Children's Education

Learn about the education system in the Netherlands: local public and private schools, international curriculum options, and the calendar of school holidays.

Cito toets: a guide to the Dutch primary school exams

Final year Dutch primary school pupils may have to sit the Dutch Cito exam in February. But what is the Cito exam and how does it affect a child’s academic future?

Group of students using modelling clay in an art class at school. A teacher is helping them through the process.

Secondary schools in the Netherlands

We explain the complex secondary school system in the Netherlands, including the three public streams and various international options.

The education system in the Netherlands

This guide to education in the Netherlands explains each segment of the Dutch school system to help you enrol your child into Dutch education.

Childcare in the Netherlands

Raising a child the Dutch way? It’s never too early to consider your childcare options in the Netherlands, as this article explains.

Group of students paying attention to their teacher answering questions

Primary schools in the Netherlands

Confused by the primary school system in the Netherlands? We explain how it works, from educational approaches to international options.

Student has her hand raised in class with the teacher ready to answer her question.

International schools in the Netherlands

Expat parents in search of quality education for their kids have many options of international schools in the Netherlands, from British to IB programs.

Preschool and daycare in the Netherlands

If you’re living in the Netherlands, learn more about the options available for childcare and preschool (peuterspeelzaal) in the Netherlands.

Dutch daycare: Preparing expat kids for school

For expat parents in the Netherlands, sending your children to a Dutch daycare can be a great solution to prepare them for better integration, especially when it comes to learning Dutch before the school years.

Child benefits in the Netherlands

You can claim different types of child benefits in the Netherlands, to help with the costs of child-rearing, schooling, and childcare.

School holidays in the Netherlands in 2025–2026

Need to know when your child is off school? Here are the 2024 and 2025 dates for Dutch school holidays to help you out.