Compulsory education in the Netherlands (Leerplicht)
What is leerplicht?
Leerplicht is the Dutch law on compulsory education, which means children are required to attend school from a certain age. According to the law, every child in the Netherlands must start schooling at the age of 5 (although most children begin at 4) and continue until they turn 16 or earn a secondary school diploma. After they turn 16, there is something called partial compulsory education (partiële leerplicht), which requires teenagers under 18 to keep studying or follow part-time vocational training.
The main purpose of this law is to guarantee every child access to education and help them develop the skills they need to participate fully in society.
Where is the concept of compulsory schooling coming from?
The law was introduced in response to social changes in the early 20th century. Before that, many children – especially in rural areas – didn’t attend school regularly because they were expected to help out at home or work in the fields.
In the 19th century, it was common for farmers’ children to skip school during harvest time. But by the end of the century, growing public pressure and movements to improve working and living conditions sparked discussions about universal education.
In 1901, the Netherlands passed its first compulsory education law, requiring children aged 6 to 12 to go to school. This was a major step in reducing child labour and improving education. Over time, the law was expanded and adjusted to include a wider age range.
Today, it’s a key part of Dutch social policy, ensuring that every child has the right to learn.
What if you need to travel during the school year?
The law is strict when it comes to absences. An education inspector (leerplichtambtenaar) monitors compliance, and parents can be fined if a child misses school without a valid reason. Still, there are situations where families need to leave temporarily.
- Short trips
If you need to travel, you must submit a request (vrijstelling) to the school administration explaining the reason. This should be done at least 8 weeks in advance. Permission is only granted in exceptional cases—like family emergencies, religious celebrations, or if a parent’s job makes it impossible to take holidays during school breaks. - Long trips
For longer stays abroad, for example several months, you’ll need to contact local authorities about options for distance learning. In such cases, you’ll also need to coordinate with the leerplichtambtenaar to get formal approval.
Without official permission, children are not allowed to miss lessons. Even short, unapproved absences can count as breaking the law.
Can you homeschool in the Netherlands?
Homeschooling is technically possible but extremely rare and tightly regulated. It is only allowed in special situations:
- Ideological or religious reasons
Parents can apply for an exemption if they believe no school in the area aligns with their convictions. However, such cases are very uncommon, partly because the Netherlands has a wide range of schools – Catholic, Protestant, Muslim, Waldorf, Montessori, democratic, international, and more – so almost everyone can find a school that fits their beliefs. - Medical reasons
In rare cases, homeschooling may be approved if a child’s health makes school attendance impossible.
In general, homeschooling is not encouraged, as the education system aims to support children’s social development and community participation.
Despite strict rules, there are exceptions. If you ever face special circumstances, it’s important to discuss them with the school administration or education authorities early on. Taking a few days off to visit grandparents is usually possible—as long as you don’t overuse this option and always keep the school informed.