The Netherlands and Belgium are neighbours with unusual education systems. In both, the idea of "freedom of education" means that privately run schools are a normal and publicly funded part of the system, so truly fee-charging private schools are comparatively rare. International schools fill much of that space for expatriate families. This guide explains how each country is organised and what it means for your choice.
The Netherlands: three categories of school
Under the Dutch constitution, privately run schools are equivalent to publicly run ones. Eurydice describes "fully private education" as a separate third category: non-governmental financed education, paid for by third parties, including pupils or students, with costs generally higher than elsewhere.
The state-funded system is organised around age and ability. Primary education runs for eight years for children aged 4 to 12. Secondary education has three main tracks: VMBO (4 years, pre-vocational), HAVO (5 years, senior general secondary) and VWO (6 years, pre-university). The track is decided at age 12, and since 2015 the primary school's advice takes precedence in placement. Compulsory education runs from age 5 until a pupil gains a basic qualification or turns 18.
Fully private and international schools in the Netherlands
Anyone can start a fully private school in the Netherlands. Eurydice states that a primary or secondary school can teach pupils of compulsory age only if the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science recognises it. Fully private schools must meet quality standards, assessed by the Dutch Inspectorate of Education.
Eurydice lists several types of fully private school:
- International and foreign schools, reserved for pupils with non-Dutch nationality.
- B2 schools, which prepare secondary pupils and adults for examinations.
- B3 schools, which offer primary and secondary education organised similarly to grant-aided schools.
- Homeschooling, which parents can use with permission from the school attendance officer.
For families, the limiting phrase is "reserved for pupils with non-Dutch nationality". Where an international school is of that type, admission can depend on nationality, and a family planning to stay long term should check how this applies to them. Entry criteria differ by school, so ask directly.
Dutch-language state schools also run internationally oriented streams in some places, but the sources we consulted do not describe them, so we do not make claims about that here.
Belgium: three communities, three systems
Belgium does not have one education system. Communities, not the federal state, govern education. Eurydice explains that the federal level retains only three matters: the start and end of compulsory education, minimum diploma requirements, and retirement rules for education employees. The Flemish, French and German-speaking communities each run their own system. The sources we have used cover the Flemish Community, so the details below are specific to Flanders. Check the position in Brussels or Wallonia with the relevant community authority.
In Flanders:
- Education is compulsory from age 5 to 18, although full-time schooling is required only until 15, after which pupils may combine vocational study with part-time work.
- Pre-school covers ages 2.5 to 6, primary covers ages 6 to 12 over six years, and secondary covers ages 12 to 18.
- From the second stage of secondary school, pupils choose a study type: general, technical, arts or vocational.
Freedom of education in Flanders
Freedom of education and school choice are constitutional rights. Eurydice identifies three networks: official education organised by the Flemish Community (GO!), government-aided public education run by municipalities or provinces, and government-aided private education, mainly Catholic schools but also non-denominational schools such as Freinet, Montessori and Steiner schools.
The scale is significant. Subsidised private education accounts for 68% of pupils in elementary and secondary education in Flanders, according to Eurydice. These schools are recognised, overseen and inspected by the state. Because they are publicly funded, they are not "private schools" in the sense that English-speaking families usually understand.
A small number of private schools are not government-recognised and receive no public funding. Home education is also legal, but families must file a declaration and children must take Examination Board exams at set ages unless they are in a recognised school or have an exemption.
International schools in Belgium
For families who want an English-language curriculum or a recognised international qualification, the practical route is an international school. The sources we consulted do not list or classify them, so we do not describe individual schools. In both countries, the same checks apply.
- Recognition. Ask whether the school is recognised by the competent authority, and what that means for the qualification.
- Qualification. Check which diploma the child will receive and how it is treated by the universities you have in mind. Our guide to choosing between IB, A-Levels and national diplomas compares the main options.
- Language. Dutch, French or German will be the language of daily life, depending on where you live. Ask how the school helps children learn it.
- Continuity. Find out how the school handles mid-year arrivals, and what happens if your child later moves to a local-language school.
- Fees. Ask what is included. Eurydice notes that no tuition fees are charged in primary and secondary schools funded through the Dutch system, which makes the fully private route a conscious financial choice.
Comparing the two countries
| Netherlands | Flanders (Belgium) | |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory education | From age 5 to 18 or a basic qualification | From age 5 to 18 |
| Private schools | Fully private schools must be recognised and inspected | Most private schools are publicly funded and inspected |
| International schools | A defined category, reserved for non-Dutch pupils | Not classified in the sources consulted |
| Free school choice | Constitutional equivalence of public and private | Constitutional freedom of education |
Practical advice
Start by deciding how long you expect to stay. For a stay of a few years, an international school keeps your child on a familiar curriculum. For a long-term move, a local school with language support may serve a child better, and the national systems of both countries are well regarded for their breadth. Whichever you choose, ask each school for written confirmation of its recognition and the qualifications it awards.