Dutch School System for Expat Families: Enrolment and Education Guide 2026

Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions in a family move, and the Dutch system uses terms that may be completely new to you. Primary school begins earlier than compulsory attendance, secondary education follows several pathways, and local admission rules can matter as much as the national framework.

This guide gives parents a clear map of the system and a practical enrolment plan. Individual schools and municipalities still make important decisions, so confirm availability and admission directly.

When Children Start School

Children may attend Dutch primary school, or basisschool, from age four. Compulsory attendance normally begins at age five. Parents can register a child for primary school from age three, but popular schools and cities may use earlier interest lists or local placement systems.

School attendance is compulsory through the relevant school-leaving age. If you are moving during the academic year, contact the municipality and schools immediately rather than waiting for the next standard admissions period.

Primary Education: Groups 1 to 8

Dutch primary school has eight groups. Groups 1 and 2 focus heavily on learning through play; formal reading and arithmetic become more prominent from group 3. Children usually complete group 8 around age twelve.

Near the end of primary school, the school gives a recommendation for secondary education. Teachers use the child’s development and attainment information; the group 8 attainment test contributes additional evidence but is not a simple pass-or-fail exam.

Secondary Education: VMBO, HAVO and VWO

• VMBO: usually four years, combining general and vocational preparation and leading toward MBO or, in some routes, further secondary study.
• HAVO: usually five years and commonly leads to a university of applied sciences, or HBO.
• VWO: usually six years and prepares students for research university, or WO.

Many secondary schools offer more than one pathway and may use mixed bridge classes in the early years. Movement between levels can be possible, so the initial advice influences the route without defining a child’s entire future.

Dutch, Bilingual or International School?

Dutch public-funded school

This offers strong local integration and is generally low-cost, though schools may request a voluntary parent contribution for activities. Teaching is mainly in Dutch.

Bilingual education

Some Dutch secondary schools teach a significant part of the curriculum in English while keeping students within the Dutch education system. Admission conditions and fees vary.

International school

International schools may follow IB, British, American, European, or other curricula. They can ease continuity for mobile families, but availability and fees differ sharply. Some subsidised international departments have eligibility rules.

Support for Children New to Dutch

Younger newcomers may receive extra Dutch support or attend bridging provision. At secondary level, international bridging classes are often called ISK classes. They focus on Dutch language and preparation for a suitable mainstream pathway.

Ask how the school assesses previous education, supports home languages, communicates with parents, and decides when a child moves into a regular class. Bring reports from the previous school, ideally with a clear translation or explanation of the grading system.

How to Choose a School

• Check travel time at the actual morning rush hour.
• Read the school guide and inspection information, but also visit and observe the atmosphere.
• Ask about waiting lists, priority areas, sibling rules, lotteries, and the exact admission timeline.
• Discuss language support, special educational needs, gifted education, and pastoral care relevant to your child.
• Understand the educational philosophy, homework expectations, device policy, parent communication, and after-school care.

Documents for Enrolment

Government guidance says schools normally ask for the child’s BSN and proof of identity. A birth certificate may also be used for primary registration, and a child transferring schools may need proof of deregistration from the previous school. If a child has no BSN yet, a secondary school can provide a temporary education number while registration is resolved.

Also prepare recent school reports, vaccination information if requested, custody documents where relevant, and evidence of address. The school will tell you which items are mandatory.

A Practical Enrolment Timeline

1. Identify the municipality’s admission system and your catchment or priority area.
2. Create a shortlist and contact every school about actual availability.
3. Visit open days or request an individual meeting when arriving mid-year.
4. Share prior records and discuss language or learning support before placement.
5. Submit the formal registration and keep written confirmation.
6. Arrange transport, lunch, after-school care, and the parent communication app before the first day.

If Your Preferred School Is Full

A preferred school may use a waiting list or refuse admission because it has no place. Ask for the decision and next steps in writing. Where a child needs extra support, schools have a duty of care and should work with parents to find a suitable placement if they cannot provide that support themselves.

The best school is the one where your child can belong, learn, and receive the support they actually need.

Official Sources and Further Reading

Government.nl: Registering with a primary school

Government.nl: Registering with a secondary school

Settle Your Family With WelkomNL

WelkomNL helps families keep school registration, municipality tasks, healthcare, childcare, and local services in one organised arrival plan. Use the app as your friendly checklist while schools handle placement decisions.