Concerns about education during the National Fundamental Education Debate 2025.

Concerns about education during the National Fundamental Education Debate 2025.

On 6 October, politicians, education organizations, and representatives of parents and pupils met for the National Fundamental Education Debate. The debate focused on three main themes: equal opportunities, the teacher shortage, and the future of inclusive education.

Later selection, fairer chances

The first theme was about the moment pupils are placed at their level for secondary school. “We select much earlier than other countries,” said Marjolein Moorman (PvdA). “And we have many levels.”

The PvdA believes pupils should have more time to discover what suits them, an idea supported by several parties. André Poortman (CDA) thinks it is a good idea but doubts if it is feasible in practice. Martin de Beer of the VVD was more critical and emphasized that schools should keep room to make their own choices.

Inclusive education: nice ambition, big challenge

Inclusive education was also widely discussed. The SP, represented at the debate by Bastiaan Meijer, supports it but wants special education to remain. Nico Drost from the ChristenUnie warned that much still needs to be arranged before inclusive education is really possible: “Many things must be organized that cannot be done now.”

The shift from talking about learning duty to learning right, where every child has the right to good education that fits, received support.

Smaller classes and more quality

In response to concerns from the VVD, Moorman said there is a “business case” for small classes. Smaller classes can save money in the long run because they lead to better education and less dropout. Still, the VVD warned it is not that simple: “If it was economically so obviously beneficial, schools would already do it.”

Shared concern about education

Despite political differences, there was a feeling of shared concern about the future of education. Lobke Vlaming, director of Ouders & Onderwijs, shares this concern: “If we don’t take action now, we will have this same debate again in 10 years.”

The debate showed there is agreement on some points for improvement, but there is still a lot of work to come together. For parents, teachers, and pupils, that is both hopeful and urgent: the future of fundamental education needs vision, courage, and cooperation.

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Prepared for the polls on 29 October

How do political parties think about themes that matter especially to you as a parent? Such as the teacher shortage, class size, accessibility of childcare, and leave arrangements. Unfortunately, party programs say little about how they will work for better education, affordable childcare, and a good work-life balance. That is why we made an election guide just for parents. With 20 statements, you can compare your opinion with the parties.

Cover photo by Sandra Uittenbogaart