Exemption or special leave from compulsory education

What is compulsory education?

All children between the ages of 5 and 16 living in the Netherlands are subject to compulsory education. Children of other nationalities and children of asylum seekers and aliens are also subject to compulsory education.

Compulsory education begins on the first school day of the month after a child turns 5. Does your child turn 5 on January 23? Then compulsory education applies from the first school day in February. Compulsory education applies until the end of the school year in which a child turns 16.

Most children start school when they are 4 years old. They are not yet subject to compulsory education.

Exemption from compulsory education?

The municipality can exempt your child from compulsory education, for example, in case of physical or psychological incapacity. Your child then does not have to attend school. More information can be found on the website of the Rijksoverheid.

Permitted school absenteeism

Sometimes children do not need to attend school (temporarily). For example, in case of illness or obligations due to religion or philosophy of life. More information can be found on the website of the Rijksoverheid.

Due to your profession or that of your partner, you cannot go on vacation during the school vacations? Then you can ask the school administration for permission for school leave outside the school vacations. You can find more information on the website of the Rijksoverheid.

Who supervises?

The compulsory education officer monitors compliance with the Compulsory Education Act.

Schools must report school absenteeism and student enrollment/exit to the Department of Education (DUO). If a child is frequently absent from school, there may be a problem. In most cases, the school contacts the school attendance officer. A student or the parents can also do this themselves. The compulsory attendance officer then enters into a discussion with the student, the parents and the school to find a solution together.

What is the qualification requirement?

Young people between the ages of 16 and 18 without a starting qualification have a qualification obligation. This means that young people must attend school until they have obtained at least a mbo diploma at level 2, a havo diploma or vwo diploma.

Between the ages of 16 and 23 without a starting qualification and need help?

If you need help or advice please contact ESL office working for Parkstad.

Need more information?

Contact with Bureau VSV Parkstad.