The State of Education in the Netherlands 2013/2014

The State of Education

The Inspectorate of Education monitors the quality of education. In ‘The State of Education' we provide an overview of developments of the past academic year. Our aim is to encourage further improvement in Dutch education. 

In the 2013/2014 academic year we identified three major developments:    

1.    Transitions and school careers
Schools and institutions have adopted more targeted placement policies. As a result, 10/11-year-olds move on to secondary school earlier and students graduate earlier. However, they are less likely to switch to a higher-level programme. Are these developments logical, or do they result in missed opportunities for pupils and students?

2.    Increased focus on quality
Teachers, school principals and school boards have increased their focus on quality. When they cooperate, pupils notice that the teaching improves. Weak schools improve, good schools become excellent ones.
Yet this quality focus does not always result in improvement. This needs time, perseverance and continuous attention.

3.    Large differences and professionalisation
Schools and institutions are different, giving staff a certain freedom of action. As a result, at many schools pupils are motivated and keen to perform, and teachers are eager to implement quality improvements. However, other schools show no signs of this at all. Variety is a good thing, but overall the level of quality of education can be further improved. It takes courage and initiative, a learning attitude among teachers and a joint effort to make this happen. 

For details on ‘The State of Education’, visit our website