A1KNM

A1 KNM: Het Onderwijssysteem

Education in the Netherlands is compulsory (leerplicht) from age 5 until age 16. Young people aged 16 to 18 who do not yet have a start qualification have...

Dutch education system with primary school and secondary routes.

Education in the Netherlands is compulsory (leerplicht) from age 5 until age 16. Young people aged 16 to 18 who do not yet have a start qualification have a qualification duty. After primary school, school advice and the doorstroomtoets help determine which secondary school track a child follows: VMBO, HAVO, or VWO.

LevelAgesDurationWhat to Remember
Basisschool4-12 years8 yearsChildren usually start at age 4, but school is compulsory from age 5.
VMBO12-16 years4 years (vocational)VMBO is a practical/vocational route and usually lasts 4 years.
HAVO12-17 years5 years (higher vocational)HAVO prepares for higher professional education and usually lasts 5 years.
VWO12-18 years6 years (university prep)VWO prepares for university and usually lasts 6 years.

Voorbeelden

Tot welke leeftijd is school verplicht?
Until what age is school mandatory?
Leerplicht is tot 16 jaar.
Compulsory education is until 16.
Mijn kind gaat naar de basisschool.
My child goes to primary school.

Studienotitie

The Dutch education system may seem strict with its early 'tracking', but students can move between levels. Parent involvement is expected - attend school meetings and parent evenings (ouderavonden)!

KNMA1
Oefen A1 KNM-examens

Train kennis van de Nederlandse maatschappij op A1-niveau met getimede KNM-oefenvragen.

A1
Start A1-oefentoetsen

Combineer A1 KNM met de andere onderdelen van het inburgeringsexamen.

Officiële bronnen

Redactionele notitie: AI-ondersteund en gecontroleerd met bronnen door Dutch Exams. Controleer actuele regels, kosten, data en registratie altijd via officiële links. Bijgewerkt 2026-05-14.