Moving to the Netherlands with children who don’t speak Dutch? Here’s everything you need to know about relocating to the Netherlands and your non-Dutch-speaking child’s education.
Do you want to find the best solution for your child’s education in the Netherlands? We are educational consultants for education in the Netherlands and can help you find the best solution.
Bringing a child to the Netherlands
4-6 years: Generally, at this age international children can be enrolled in a local Dutch school even though they don’t speak any Dutch.
In some cities, 4 to 6-year olds need to attend a newcomers’ class to begin learning Dutch before they start at a local Dutch school.
6-12 years: Newcomers’ classes
Newcomers’ classes / schools are available in different cities/towns in the Netherlands, specialising in education for 6 to 12 year olds who have just arrived in the country and do not yet speak Dutch.
Criteria for attending newcomers’ classes:
- The child speaks little or no Dutch, and;
- The child has been in the Netherlands for less than one year.
Enrolment procedure
Children spend approximately one year in the newcomers’ class. After this, they join their local Dutch school, usually attending the same class as other children of their age.
Some newcomers’ classes request that you apply to a local Dutch school first, as this will be your future Dutch school. Policies can vary per city. YES can explain the situation in your region.
12 years and over: International class
From the age of 12, children who are new to the Netherlands and don’t speak Dutch are placed in an international class (internationale schakelklas, ISK).
After enrolment, the child will be tested by the school so that they can be taught at an appropriate level. Students stay in an ISK for approximately 1 or 2 years.
Enrolment procedure
Pupils can be enrolled at any time of the year. Contact the school to make an appointment. The student must also be present for enrolment.
Please also read Daycare Netherlands or Do daycares in the Netherlands offer a hot lunch?
