Primary Education
PO | Basisschool / Primair onderwijs
Primary education
Primary education lasts 8 years, starting at age 4 in Group 1 and finishing in Group 8. Children may start in group one the 1 the day after they turn 4 (because schools still allow children to celebrate their birthday at preschool). The first day of school will be planned in consultation with the school. At the age of 5, according to Dutch law, children are obliged to attend school ("leerplicht").
Most children go to school close to home. They do this not only from practical considerations, but also from vision. So that children also can meet informally after school and build friendships.
In many schools, there is a special class known as "kleuterklas" (kindergarten), where children from Group 1 and Group 2 are brought together. Here, the focus is on imaginative themes, playful learning, social interaction, expanding vocabulary, developing fine and gross motor skills, expressing oneself, and gradually introducing the fundamentals of reading and writing. The more formal academic curriculum begins in Group 3, around the age of six.
The subjects include Dutch, Mathematics, World orientation (geography, history, and natural sciences), Physical education, Arts (drawing, painting, music, drama, etc.), and citizenship.
School usually runs from 8:30 to 15:00 with a break. During the mid-day break, children bring their own lunch. It's common for schools to have Wednesday afternoons off. This may differ per school. So to be sure it's wise to check this with the school of your choice. Traditionally, Dutch primary schools don't give a lot of homework to young kids. They focus more on in-class activities, group projects, and creating a positive learning environment. However, this can vary between schools and teachers.
In Group 8, students take a test (in Dutch: doorstroom toets) where they test Dutch language, comprehension, grammar, vocab, spelling, mathematics and word orientation. Based on this test and teacher recommendations, they get advice on which level of secondary education to choose. Children who are less than 4 years in the Netherlands do not have to make this test.
NKO Primary education
In principle, you enroll your child at a school of your choice, preferably close to your home. Children in the Netherlands start school at the age of 4. You should register your child when they are 3 years old. The enrollment process usually involves filling out the school’s own registration form. It is recommended to first schedule an introductory meeting before enrolling your child.
If your child is 4 years old and does not yet speak Dutch, you can still enroll them at a regular Dutch primary school. Your child will then learn Dutch through play-based learning.
If your child is 6 years or older and does not speak Dutch (or not well), you may still enroll them at a school of your choice in your neighborhood. However, your child will need additional support, especially in learning the Dutch language. Based on your child’s age, Dutch proficiency, and the facilities available at the chosen school, one of the following three options will be selected:
1. Newcomer Schools
These schools are specifically designed for children who are new to the Netherlands and need to learn Dutch first. The goal is for students to transition to regular education after a period of time.
Examples in the region:
-
De Wereldwijzer – for Eindhoven and surrounding areas
-
KC Mozaïek – for Helmond and surrounding areas
-
De Opstap – for Maarheeze and surrounding areas
2. Regular Schools with Language Support or Transition Classes
These are regular Dutch primary or secondary schools that offer additional language instruction, such as NT2 (Dutch as a second language) lessons or special language support classes, to help newcomers learn Dutch.
3. Regular Schools without Separate Language Classes but with Individual Support
These schools do not offer separate language classes but are able to provide sufficient individual guidance to help newcomers integrate successfully into regular education.
Primary Education application process
Once you have decided on a primary school that suits your preferences and that you think suits your child's needs, it is advisable to contact the school and inquire about the application process.
What you need to know if you want to enroll your child in primary school:
- Contact the school of your choice and inquire about the application process. In some municipalities, the schools have made agreements on the distribution of children among the schools. Sometimes, your child must attend school in their neighborhood (depending on the postal code). Sometimes, there is a draw or provision for siblings to attend the same school.
- Register your child for a primary school after they turn 3 or at least 10 weeks before they turn 4.
- You may not register your child before the age of 3.
- Remember that a primary school may not have space or may have a waiting list. Therefore, it is advisable to inquire with your preferred school whether they have availability or a waiting list.
- When registering, you must provide your child's citizen service number (BSN). Bring your child's birth certificate or proof of identity for this. If your child does not yet have a BSN, bring proof of deregistration from the municipality.
Costs primary education
As a parent, you do not pay tuition fees for your child's primary school. However, the school may ask for a voluntary parental contribution for extra activities.
Voluntary parental contribution
The voluntary parental contribution is always optional and may vary from school to school. The contribution is used for extra facilities and activities outside the regular curriculum, such as school trips, parties, cultural excursions, or additional teaching materials. The school guide states what the parental contribution is for.
School supplies
The supplies that a primary school pupil needs to buy can vary depending on the school and grade. They may include a school bag, lunch box, water bottle, gym equipment, pens, and pencils. The school communicates these supplies at the beginning of the school year.
Laptop or tablet
Most primary schools have their own laptops or tablets that are used by children during school hours; these are owned by the school. In some cases, schools provide laptops to students, for which they may ask parents for a voluntary contribution. This varies from school to school. For more information on this topic, check the school guide.
Costs for lunchtime school care (TSO)
Your child can stay over at lunchtime at the primary school. Every school must organize this lunchtime school care (TSO) if parents request it. You pay a contribution for this. However, most of the schools have a continuing programma with an half hour break in the middel. In this case there's no TSO-fee.
Costs for out-of-school care (BSO)
Out-of-school care (BSO) is care before and after school, on days off, and during school holidays. As a parent, you pay for the cost of the BSO. However, you may be able to get some of the cost back through the childcare benefit.
