Cut in education opportunities scheme removed.

Cut in education opportunities scheme removed.

The cut in the education opportunities scheme will not happen. This is good news for more than 455,000 vulnerable students in secondary education.

What is the education opportunities scheme? 

The education opportunities scheme gives extra funding to schools with many students who need extra help. Think of students with parents who have a language disadvantage, students with little money for school supplies, or those who cannot get enough support at home. Schools with a large group of these students qualify for the scheme. 

#childofthebill 

In April this year, it seemed the cabinet would completely cut the education opportunities scheme of €177 million. Organizations including the secondary education council, primary education council, AOb, CNV, LAKS, Platform TL, Foundation Platforms vmbo, and Ouders & Onderwijs joined forces for the #childofthebill campaign. The petition with more than 22,000 signatures was handed over in the House of Representatives. 

Lobke Vlaming, director of Ouders & Onderwijs: ‘What a huge boost. For months, we worked with many parties in and around education to fight against this cut. Especially many pro and vmbo schools really need these funds for their education. Very happy that it was finally decided to take back this harsh measure.’

At the start of July 2025, a majority in the House of Representatives submitted a motion asking the cabinet to reverse the cut during the budget review in August. The motion was adopted, and leaked documents for the 2026 national budget show that the cut will not happen. Very good news!