Education in Netherlands

Educational institutions in the Netherlands are either public or special (religious schools) which are subsidized by the government. Others are private schools which are owned by the private sector. The Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science is the one responsible for monitoring the country’s education system and setting the standards.

Compulsory education in Netherlands starts at the age of 5, though some schools accept students who are only 4 years of age. Students are expected to end schooling at the age of 18 where they should have completed primary, secondary and tertiary education.

Elementary school starts from age 5 to age 12 and each level is called a groep (group). In the 3rd groep, students are taught how to read, write and count. Upon reaching groep 7 or 8, students are taught the English language.

High school (Voortgezet Ondernijs) starts at the age of 12. Secondary schooling has 2 options: the VMBO (Preparatory Middle Level Applied Education) and the Selective Secondary Education, which is categorized into 2 different areas (HAVO and VWO). Students attend VMBO from ages 12 to 16. VMBO schools offer vocational training with subjects and courses in math, arts, languages, history and sciences. Though majority of the students in Netherlands attend VMBO, some opt for selective secondary education. HAVO (Higher General Continued Education) is attended from 12 to 17 years of age and grants access to HBO tertiary education, or those providing professional education. The VWO (Preparatory Scientific Education) is attended from 12 to 18 years of age and grants access to WO tertiary education, or those providing research education. From here on, students may opt to find a job or continue schooling.