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How the Dutch Education System Works A Comprehensive Overview

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Index

subject

How it works?

The strengths

School calendar

Educational path

Extracurricolar activities

Subjects and curriculum

School grades

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HOW IT WORKS?

The Dutch school system is internationally recognized for its strengths, with decentralized management of 3,600 institutions and 95% school attendance. It emphasizes teamwork, student empowerment, and fosters critical thinking and creativity, preparing students for the working world. Another key factor is that school hours are aligned with parents’ work schedules, often supporting part-time work.

Netherlands

Understanding the Dutch school system is essential for studying there. From grades to holidays, it prepares you for the experience. Dutch culture is more than just windmills and bikes, and studying abroad offers a unique way to immerse yourself. The Netherlands provides modern campuses close to home, making it easier to stay connected with friends.

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The strengths

The Dutch education system differs from the Italian one in several ways. Here are the main features

Modern Infrastructure 02

Personalized curriculum 03

Flexibility 01

Schools set their own schedules and teaching methods.

New, well-equipped schools with free supplies in primary education.

Students can tailor their studies and explore interests.

Higth standards 04

Teacher support 05

Future-focused 06

One of the world’s best systems, with excellence programs for talented students.

Teachers provide personalized mentoring and extra help.

Bilingual education in Dutch and English to enhance career prospects.

Educational Path

In the Netherlands, compulsory education starts at the age of 5 with primary school and ends at 16, although many children are enrolled at 4 and attend an introductory year.

Secondary school 03

primary SCHOOL 02

Asylum 01

•VMBO (12-16 years): vocational, focused on practical skills. • HAVO (12-17 years): general education, preparing for higher professional education. • VWO (12-18 years): pre-university, with a theoretical focus, offering options for Latin and Greek.

In the Netherlands, child daycare is private and for children aged 3 months to 4 years. The government offers partial reimbursement based on family income if both parents work.

(Basisschool) serves children aged 4-12, divided into “Groep” levels. After 8th grade, a test (Cito) and teacher recommendations guide students toward secondary education.

Educational Path

phd programs 06

master's programs 05

university 04

•MBO: Vocational, 1-4 years. •HBO: Professional training, similar to U.S. colleges. •WO: research universities, leading to bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees.

Last 1-2 years, requiring a thesis or research proposal for admission

Focus on research and are accesed trought competitive entry

School calendar

School in the Netherlands starts in September and ends by mid-July. Summer holidays last six weeks, with breaks every six weeks. There are autumn, winter, and spring breaks, plus a break from late April to early May.

In the Netherlands, school hours are from 8:30 AM to 3:00–4:00 PM, with two breaks. Secondary school schedules vary, and some classes may end at 5:00 PM. Schools are closed on Saturdays.

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The school year is divided into two semesters, with exams after winter and before summer holidays at universities. National holidays include King’s Day (April 27) and Liberation Day (May 5).

Subjects and curriculum

In the Dutch school system, high school students take about 10 subjects, with mandatory courses like English and math. In HAVO and VWO, they choose a specialized “profile” by the third year, with options like Culture and Society, Economics and Society, or Science and Technology. Elective foreign languages are also available.

extracurricular activities

Dutch schools generally don’t offer extracurricular activities, as classes take up most of the day. However, students can take private courses outside school. At the end of high school, a formal dance is held to celebrate graduation.

School grades

In the Netherlands, secondary schools use grades from 1 to 10, with 6 as the passing mark. Primary schools provide descriptive evaluations, and a Cito test is given in the final year. Students primarily complete written assignments and projects with oral presentations. Failing a year is uncommon. At universities, not meeting credit requirements means students must change institutions. Only VWO students take a final exam for university admission; HAVO and VMBO students are assessed based on their coursework.

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