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Municipality of Dijk en Waard: exemptions from compulsory school attendance

Please note: you can only apply for an exemption from compulsory education if you live in the Netherlands and are registered with a municipality.

Sometimes your child can be exempted from compulsory education. Your child does not have to go to school. For example, if your child is unable to attend school for a long time due to physical or psychological problems.

You can apply for an exemption from compulsory education as follows:

Contact your municipality

Request day off

Your child can get a maximum of 10 school days off for special situations. You must request permission in advance from the director/rector of the school. Fill in the application form and hand it in to the principal/rector of the school. You can download the application form on our website.

Request vacation

You are not allowed to take your child on holiday outside the school holidays. If you do this, you are violating the Compulsory Education Act and you are punishable. The school attendance officer of the municipality decides on leave of more than 10 days. The leave can be granted if:

  • You can submit a statement from a doctor or social worker.
  • The statement shows that leave is necessary on the grounds of medical or social circumstances of (1 of) the family members.

Complete the application form and hand it in to the school principal. The director contacts the attendance officer. You will receive an answer within 6 weeks. You can download the application form on our website.

Questions about this topic?

Contact the Municipality of Dijk en Waard

Last updated on 4 October 2022