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    Home / Knowledge base / Compulsory education

    Theme 8 · Education and upbringing

    Compulsory education

    Children aged 5 to 16 must attend school, and from 16 to 18 must work towards a qualification. What that means for parents.

    Draft · not yet reviewed by a teacher

    What is compulsory education?

    In the Netherlands children aged 5 to 16 must attend school. Most children already start primary school at four.

    From 16 to 18, young people must work towards a . They go to school until they have it, such as a havo, vwo or mbo level 2 diploma.

    Holidays and leave

    The school holidays are binding. Going on holiday outside the school holidays is only allowed with the school's permission. The municipality checks compulsory education.

    Sources

    Attainment targets

    • 8.1.3

    Checked on November 8, 2026