How does the Dutch school system work for expat children?

Russell Advocaten · 03 sep 2026

The Dutch school system offers expat children two main pathways: enrolment in a regular Dutch-language school or attendance at one of the many international schools operating across the Netherlands. The right choice depends on the child’s age, language background, the family’s length of stay, and long-term educational goals. The sections below address the most common questions expat families ask when navigating education in the Netherlands.

What types of schools are available for expat children in the Netherlands?

Expat children in the Netherlands can attend three broad categories of school: regular Dutch state schools, private Dutch schools, and international schools. Each follows a different curriculum and language of instruction, and each suits a different profile of expat family depending on how long they plan to stay and what educational continuity they need.

The main options are:

Dutch public schools (openbare scholen): Funded by the government, free to attend, and taught entirely in Dutch. These schools follow the Dutch national curriculum and are the most common choice for families planning a longer stay.
Dutch private schools (bijzondere scholen): Also government-funded but affiliated with a religious or pedagogical philosophy (such as Montessori or Waldorf). Instruction is in Dutch.
International schools: Teach in English or another foreign language and follow internationally recognised curricula such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or British, American, or German national programmes. These schools typically charge tuition fees, though employers may reimburse these costs under certain conditions.
International departments within Dutch schools: Some regular Dutch schools have a dedicated international stream, offering a foreign-language curriculum within a Dutch school environment.

Amsterdam in particular has a well-developed international school landscape, reflecting the city’s large expatriate population and its status as a hub for multinational companies and diplomatic missions.

How does the Dutch education system structure its age groups?

The Dutch education system is divided into three main stages: primary education (basisonderwijs), secondary education (voortgezet onderwijs), and higher education (hoger onderwijs). Compulsory schooling begins at age five, though most children start at age four, and continues until the age of sixteen.

The structure by age group is as follows:

Primary school (ages 4 to 12): Eight years of primary education, divided into groups 1 through 8. The final year includes a national assessment that helps determine secondary school placement.
Secondary school (ages 12 to 18): Three tracks are available depending on academic level: VMBO (pre-vocational, four years), HAVO (higher general, five years), and VWO (pre-university, six years). Placement is based on the primary school assessment and teacher recommendation.
Higher education (ages 18 and above): Universities of applied sciences (HBO) and research universities (WO). Entry requirements depend on the secondary school track completed.

International schools generally mirror this age structure but use their own curriculum frameworks. Children transferring from an international school to the Dutch system, or vice versa, may need additional assessment to determine the appropriate year group.

Are expat children required to attend school in the Netherlands?

Yes. Children living in the Netherlands are subject to Dutch compulsory education law (de Leerplichtwet) from the age of five until the age of sixteen, regardless of their nationality or the length of their parents’ stay. This obligation applies to all children registered as residents in the Netherlands, including expat children.

In practice, most children start school at age four, as places are available from that age even though the legal obligation begins at five. From the age of sixteen, a partial compulsory attendance requirement (kwalificatieplicht) continues until the young person has obtained a basic qualification or reaches the age of eighteen.

Parents who fail to enrol their child in school, or whose child has unexplained absences, may face contact from the local authority’s attendance officer (leerplichtambtenaar). The type of school, whether Dutch or international, does not affect this obligation, provided the school is officially recognised.

What is the difference between an international school and a Dutch school for expats?

The key distinction lies in the language of instruction, the curriculum followed, and the cost. An international school teaches in a foreign language and follows a non-Dutch curriculum, while a Dutch school teaches in Dutch and follows the Dutch national curriculum, even when it has programmes designed to support non-Dutch-speaking children.

Beyond language and curriculum, the practical differences are significant:

Tuition fees: International schools charge fees, which can be substantial. Dutch state schools are free, though parents may be asked for a voluntary parental contribution.
Employer reimbursement: Under Dutch tax rules, employers may reimburse international school fees tax-free as part of extraterritorial cost compensation, provided the school follows a foreign curriculum and is primarily intended for children of expatriate workers. This is relevant for families using the expat scheme (formerly the 30% ruling).
Continuity of education: International schools offer curriculum continuity for children who may relocate again, making them the preferred choice for families on shorter assignments. Dutch schools offer deeper integration into Dutch society and language, which benefits children staying for several years.
Community: International schools tend to have a more transient, multinational community. Dutch schools reflect the local neighbourhood and culture.

For families uncertain about their length of stay, the choice between these two options is worth considering carefully alongside other relocation decisions such as housing and employment arrangements.

How do expat children enrol in a Dutch or international school?

Enrolment in a Dutch school is arranged directly with the school, and the process varies by municipality. In Amsterdam, the municipality coordinates primary school placement through a centralised system. Parents register their child and indicate school preferences; placement is then allocated based on availability and priority criteria. For secondary school, placement follows from the primary school recommendation.

The general enrolment steps for a Dutch school are:

Register the child with the municipality (gemeente) and obtain a citizen service number (BSN).
Contact the local school or the municipality’s school placement system to register interest.
Submit required documents, which typically include proof of identity, proof of address, and any previous school records.
Attend an intake meeting, particularly if the child does not yet speak Dutch, to assess language support needs.

For international schools, the process is managed directly by the school. Most international schools in the Netherlands maintain their own waiting lists and admissions procedures. Early application is advisable, as places at well-regarded international schools in cities such as Amsterdam can be limited. Proof of the parent’s employment or expatriate status is often required to confirm eligibility.

What support is available for expat children who do not speak Dutch?

Dutch schools offer structured language support for children who arrive without Dutch language skills. The primary provision is the newcomer class (nieuwkomersklas or internationale schakelklas, ISK), which provides intensive Dutch language instruction before or alongside integration into mainstream classes. These programmes are available at both primary and secondary level.

The main forms of support include:

Newcomer classes (ISK): Dedicated classes for recently arrived children, typically lasting one to two years, focused on Dutch language acquisition and orientation to the Dutch school system.
In-class language support: Once a child joins a mainstream class, additional support from a language coach or specialist teacher may be provided, depending on the school and municipality.
Bilingual education programmes: Some Dutch schools offer bilingual streams (tweetalig onderwijs, TTO) at secondary level, teaching a portion of subjects in English alongside Dutch.

At international schools, language support is built into the curriculum, and children are typically assessed on arrival to determine what additional English-language instruction they may need.

The availability and quality of language support vary between schools and municipalities. Families are encouraged to ask schools directly about the specific provisions in place before making an enrolment decision. Given that educational choices often intersect with broader relocation and employment arrangements, it is worth seeking advice early in the process.

How Russell Advocaten Can Help Expat Families in the Netherlands

Relocating to the Netherlands involves far more than finding a school. Expat families frequently face a range of interconnected legal questions, from employment contracts and residence permits to housing arrangements and business set-up, all of which affect how smoothly the transition unfolds.

Russell Advocaten is an internationally oriented law firm based in Amsterdam with long-standing experience advising expats in the Netherlands on a broad range of legal matters. The firm’s lawyers communicate fluently in English, German, and Dutch, which is a practical advantage for international clients navigating an unfamiliar legal system. Russell Advocaten is also an official partner of IN Amsterdam, the expat centre of the City of Amsterdam.

The firm can assist expat families and their employers with:

Employment contracts and the legal aspects of international assignments
Residence and work permit questions, including the implications of the expat scheme
Setting up a business or branch in the Netherlands
Real estate and rental matters, including the diplomat clause in rental agreements
Family law questions arising from international relocation
Contract review and negotiations with Dutch counterparties

Whether you are an employer bringing skilled staff to the Netherlands or an individual navigating life as an expat in Amsterdam, Russell Advocaten offers the legal expertise and international perspective to support you. Contact Russell Advocaten to discuss your situation with one of the firm’s experienced lawyers.

This information is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice for your specific situation. Please consult a lawyer at Russell Advocaten for advice tailored to your circumstances.

Veelgestelde vragen

Can expat children switch from an international school to a Dutch school mid-way through the year?

Yes, mid-year transfers are possible, but they require careful planning. The child will need to be assessed for Dutch language proficiency, and the school may recommend starting in a newcomer class (ISK) rather than a mainstream class. It is best to contact the municipality’s school placement office as early as possible, as availability in suitable programmes can be limited, especially in larger cities like Amsterdam.

What happens to my child's school place if we have to leave the Netherlands sooner than expected?

If you leave the Netherlands, you simply notify the school and deregister your child. For international school families, it is worth reviewing the school’s withdrawal and refund policy before enrolment, as some schools require a term’s notice or charge fees for early departure. Children transferring to a school abroad will typically need to provide transcripts and records, which Dutch and international schools can both provide upon request.

Is the 30% ruling (expat scheme) still relevant for international school fee reimbursements?

The expat scheme was restructured in recent years, and since 2024 it operates as a partial income exemption rather than a flat 30% ruling. However, the separate provision allowing employers to reimburse international school fees tax-free as an extraterritorial cost still applies, independent of whether the employee benefits from the income exemption. Families should confirm the specifics with their employer’s HR or tax adviser, as eligibility conditions apply to both the school and the employee’s situation.

How far in advance should we apply to an international school in Amsterdam?

For well-regarded international schools in Amsterdam, applying 12 to 18 months before your intended start date is strongly advisable, as waiting lists at popular schools can be lengthy. If your move is more urgent, contact schools directly to ask about current availability and whether a waiting list position is still worth securing. Some schools also maintain sibling priority policies, so families with more than one child should factor this into their planning.

What should we do if our child has special educational needs (SEN)?

Both Dutch schools and international schools can support children with special educational needs, but the level and type of provision varies significantly between institutions. In the Dutch system, the ‘passend onderwijs’ framework requires schools to make reasonable adjustments and, where necessary, refer children to specialist support schools. For international schools, it is essential to ask specifically about their SEN policies, available specialists, and any additional fees before enrolling. Bringing documentation from your child’s previous school or a recent assessment report will help the new school put appropriate support in place more quickly.

Do expat children need to learn Dutch even if they attend an international school?

There is no legal requirement for children attending a recognised international school to learn Dutch. However, for children who plan to stay in the Netherlands for several years, even basic Dutch language skills can make a meaningful difference to their social integration and daily life outside of school. Some international schools offer optional Dutch language classes, and private language tutors are widely available for families who want to give their children a head start.

What is the best way to find out which schools are available in our specific neighbourhood or municipality?

The most reliable starting point is the website of your local municipality (gemeente), which typically lists registered schools by area and provides information on the centralised placement process where applicable. IN Amsterdam operates an expat centre that can also guide newly arrived families through school options in the Amsterdam region. For international schools, the European Council of International Schools (ECIS) directory and individual school websites are useful resources for comparing curricula, fees, and admissions requirements.

Gerelateerde artikelen

Deze inhoud is gegenereerd met behulp van AI en kan fouten bevatten.