School world map

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How the Dutch Education System Works A Comprehensive Overview

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School calendar

School grades

Extracurricolar activities

Subjects and curriculum

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Index

How it works?

The strengths

Educational path

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.

HOW IT WORKS?

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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.

Schools set their own schedules and teaching methods.

Higth standards 04

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

Modern Infrastructure 02

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

Teacher support 05

Teachers provide personalized mentoring and extra help.

Personalized curriculum 03

Students can tailor their studies and explore interests.

Future-focused 06

Bilingual education in Dutch and English to enhance career prospects.

The strengths

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

Flexibility 01

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.

Asylum 01

primary SCHOOL 02

Secondary school 03

Educational Path

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.

•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.

university 04

master's programs 05

phd programs 06

Educational Path

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

•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.

Focus on research and are accesed trought competitive entry

School calendar

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).

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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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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