Starting new school.

Who can start a new school?

Education in the Netherlands is free. This means anyone who wants can start a school. The school’s direction, such as religious or philosophical views, can be chosen by themselves. Both public and special schools get money from the government. The government sets rules for starting a new school. Some conditions must be met. The Education Inspectorate will check if these conditions are met.

Student forecast and foundation standard

A school must prove with a student forecast that enough people are interested before it can start. Within a few years the school must also meet the foundation standard for starting a new school. This means there must be a minimum number of students at the school.

Curriculum

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

Policy accountability

The policy used in a funded school must be explained in a school plan and annual report.

Private education

The website of the Education Inspectorate has more information about private education. Private people starting a private school must report this within four weeks after the actual start of the school 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 process starts that leads to the advice from the Education Inspectorate to the compulsory education officer. This is set in article 5 of the Primary Education Act or article 54 of the Secondary Education Act.

Help

The VBS also helps and advises parents when starting a school. The website Schoolstarterskit.nl has a lot of information.