Education

In the Netherlands, full compulsory education applies to everyone over the age of five. From the first day of the month after his fifth birthday up to and including the age of 16, every child has to go to school. After this, for pupils up to the age of 23 it is partially compulsory. This means that the pupil must have a basic qualification (ie a HAVO or VWO diploma or a diploma of an MBO education at least at level 2) in order to be released of of compulsory education.

Education in the Netherlands is divided over schools for different age groups. Primary education is intended for children between the ages of four and twelve. Elementary matters such as arithmetic and language are taught in primary education. After primary education, secondary education follows.
Secondary education is subdivided according to different educational levels (general education, vocational education and university education). Secondary and vocational education is structured in such a way that students can move on relatively easily.

Schools in the Netherlands are either public or special from a philosophical, religious or educational background.
In addition, there is special education, which offers specialist and / or intensive guidance to pupils, for example because they have a disability, chronic illness or disorder.

In the Netherlands, pupils and their parents can choose a school that suits their views on education and / or philosophy. There are public, special and private schools. The first two are funded by the government, but may also request a parental contribution. Private schools are funded entirely by the parents of the students.