Compulsory education and qualification

The municipality of Zoetermeer wants to offer children and young people opportunities to develop their talents. A good school time is therefore important. It is also required by law to attend school.

5 to 16 years: compulsory education

Children may attend elementary school from their 4th birthday. When your child turns 5, he or she is subject to compulsory education. This means that your child must attend school on the first school day in the month following their birthday. For example, if your child turned 5 on October 10, he or she must attend school on the first school day in November. Your child must attend school until the end of the school year in which your child turns 16. After that, the qualification requirement applies.

16 to 18 years: qualification requirement

To find and keep a good job, a diploma in mbo, havo or vwo is important. This is called a starting qualification. This starting qualification is mandatory for young people up to the age of 18. The vmbo diploma does not count as a starting qualification. After obtaining the vmbo diploma, your child must continue studying at the mbo or havo to obtain a starting qualification. If your child attends practical or special education and has a graduation profile for work or day care, he or she does not need to have a starting qualification.

What if your child does not attend school?

School is important because with a diploma, your child has a better chance of getting a good job and earning his or her own income later. School and Compulsory Education therefore want to take steps together with you if your child is not attending school. Perhaps there is regular or long-term absenteeism. In that case, a school doctor or youth nurse can contact you.

If your child is absent without notice, the school will contact you to find out what is going on and make arrangements. If necessary, the school can arrange extra care for your child. The school must report unauthorized absence (tardiness) to the municipality's school attendance officer.

The school attendance officer investigates the absence and will meet with you and with your child if he or she is 12 years old or older. Together you will discuss how your child can return to school quickly. These arrangements will be recorded. If you would like guidance in raising and educating your child, see the page Raising and growing up for more information.

If the unauthorized absence continues, the school attendance officer may take action, such as a Halt penalty or an official report. This depends on the situation.

Learn more

You can read more about absenteeism in:

Contact Team Compulsory Education

Compulsory education (5-18 years)

Do you have a question and would like to contact Team Compulsory Education? Then please fill out the form:

Contact Team Compulsory Education

Mailing address:

Team Leerplicht
PO Box 15
2700 AA ZOETERMEER