Municipality of Helmond: exemptions from compulsory school attendance

Children are obliged to attend school from the age of 5. This compulsory education ends at the end of the school year in which the young person turns 16. Young people who do not yet have a basic qualification (diploma at least at MBO-2, HAVO or VWO level) by then are subject to compulsory qualification until the age of 18.

What is the qualification obligation?

Compulsory qualification is an extension of compulsory education. It means that young people are obliged to attend education until their 18th birthday if they do not yet have a starting qualification. A starting qualification is therefore a diploma at at least MBO-2, havo or vwo level. The aim is to prevent young people from dropping out of school and ensure they have a better chance of getting a good job.

Learning is a duty, but also a right

Parents and guardians must comply with the Compulsory Education Act. They are obliged to enrol their child in a school. They are also responsible for ensuring that their child actually attends school. Compulsory education is also a right, because every child in the Netherlands has a right to education.

Truancy - the Compulsory Education Officer

Helmond municipality wants to keep young people in school as long as possible. This starts with preventing truancy (school absenteeism) and dropping out (school failure). If a pupil plays truant, which we call unauthorised truancy, the school contacts the parents. The school then reports this to Compulsory Education. The obligatory education officer checks the report with the school. The obligatory education officer then investigates the reasons for truancy. He contacts parents/carers of this pupil and/or the pupil himself to make an appointment.

Are there any exceptions?

There may be reasons why a child does not have to attend school or fewer hours. For example, because of religious obligations or important family events, such as a wedding or funeral. You can request extra leave for these reasons in writing. A request for one or more days is called a 'request for extra leave'.

You must always request extra leave in writing (with an explanation of why) to the school headmaster.
Application forms can be obtained from the school.
Requests for leave of less than 10 days are decided by the school director.
Requests of more than 10 days the school director consults with the school attendance officer.
The school is obliged to notify you of the decision on paper.