. More substantial learning starts from group 3, where children start learning to read and write.

Primary School Curriculum

The core curriculum in Dutch primary schools consists of the following subjects:

• Dutch
• English (could start at group 1 or 7)
• arithmetic and mathematics
• social and environmental studies (e.g., geography, biology, history, science, road safety, healthy living, social and life skills, study of political, ideological and religious movements)
• creative expression (e.g., arts and crafts, painting, music)
• sports and movement

Schools may choose to include other subjects in the curriculum as well, such as other languages, but it is not mandatory.

Children usually are not given too much homework (under 30 minutes per day) so that they can join after-school activities.

At the end of primary school, students need to take an aptitude test that determines which type of secondary school they can attend. They usually get a recommendation to either opt for vocational training or general education.

Primary School Schedule

The school year in primary school is divided into six-week intervals of learning and one week’s break in between. Holiday breaks are longer, so for Christmas children get two weeks off while the summer break lasts six weeks.

Primary School Costs

Public primary school in the Netherlands is free. However, you can expect to make some optional contributions (e.g., for after class activities, school lunch, etc.) throughout the year. In total, that can get to around 100 EUR (110 USD) per year.

International Students at Primary Schools

Children that have lived in the Netherlands for less than a year and speak little to no Dutch can attend a newcomers’ class that will help them catch up with their peers. The class lasts one academic year.

Secondary (High) Schools

There are two types of secondary education in the Netherlands:

• vocational training (VMBO)
• general education (HAVO and VWO)

Depending on the student’s academic capabilities, they have to choose which type of education is the most suitable for them. Students that wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree need to get general education as it prepares students for university.

Types of Secondary Schools

Depending on which educational path a student opts for, they can attend one of three types of secondary schools:

• VMBO (four years) – provides pre-vocational education. Followed by vocational training at MBO.
• HAVO (five years) – called senior general secondary education. It prepares students to attend an applied sciences university (HBO).
• VWO (six years) – pre-university education that prepares children for a research university (WO).

Note that while these are the common pathways to education this does not mean they are the only ones. Each student is allowed to choose their own path; however, some transitions might require additional bridge years of studies when it comes to higher education.

Pre-Vocational Education at VMBO

• VMBO stands for voorbereidend middelbaar beroepsonderwijs and provides pre-vocational education that leads to professions, such as a nurse or mechanic.
• The schooling consists of four years of training (two in lower-level and two in upper-level years).
• Lower-level years offer a general education with a broad range of subjects.
• Upper-level years are for specializing in an occupation. The pupil can choose the study approach: more academic, more practical, combined, or basic studies, providing the minimum knowledge required for graduation.
• To graduate you need to take national exams in six subjects.
• Four types of diploma are available after graduation (VMBO-bb, VMBO-kb, VMBO-gl, or VMBO-T), depending on the study approach.

After obtaining their diploma, students need to attend MBO (middelbaar beroepsonderwijs, or vocational training school) to get the full vocational training. This usually takes about three years.

General Education at HAVO and VWO

If your child opts for general education, they have a choice between HAVO (hoger algemeen voortgezet onderwijs) and VWO (voorbereidend wetenschappelijk onderwijs) schools. The three lower-level years cover a broad range of subjects and are fairly similar in both educational institutions.

However, the upper-level years allow for more in-depth specialization according to the subject cluster. Typically, students receive a recommendation on which school to choose after the first two years of secondary education.

Possible Subject Clusters

• culture and society
• economics and society
• nature and health
• nature and technology

Main Differences Between HAVO and VWO

HAVO

• Pre-university education, usually followed by HBO type university
• Five years of training: three in lower-level and two in upper-level years
• Need to take exams in at least seven subjects to graduate
• More practical approach to learning

VWO

• Pre-university education, usually followed by WO type university
• Six years of training: three in lower-level and three in upper-level years
• Need to take exams in at least eight subjects to graduate
• More academic approach to learning

There are a few types of VWO schools (atheneum, gymnasium, and VWO plus) that differ in mandatory supplemental languages (Greek and Latin specifically). Technasium is available for students of both HAVO and VWO. There, the educational approach is based on research and design and focuses on developing a science-related skillset.

Secondary School Costs

Public schools in the Netherlands are free. However, some parental contributions might be necessary, whether it is for school trips or other activities.

International Students at Dutch Secondary Schools

Sometimes a student’s educational level does not equal their level of Dutch and this might hinder their success in school. That is why internationals that wish to bridge their language gap can attend a special international class that will help them learn Dutch. Their language level is determined upon enrollment and they can stay in this class for one or two years.