Compulsory education and initial qualification

Compulsory Education

Compulsory education means that children and young people from age 5 to 16 are required to attend school. This is important because at school your child learns what is needed for a good future, such as knowledge and skills. Once compulsory education ends, it is still important that your child attends school until your child has obtained a starting qualification.

Compulsory qualification

From the age of 16, the qualification requirement applies. This means that young people up to the age of 18 are obliged to attend school until they have obtained a starting qualification. That is a diploma at least at the mbo 2 level, havo or vwo. It is important to have this diploma because many employers are looking for people with a diploma. This makes it easier to find and keep a job.

Problems in going to school

The school attendance officer helps you and your child if there are problems going to school. Together with you and your child, the school attendance officer will see how things are going at school and what help is needed to make going to school the best it can be.

What can the school attendance officer do for you do?

• Explaining the rights and obligations surrounding compulsory education and qualification.
• Help find a school or education that is a good fit for your child.
• Support problems that make it difficult to attend school.
• Together, see what help is possible, for example in case of illness or difficult home situations.
• Informing you of options if schooling is difficult.
   

From the age of 18, the qualification requirement expires. Young people between the ages of 18 and 27 who do not yet have a starting qualification can go to the Doorstroompunt. A transition coach discusses with the young person what help is needed to obtain a basic qualification or find work. Young people can also talk to a flow-through coach about other issues, such as debts or a difficult home situation.  

What does the advancement coach do?

• Assist in finding an education that suits the young person.
• Together, explore what kind of work the young person wants and can do.
• Support in finding employment.
• Thinking along about problems in pursuing an education.
• Creating a plan for the future together.
• Referral to appropriate assistance.
   

Do you have questions or need more information? Please contact team Pupil Affairs on phone number 14 0181 or send an email to nl  

• Rijksoverheid | Compulsory Education