After group 8, pupils leave primary school for secondary education (voortgezet onderwijs).
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There are different types of the Dutch secondary education:
- VMBO: preparatory secondary vocational education (4 years), followed by MBO (secondary vocational education);
- HAVO: senior general secondary education (5 years), followed by HBO (university of applied sciences);
- VWO: pre-university education (6 years), followed by university.
Many secondary schools offer a mixed-level ‘bridge class’ in the first year. After obtaining a diploma for a lower level, if the student’s grades are good enough he/she may proceed to the next level. This route may take some additional time.
For a summary, watch a video produced by Nuffic, titled ‘School system in the Netherlands’.
Also read What is a funded international school? or What are the costs for local primary Dutch schools in NL?
