The Dutch system is well-regarded and, for state schools, essentially free. The big early decisions are Dutch-immersion vs international, and how you'll handle (expensive-looking, but heavily subsidised) childcare.
When school starts
- Children may start basisschool (primary) at age 4, and it becomes compulsory from age 5.
- Basisschool runs ages 4–12 (groep 1–8).
- From about age 12, children move to secondary school (voortgezet onderwijs), streamed into vmbo / havo / vwo based on a recommendation and a test.
Dutch vs international schools
- Dutch state schools are free (a small voluntary parental contribution) and fully immersive, young children pick up Dutch remarkably fast, which also helps the whole family integrate.
- International / bilingual schools teach in English or IB. Subsidised Dutch international schools (DIS) are more affordable than fully private ones, but places are limited and waitlists real, apply early.
- If you're staying long-term, many families lean Dutch-school for younger kids; for teens arriving mid-schooling, international often makes the transition gentler.
Childcare is subsidised, a lot
Daycare looks pricey until you factor in kinderopvangtoeslag. In 2026, lower-and-middle-income working parents can get up to 96% of costs reimbursed (up to hourly caps of about €11.23 for daycare, €9.98 for after-school care). Both parents generally need to be working or studying.
Questions & answers
- We're arriving mid-year with a 9-year-old who speaks no Dutch. What happens?
- Two good paths. Many areas run a 'nieuwkomersklas' (newcomer language class) for around a year to bring children up to speed in Dutch before they join a mainstream class. Or you choose an international school that teaches in English/IB. Younger kids pick up Dutch remarkably fast; for older children arriving mid-schooling, a lot of families choose international to avoid the language cliff.