Leerplicht – compulsory education in the Netherlands

What is “leerplicht”?

“Leerplicht” is the law of compulsory education in the Netherlands, which mandates that children must attend school starting at a certain age. According to the legislation, every child in the Netherlands must attend school from the age of five (though most children start school at four) until they turn sixteen or until they obtain a secondary school diploma. After the age of sixteen, there is a partial compulsory education (partiële leerplicht), which requires teenagers under 18 to continue their studies or engage in part-time vocational education.

The main goal of this law is to guarantee access to education for every child and help them develop the skills and abilities necessary for a fulfilling life in society.

A brief history of the compulsory education law

The law on compulsory education in the Netherlands emerged in response to social changes in the early 20th century. Before its implementation, many children, especially in rural areas, did not regularly attend school. This was largely due to child labor being used to assist with household chores and fieldwork.

In the 19th century, it was common for children of farmers to miss school in order to work during the harvest season. This was particularly true in rural areas, where children often played a crucial role in maintaining farms. However, by the end of the 19th century, public pressure and the movement for improved living and working conditions led to discussions about the need for universal education.

Today, the compulsory education law is an integral part of Dutch social policy, ensuring every child’s right to education.

What if you need to leave during the school year?

The compulsory education law is strict when it comes to absences. The education inspector (leerplichtambtenaar) carefully monitors compliance with the law, and unexcused absences can lead to fines for parents. However, there are situations when a family may need to travel temporarily.

If a trip or vacation falls during the school year, it’s important to follow certain rules:

• Short-term trips: If a trip is unavoidable, parents need to submit a request for their child to be excused from school (vrijstelling) to the school administration, explaining the reasons. This request should be made at least 8 weeks before the planned trip. However, exemptions are granted only in rare cases, such as family circumstances, religious holidays, or when parents’ work schedules make it impossible to take vacation during school holidays.
• Long-term trips: If the trip is extended, such as for several months, parents should contact local authorities to inquire about possible options for distance learning. In these cases, coordination with the education inspector (leerplichtambtenaar) may also be necessary to obtain permission.

Without official approval, children are not allowed to miss school, and even short trips or absences without a valid reason may be considered a violation of the law.

Despite the strict rules, exceptions exist, and in special circumstances, parents should discuss their situation in advance with the school administration or regulatory authorities. Taking a few days off to visit grandparents is certainly possible. The key is not to abuse this opportunity and to stay in close contact with the school.