Transfer from International to Dutch School: Complete Guide

Are you considering transferring your child from an international school to the mainstream Dutch education system? Many expat and returning families consider this move when they realize they will be staying in the Netherlands longer than originally planned. You want your children to truly integrate, become fluent in Dutch, and make friends in the neighborhood.

The Dutch education system offers a great deal of freedom and opportunity, but the transition involves some important ground rules.

In this comprehensive guide, we provide a clear and honest explanation of what to look out for, how language support (such as language classes or ISK) works, and how to choose the right school.

Summary of this article

• One-way street: Returning to a (funded) international school is often legally impossible after making the switch.
• Tailored language support: Children aged 6 and up usually start in a newcomer class or language class (primary school) or an ISK (secondary school). Younger children (aged 4–5) often enter mainstream classes directly.
• Flexible academic levels: The secondary school system (VMBO, HAVO, VWO) is not rigid; moving up to a higher level (“stacking”) is always possible.
• Freedom of education: Schools vary significantly in their educational philosophy (Montessori, Dalton, Jenaplan, mainstream).

The Differences Between an International School and a Dutch School

Wanneer je kiest voor de overstap naar het lokaal onderwijs, verandert er meer dan alleen de taal op het schoolplein.

The atmosphere at a Dutch school is generally somewhat informal, yet children are expected to demonstrate a great deal of independence and personal responsibility. Do you want to understand exactly how progress is measured in the Netherlands? Then read our explanation of Cito scores and the Student Tracking System (LVS).

Important: The switch is often permanent.

This is the most important point that many expat parents do not realize beforehand: view the switch to a Dutch school as a permanent decision.

International schools and state-funded international streams (IGCO/TTO) have strict statutory admission requirements. These schools are reserved for children who have recently moved from abroad or are demonstrably in the Netherlands on a temporary basis. Once your child has enrolled in a Dutch school and mastered the language, they no longer meet the criteria for a state-funded international school.

Bridging the gap: Nieuwkomersklas, ISK en Kopklas

If your child does not yet speak Dutch fluently, they usually do not enter a regular class immediately. The appropriate pathway depends on their age:

Primary school age (4 to 12 years)

• Kleuters (ages 4 to 6): In practice, children aged 4 and 5 almost always enter a regular kindergarten class (Group 1 or 2) directly. At this age, they learn the language through play on the playground and in the classroom.
• Children aged 6 and older (Groups 3 through 8): From this age, children usually attend a newcomer class or language class for an initial period of 1 to 1.5 years. These classes place intensive emphasis on the Dutch language and basic skills, after which the children transition to a regular primary school. Read more here about newcomer classes in the Netherlands.

Secondary school age (12 to 18 years old)

• ISK (International Transition Class): The ISK is available for teenagers. Over the course of one to two years, they receive intensive Dutch language instruction as well as lessons in subjects such as mathematics and English, preparing them to progress to mainstream secondary education.

Gap year after groep 8

• Kopklas (or Topklas): This is a special bridging year between the final year of primary school (Group 8) and secondary school. It is designed for bright, motivated primary school students who would otherwise receive a secondary school recommendation lower than their intellectual ability warrants, solely due to a language gap. In the Kopklas, they work intensively on their Dutch language skills for a year, enabling them to progress to a higher secondary school track, such as HAVO or VWO.

The Dutch School System

Dutch secondary education is divided into different levels. Many international parents are initially taken aback by this, but our system is designed for flexibility. View our comprehensive overview explaining the Dutch education system.

The most important principle: your child’s level is never fixed for life.

• Brugklas: Secondary school begins with one or two years of Brugklas, often in a mixed class (such as HAVO/VWO)—allowing children to settle in at their own pace.

The three main tracks:

• VMBO: Practical and theoretical education (4 years); leads to MBO (secondary vocational education).
• HAVO: Higher general secondary education (5 years); prepares students for HBO (higher professional education/universities of applied sciences).
• VWO: Pre-university education (6 years; Atheneum or Gymnasium); prepares students for university. Read more about the differences between VMBO, HAVO, and VWO.

Moving up (“Stacking”): Does a child develop faster than expected? If so, they can progress from VMBO to HAVO, or obtain a VWO diploma after completing HAVO.

Freedom of Education: Educational Visions and School Types

In the Netherlands, the principle of freedom of education applies (Article 23 of the Constitution). This means that schools are permitted to adopt a specific educational philosophy or religious conviction.

Popular educational approaches include:

• Montessori: Emphasizes individual freedom, independent work, and learning at one’s own pace (“Teach me to do it myself”).
• Dalton: Focuses on planning, collaboration, independence, and personal responsibility.
• Jenaplan: Education structured around mixed-age groups, with a strong emphasis on conversation, play, work, and celebration.
• Traditional/Mainstream: More conventional classroom-based instruction with a clear, central structure for each grade level.
  

Read our comprehensive comparison: Montessori, Dalton, or Jenaplan: A Guide for Expat Parents.

Please note: Significant differences can exist between two schools sharing the same philosophy (e.g., two Montessori schools). Although all schools must meet national government quality standards, day-to-day practices vary depending on the school board and location.

Which School Suits Your Child?

Thanks to the freedom of education, you can choose a school that truly suits your child’s personality:

• The independent child: Does your child show a lot of initiative and enjoy working at their own pace? Then the freedom offered by a Montessori or Dalton school could work wonders; these environments foster a great deal of independence.
• The child who needs structure: Does your child instead require clear boundaries, a calm atmosphere, and guidance? In a school with too much freedom, such a child might learn too little or become unsettled. A more traditional, structured school would be a better fit in that case.

Practical Steps for the Search Process

Check Objective Quality Data:

• Consult Scholen op de Kaart for figures on parent satisfaction, exam results, and school profiles. Check inspection reports on the Education Inspectorate’s website.

Visit the Schools in Person:

• Schedule a tour or attend open days.
• Specifically ask how the team supports students arriving from international backgrounds and what language support is available on-site.

Consider Lottery Systems:

• In cities like Amsterdam and The Hague, a centralized lottery system applies to secondary school admissions. Read all about this in our guide to the secondary school lottery.

Need help with your child’s transition?

Transitioning from an international school to the Dutch education system is a significant learning experience for the whole family.

Do you want to be sure you are making the right decision and not closing doors on your child’s future? We are happy to guide you through the process.

• Advisory Session: A focused, one-on-one session where we analyze your specific situation, answer questions, and map out the best educational path for your child.
• Full School Search: Would you like to hand over the entire search, comparison, and application process? With our Full School Search, we take care of everything from A to Z and find the perfect school placement.
• Language lessons: prepare your child for the transition or provide extra support. We offer online Dutch lessons in a fun, playful, and effective way.