Family and education

Schools and education in the Amsterdam Area

The Netherlands has a strong, well-balanced education system. Day care is available for very young children, typically from zero to four years old. Some may begin preschool from the age of two, although this is optional. Children then attend primary school from the age of four, before transferring to secondary school after eight years. The choice of secondary school and type of education will affect the path children take into further and higher education, for example, to attend a university of applied science or research university.

There are international schools throughout the Netherlands, typically promoting an international curriculum taught completely in English. However, an increasing number of newcomers’ classes and international classes (bridge classes) help international arrivals to learn Dutch and settle into the local education system, while some schools are even moving towards bilingual education.

To learn more, download IN Amsterdam's guide to the Dutch education system, read more about the national education system on Eurodyce, and explore the topics below.