Starting a new school.

Who can start a new school?

Education in the Netherlands is free. This means anyone who wants can start a school. The direction of the school, such as religious or philosophical, can be chosen by the founders. Both public and special schools receive subsidies from the government. The government sets requirements for starting a new school. Certain conditions must be met. The Education Inspectorate will check if these conditions are met.

Student forecast and founding standard

Before a school can start, it must show with a student forecast that there is enough interest in the school. Within a few years, the school must also meet the founding standard for starting a new school. There must be a minimum number of students at the school.

Lesson content

Schools are also expected to prepare students well for the labor market. There are core objectives that describe what children learn in each subject. There are also central exam rules. The school can choose which teaching methods to use to give this knowledge. The new school must have teachers who are qualified to teach.

Policy responsibility

The policy of a publicly funded school must be accounted for in a school plan and an annual report.

Private education

The website of the Education Inspectorate has more information about private education: private individuals who start a private school must report this within four weeks after the school actually opens to the minister of education, culture and science. They must provide the statutes and rules of the legal entity that runs the school. Then the procedure starts that leads to advice from the Education Inspectorate to the truancy officer. This is set in article 5 of the Primary Education Act or article 54 of the Secondary Education Act.

Help

The Association of special schools also supports and advises parents when starting a school. The website Schoolstarterskit.nl has lots of information.