In the Netherlands, children are required to attend school from the moment they turn 5 years old. In practice, most children are allowed to start on their 4th birthday, meaning primary school begins at age four for most families. For expats moving to the Netherlands, it is good to know that the school system here is structured differently than in many other countries. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about school, ages, and enrollment in the Netherlands.
How does the Dutch school system work for young children?
The Dutch school system for young children consists of two phases: toddler care or playgroup for children aged 2 to 4, and primary school for children aged 4 to 12. Primary school has eight year groups, with year groups 1 and 2 comparable to kindergarten. Formal learning of reading, writing, and arithmetic only begins from year group 3.
Year groups 1 and 2 are play-based. Children learn through play, creative activities, and structure. This makes the transition from home or toddler care to school relatively smooth. From year group 3, typically at age six, the focus shifts to language and mathematics. Primary school lasts eight years in total, after which children move on to secondary education.
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From what age is school compulsory in the Netherlands?
In the Netherlands, school is compulsory from the day a child turns 5 years old. This is laid down in the Compulsory Education Act. From that moment, parents are legally required to enroll their child at a recognized school. Compulsory education applies in principle until the child is 16 years old, or until they have obtained a basic qualification.
Although compulsory education only begins at age 5, in practice most parents choose to send their child to school at age 4. Primary schools allow this, and most children start on their 4th birthday. This means that children in the Netherlands typically begin a year earlier than is strictly required.
Can children attend school before their 4th birthday?
No, children in the Netherlands may not attend primary school until their 4th birthday. Before that age, children are welcome at a playgroup or daycare center, but this falls outside formal education. A child who turns 4 on October 15 may therefore only attend year group 1 for the first time on that date.
This can sometimes be surprising for expats, especially those accustomed to a system where children enter school on a fixed date each year. In the Netherlands, children enter throughout the school year, on their own birthday. Schools are well set up for this and continuously welcome new pupils.
What is the difference between a playgroup and primary school?
A playgroup is a facility for children aged approximately 2 to 4 and does not fall under formal education. Participation is voluntary and focused on social development and play. Primary school begins at age 4 and is a recognized educational institution supervised by the Education Inspectorate.
The biggest difference lies in the structure and purpose. At a playgroup, everything revolves around play and social interaction in a small group, often a few mornings per week. Primary school offers a full daily program with fixed hours, a qualified teacher, and a curriculum set by the government. Parents pay for the playgroup themselves, while primary school in the Netherlands is free, apart from a voluntary parental contribution.
How do you enroll your child in a Dutch school as an expat?
As an expat, you enroll your child in a Dutch primary school by contacting the school of your choice and completing an enrollment form. You will need a valid identity document for your child, proof of address, and in most cases your child’s BSN number. Schools sometimes have a waiting list, so start early.
Below are the steps you go through as an expat during enrollment:
- Find a school in your area via the municipality’s website or scholenopdekaart.nl
- Contact the school to inquire about availability and to schedule a tour
- Apply for a BSN number for yourself and your child at the municipality after registering with the municipality
- Complete the enrollment form and submit the required documents
- Confirm the start date, which usually coincides with your child’s birthday
Please note that popular schools in Amsterdam and Amstelveen sometimes have long waiting lists. Enroll your child as early as possible, even if the move to the Netherlands is not yet finalized.
What are international schools and when are they a better choice?
International schools are schools that provide education in a language other than Dutch, often English, and follow an international curriculum such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or the British or American system. They are a good choice for expats who are only temporarily in the Netherlands or who plan to move to another country afterwards.
An international school is particularly useful when:
- Your child is already accustomed to a specific educational system that you wish to continue
- Your stay in the Netherlands is expected to be shorter than two to three years
- Your child does not speak Dutch and the language barrier at a regular school is too great
- Your family moves between countries regularly and continuity in the curriculum is important
International schools in and around Amsterdam include the British School of Amsterdam, the Amsterdam International Community School, and the International School of Amsterdam. These schools typically charge considerably higher tuition fees than regular education. Some employers cover these costs as part of an expat package, so check with your employer before making a decision.
How we help you settle your family in the Netherlands
Moving to the Netherlands with children requires thorough preparation. In addition to arranging housing, you also need to think about municipal registration, applying for a BSN number, and finding the right school. These are many steps at once, especially when you have to arrange everything from abroad. We are happy to take this process off your hands. As part of our expat housing services, we help you find a suitable home near good schools, and guide you through municipal registration and the BSN application so your child can get started as quickly as possible.
Urban Homies connects you with a personal homie who guides you from your first question to the moment your family is fully settled. Whether you are looking for an international school or a regular primary school in Amsterdam, Amstelveen, or another region, we actively think along with you. Get in touch and tell us what you need, and we will take care of the rest.
Need a local Homie?
Share your plans with us and discover how we can help with your home, move or relocation in the Netherlands.
