Register for the primary school.

You have chosen a primary school for your child. Now it is time to enroll your child at that school. Exciting! How does enrolling work? And how do you register? What must you tell the school and when can you start enrolling your child?

Priority rules

Some schools have priority rules. If there is not enough space, children who meet these rules are placed before others. The school decides which priority rules apply. These must be in the school policy and apply to everyone. You can find the school policy in the school guide. Ask at the primary school where you want to enroll your child if and which priority rules apply.

Some schools give priority to only boys or only girls. This is not allowed. If you doubt whether the school follows the right priority rules, check the school guide or contact our advice point.

Central enrollment and starting periods

Some towns have central enrollment and starting periods, for example Amsterdam and The Hague. Check with the primary school or your municipality when these periods are. Some schools have agreements about how children are divided across schools.

If the school you chose has such agreements, your child may only go to school in your neighborhood. There may be a lottery or certain priority rules. You can always ask the school or municipality.

After enrolling

After you enrolled your child, the school will decide within six weeks if your child is accepted. If the school delays this decision, it can take at most four more weeks. You will hear if your child is accepted or not. If there is no space and the school has a waiting list, your child can be put on that list.

Note! Your child must attend school from age five. If your child is on a waiting list, watch the waiting time well. This way, your child can start on time. Do you not want to wait for a spot? Then enroll your child at another primary school that has room.

Starting at primary school

When the registration is complete and your child has turned four, your child can start at the primary school. Some schools have fixed start dates, like the first week of each month. Talk to the school about the best start date. Often your child can visit the class a few times to get used to it.

Refused?

Has your child been refused at the primary school? That is really a shame. A refusal can have a few different reasons. The school might be full or they cannot give the right help to your child. The school must always explain this decision in writing.

Questions or personal advice?

Do you have questions about this topic, would you like advice regarding your situation, or just a listening ear? Then please contact us via 088-6050101, email vraag@oudersenonderwijs.nl or WhatsApp ons.