Parents lose hundreds of euros on school costs.

Parents lose hundreds of euros on school costs.

Parents with children in secondary education spend large amounts on school. More than a third pay over 500 euros on school costs. Parents spend a lot on things they must buy themselves, such as laptops, tools and digital calculators. Parents with children in primary school pay much less: 60% of parents pay less than 50 euros.

Many parents have trouble paying the amount or say they have to give up other things. 11% cannot pay or have difficulty. And 24% can pay, but must give up something for it. Parents also feel pressured by schools to pay. A quarter of parents fear their child will be excluded from activities if the voluntary parent contribution is not paid. An even larger part does not know the consequences.

The Law

This is remarkable because a law came into effect this summer that forbids schools from excluding children from activities. Parents are not aware of this: only 18% of parents say the school informed them.

Communicating

Lobke Vlaming, director of Ouders & Onderwijs: ‘Our research shows many parents have trouble paying the voluntary parent contribution and other school costs. We think things necessary for education should be paid by schools. Especially laptops and other digital learning tools are far too expensive for parents. Also, schools must communicate much clearer to parents about the voluntariness of the contribution and the law that forbids excluding children.’

Parents say that despite the new law, most still plan to pay the parent contribution. Parents who say they will not pay mostly cannot afford it or find it very hard.

To read all conclusions of the research, consult the complete report.

Landelijk Ouderpanel

The research was done among parents in the Landelijk Ouderpanel. 1,388 parents took part; the results are representative for all parents in the Netherlands. Would you like to share your opinion about your child’s education? Read more about the parent panel and sign up!

Watch Broadcast

During the consumer program Kassa on Saturday, 16 October, the results of our research were presented. Watch the clip from the broadcast again.

See the Question & Answer School Costs

What is included in the voluntary parent contribution? Who pays for corona tests for a foreign trip? Do parents have to explain when they do not pay the voluntary parent contribution? Watch the video about school costs. Tessa van den Boogaard (communications manager) and Arline Spierenburg (theme advisor) answer questions.

Questions?

For questions about school costs and the voluntary parent contribution, you can consult our theme page. But you can also contact our staff. By email: vraag@oudersenonderwijs.nl or by phone: 088-6050101. We are available on weekdays between 09.30-12.30 and 13.00-16.00.