Municipality of Steenwijkerland: 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.
Every child in the Netherlands has the right to education. Your child can start school at the age of 4. After your child's fifth birthday, attending school becomes mandatory. You must register your child at a school yourself. Compulsory education lasts until the end of the school year in which your child turns 16.
The qualification requirement applies to individuals aged 16 and 18 who do not have a basic qualification (such as an MBO level 2, HAVO, or VWO diploma). This means they are required to participate in daytime education. It is also possible to combine learning and working through a vocational learning pathway (BBL).
Once individuals turn 18, they are no longer subject to compulsory education or the qualification requirement.
Contact your municipality
You can apply for an exemption from compulsory education at the municipality. For more information and contact details, please visit the municipality's website.
Via the school
You can also apply for an exemption from compulsory education via your child’s school. The school management will then contact your municipality’s school attendance officer directly.
Via the Regionaal Bureau Leren (Regional Bureau of Compulsory Education)
Contact the Regionaal Bureau Leren to apply for an exemption.
Questions about this topic?
Contact the Municipality of Steenwijkerland