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Primary Education

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Schools in the Netherlands is for children aged 4 to 12

By law children are not required to start school until the age of 5, but most start the first day after their 4th birthday. This means that everyone starts school on a different day throughout the year. At age 4 a child starts in grade 1, which is called ‘groep 1’ in Dutch. Groep 8 (age 11 or 12) is the last grade of primary school, after which pupils proceed to secondary school.

Most schools combine groups 1 & 2. The children in this group are called ‘kleuters’, and the group is known as ‘kleuterklas.’ In ‘kleuterklas’ the focus is on learning through play, social skills, fine and gross motor skills, structure, and gradual preparation for reading and writing. Formal reading and writing starts in group 3 (age 6).

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International children in Dutch schools

4 and 5 year olds who don’t speak Dutch can usually start at a regular Dutch primary school straight away. They tend to pick up the language quickly and are almost fluent before the ‘real learning' starts at age 6.  Ask the school about possibilities for extra language lessons for non-Dutch children. Children aged 6 and older are usually required to follow a Dutch immersion programme first. This takes about one year, after which they can continue their education with children of the same age at a regular school.

The following primary schools in the Leiden region have a dedicated Dutch immersion class:   

Outside of Leiden you can find options on this website.

Dual-Language Pathway Programs

If you're interested in schools that offer English-Dutch dual-language education here are some options close to the Leiden region: 

VoorleesExpress

If your child is experiencing language delays, or you are experiencing difficulties in assisting your child with language learning, then it's possible that a volunteer from VoorleesExpress can help you and your child. VoorleesExpress is an organisation that focuses on assisting the Dutch language development of children aged from 2 - 8. The volunteer will visit you once (or more) a week to read aloud to your child, play language games, and support your family in helping with your child's language development.

Please note that VoorleesExpress assists specifically with Dutch language development.

VoorleesExpress

International Primary Schools in the region - The Leiden region is home to several international primary schools. Have a look at the list below to find out more about them.

More about Education

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