Key takeaways
The Netherlands doesn't mess around with school attendance. The Leerplichtwet (Compulsory Education Act) puts a legal requirement on every child aged 5 to 16: physically attend an accredited school. Remote-only education isn't an option. Homeschooling without exemption? Also not happening. The Dutch government tracks this closely, and parents who skip compliance face fines and prosecution. Exemptions do exist, but they're granted in exceptional cases only–think religious or philosophical objections that meet a very high legal bar. For expat families or anyone moving to the country, this means working with the system, not around it. Many families add AP courses or College Prep programs to their child's Dutch or international school schedule, staying competitive for global university applications without violating local law.
- The Leerplichtwet requires all children aged 5–16 residing in the Netherlands to attend an accredited school physically
- Leerplicht (compulsory education) starts at age 5 and continues until a child turns 16 or earns a basic qualification (HAVO, VWO, or MBO level 2 diploma)
- Exemptions from compulsory school attendance are granted only in very rare cases by the municipal executive council
- Parents who keep children out of school without exemption face prosecution, fines, and enforcement by the compulsory education officer
Contents
We are a US-accredited international online school that coexists with local schooling. Families are responsible for ensuring compliance with any local education requirements applicable to their situation.
The Legal Framework of Dutch Education
The Leerplichtwet governs school attendance. All children in the Netherlands fall under it–nationality and visa status don’t matter. Leerplicht starts the month a child turns 5 years old, continues until age 16 or until the child earns a basic qualification.
But it doesn’t end there. From ages 16 to 18, partial compulsory education (partiële leerplicht) applies. According to Expatiki’s guide on Dutch compulsory education, this requires teenagers under 18 to keep studying or follow part-time vocational training. Complete attendance ends at the age of 18, or earlier if the pupil obtains a “basic qualification” (startkwalificatie).
Basic qualification means a HAVO diploma, VWO diploma, or MBO level 2 certificate. Parents don’t get to choose whether their child attends school. Only which school. Public, private, religious, Montessori, Dalton, Jenaplan – all valid as long as the Dutch government officially recognizes them.
Exemptions Are Rare
Exemptions are possible. Rare, but possible. Parents must prove that attending any school conflicts with fundamental religious or philosophical beliefs. The objection has to be sincere, consistent, well-documented.
Applications go to the municipal executive council. If approved, the exemption comes with conditions. Parents must demonstrate the child receives adequate education at home. The municipality can assess progress, review educational materials, require testing.
Enforcement and Penalties
Institutions track attendance, and report absences to the municipality. If a child misses too many days without valid reason, the compulsory education officer investigates. Medical reasons, family emergencies, official school holidays–acceptable. Going on holiday during term time without permission? Not acceptable.
If the municipality finds parents breaking the law, they issue fines and initiate prosecution. According to the City of Amsterdam’s official guidance, if your child continues to miss school or you have not enrolled your child in school, the education welfare officer will investigate and you could be prosecuted.
Legacy’s Role as Supplementary Education
We don’t replace your child’s school. We work alongside it. Legacy is a WASC-accredited online school offering 19 AP courses, College Prep, and summer school. Live lessons scheduled globally, with time slots that fit after national school hours. Classes cap at 15 pupils per group.
According to the European Education and Culture Executive Agency, the Dutch education system is highly diversified, with “two out of six streams lead to higher education” and multiple pathways designed to accommodate different learning needs. Many expat families supplement their child’s Dutch schooling with internationally recognized programs to strengthen university applications abroad.
Families in Amsterdam, Utrecht, Eindhoven use Legacy to prepare children for US or Canadian university applications while staying fully enrolled in Dutch schools. AP credits accepted by 500+ universities worldwide.
Check our tuition and fees or book a trial class–one free session for your child and a parent meeting with our admissions team.
A Real Case: The Janssen Family in Rotterdam
Thomas and Emma Janssen have two children: Lotte, 14, and Finn, 11. Both attend a Dutch public secondary school in Rotterdam. The family plans to relocate to Canada in 2027 for work. To prepare, they enrolled Lotte in Legacy’s AP English Language and Composition course in 2024. She took the class twice a week in the evenings. Earned a 4 on the AP exam in May 2025.
Her Dutch school counted the course as independent study. When the family moves, Lotte’s AP credits will transfer to her new Canadian high school. Finn will join Legacy’s middle school program next year. No Leerplichtwet violation, and no legal risk.
Top Tips from Our Expert
Maya Robinson, College Prep Advisor at Legacy Online School
- Understand the law before you move. If you’re an expat relocating to the Netherlands, research compulsory education requirements early. You can’t opt out.
- Use supplementary programs strategically. AP courses and College Prep don’t conflict with Dutch law as long as your child remains enrolled in an accredited school.
- Check your school’s flexibility. Some Dutch schools allow external courses to count as electives or independent study. Ask before committing.
- Plan for university early. If your child aims for tertiary education outside the Netherlands, AP credits strengthen their application. Start in grade 10 or 11.
We are a US-accredited international online school that coexists with local schooling. Families are responsible for ensuring compliance with any local education requirements applicable to their situation.
Legacy Online School’s programs are offered as supplementary education for students in the Netherlands. Under Dutch law (Leerplichtwet 1969), children aged 5–16 residing in the Netherlands are required to attend an accredited school. Legacy Online School does not offer full-time K–12 education as a substitute for compulsory school attendance for students permanently residing in the Netherlands. Families are solely responsible for ensuring compliance with Dutch compulsory education requirements.
