Compulsory education, special leave, or exemption
What is it?
Children aged 5 to 16 are required to attend school. This means they must complete elementary school and then continue their education until they have earned a basic qualification.
Rivierenland Region
For the municipality of West Maas en Waal, the Compulsory Education Act is implemented by Regio Rivierenland. If you have questions about compulsory education, special leave, or exemption from compulsory education, you can contact one of the employees of the Compulsory Education team. This can be done by phone at 0344 638 505 or by email at leerplicht@regiorivierenland.nl.
Mandatory Qualification
Starting at age 16, students who have not yet obtained a basic qualification are still required to pursue a qualification until they turn 18. Your child must earn one of the following diplomas:
- HAVO diploma;
- VWO diploma;
- Level 2 vocational diploma.
Young people who do not obtain an MBO-2, HAVO, or VWO entry-level qualification are considered early school leavers.
Preventing school dropout
Through the mandatory qualification requirement, the government aims to prevent young people from dropping out of school and ensure that they have a better chance of finding a job later on (that they are qualified for the job market). Young people can also earn their basic qualification by passing their MBO diploma.
Parents and schools can take various steps to prevent students from dropping out of school. The Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science helps prevent early school leaving.
Compulsory education for children aged 12 and older
Children aged 12 and older have specific obligations regarding compulsory education. Parents and children may be contacted directly by the truancy officer if a child skips school or arrives late.
How does it work?
Exemption for a few hours a week for 5-year-olds
If a full school week is still too tiring for your child at first, you may keep your child at home for 5 hours a week until your child turns 6. You do not need permission to do this. However, you must notify the school principal or the school board.
Exemption from school registration
You may apply for an exemption from school enrollment in the following cases:
- Mental and physical symptoms in your child.
- There isn't a single school in the area that aligns with your faith or your outlook on life.
- Your child is attending school abroad.
- You lead a nomadic lifestyle. For example, as a fairground operator or circus worker.
The exemption is valid for one school year. In cases of serious physical or mental health issues, a longer exemption may be granted.
Exemption from school attendance
In some cases, your child may be excused from school for one or more days. For example, in the following situations:
- illness
- suspension
- a religious holiday
- a wedding
- a funeral
What should I do?
Exemption for a few hours a week for 5-year-olds
- Please notify the school that you will be keeping your child at home for a few hours a week.
- If you wish to have your child stay home for more than 5 hours a week, please request permission from the school principal.
Exemption from school registration
- You must notify the municipal truancy officer that you will not be enrolling your child in school.
- Do this before your child turns 5. If you do this later, you must do it every year before July 1.
Exemption from school attendance
- If your child is sick or there is a religious holiday, please notify the school that your child will not be attending.
- In other cases, you should request leave from the school principal.
What do I need?
Exemption from school registration
- For mental or physical health issues: a statement from a doctor, educator, or psychologist.
- If you feel that none of the schools in your area align with your religious beliefs or your outlook on life: a statement explaining why this is the case.
- If your child attends school abroad: a statement from the principal of the foreign school.
Exemption from school attendance
If you need to request leave from the school principal: provide supporting documents that show why the leave is necessary. For example, a wedding invitation or an obituary.
Additional information
- You are not allowed to take your child on vacation outside of school holidays. If you do so, you are breaking the law and are liable to prosecution.
- If you are unable to take time off from work during school breaks, you may submit a request for leave outside of school breaks once per school year. You must submit this request to the school principal at least 8 weeks in advance.
View the rules and Requirements on the website of the Rijksoverheid.