The School of the Others. The Netherlands

A comprehensive overview of the Dutch education system and the challenges it is facing

Abstract

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Dutch education system, highlighting its structure, key characteristics and challenges. It begins by outlining the current structure of the system for primary and secondary education. It then examines the country's historical context with the political school struggle (after which the most important education law was created), the main pedagogical principles that have shaped the Dutch education system, and the importance for parents to have the freedom of school choice.

Each educational level is discussed in terms of its goals, curriculum, funding and assessment methods, with an emphasis on the unique features and policies specific to the Dutch system. Moreover, the various routes to becoming a teacher in the Netherlands, as well as the role of teachers in society, are described.

An overview analysis of the strengths of the Dutch education system is presented, including the high quality of education, the emphasis on child-led education and individual capabilities, the partnership between parents and teachers, and the strong position of vocational education. Furthermore, there is an investigation into the current challenges and reforms faced by the system, the impact of globalization, the consequences of the pandemic lockdowns, the integration of technology into education, and the decline in scores for reading comprehension compared to other OECD countries.

One of the biggest challenges in Dutch education is the teacher shortage, which has a number of causes, including retiring teachers, too much pressure on the shoulders of especially the starting teachers, too many children in class who need more attention, and the high number of teachers working part-time. The consequences of this shortage are most visible in schools with a less privileged population in the bigger cities.

Overall, this article offers a comprehensive understanding of the Dutch education system and highlights its achievements, and areas for growth and improvement.