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Choose a secondary school.
Choosing a secondary school is very personal and a big step for many pupils and parents. What should you pay attention to when choosing a secondary school? To help, we have listed four important steps.
1. Which education levels are there?
Anyone can choose a secondary school. You must consider your child’s school advice and the admission rules of the schools you can choose. There are different education levels:
- Practical education track prepares pupils for the job market. It is for pupils who probably cannot get a vmbo diploma;
- Vmbo has several learning paths (basic, framework, mixed, and theoretical), which prepare pupils for further education at mbo;
- Havo prepares pupils for further education at hbo;
- Vwo prepares pupils for further education at university.
2. Talk with your child
It is good to discuss what is important for you and your child at a school. Parents and children do not always look for the same things when choosing a secondary school. Make a list of questions and try to find answers together during open days.
To choose a suitable school, look at schools that match the (expected or provisional) school advice. You can also look at what teaching method suits your child.
There are also schools that offer programs for special interests of your child. Think about bilingual education, a sports school, or a culture school.
3. Visit schools and open days
To get to know a school better, you can visit secondary schools with your child. You can do this during information evenings and special open days.
Via the open day planner you can see when these are planned. Think together with your child which open days of secondary schools you want to visit.
4. Collect information
Do you want to know more about secondary schools? We have listed some useful options to look at with your child.
Schools on the map: This website shows clear information about secondary schools. You can see for example how many children are at a school and what score they give to the school.
The secondary school guide: Here you find a lot of general information about secondary education, for example about all education levels and the differences between them. It also says what extra options you can choose and what you should look for. Many schools in the region are also listed here, including when their open days are.
Education scheme: Here you find a handy scheme that explains exactly how the education system works. Tip: print the scheme and take it with you to open days.
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