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Moving to the Netherlands: understanding middelbare schoolMoving to the Netherlands often comes with many questions, including those related to children’s education. The education system here is different, so it is important for parents to understand how the transition from primary school to middelbare school (secondary school) works.
For Russian-speaking families, questions about adaptation, choosing the appropriate academic level (VMBO, HAVO, VWO), language development, and additional education — including learning in the child’s native language — are especially important.Let’s take a closer look at what parents should pay attention to in order to help their child successfully navigate this stage.
What is middelbare school?Middelbare school is the stage of secondary education that usually begins around the age of 12, when a child finishes basisschool (primary school).This transition is considered one of the most important stages in the Dutch education system, as it determines the student’s further academic path. Unlike many systems where all students follow the same track, the Netherlands offers several educational levels that take into account a child’s abilities, interests, and pace of development.
• VMBO — a practical and applied track. Suitable for students who learn better through hands-on work, projects, and applied tasks.
• HAVO — a middle academic level that combines theory and practice. After HAVO, students can continue their studies at HBO (universities of applied sciences).
• VWO — the highest academic level focused on analytical thinking and academic preparation. After VWO, students can enter research universities (WO).
Understanding these differences helps parents assess which path may suit their child best, considering their personality, interests, and language level.
For Russian-speaking families, questions about adaptation, choosing the appropriate academic level (VMBO, HAVO, VWO), language development, and additional education — including learning in the child’s native language — are especially important.Let’s take a closer look at what parents should pay attention to in order to help their child successfully navigate this stage.
What is middelbare school?Middelbare school is the stage of secondary education that usually begins around the age of 12, when a child finishes basisschool (primary school).This transition is considered one of the most important stages in the Dutch education system, as it determines the student’s further academic path. Unlike many systems where all students follow the same track, the Netherlands offers several educational levels that take into account a child’s abilities, interests, and pace of development.
• VMBO — a practical and applied track. Suitable for students who learn better through hands-on work, projects, and applied tasks.
• HAVO — a middle academic level that combines theory and practice. After HAVO, students can continue their studies at HBO (universities of applied sciences).
• VWO — the highest academic level focused on analytical thinking and academic preparation. After VWO, students can enter research universities (WO).
Understanding these differences helps parents assess which path may suit their child best, considering their personality, interests, and language level.
How does the selection process work?
The transition to secondary school in the Netherlands is not based on a single exam but on a comprehensive evaluation system.
The key document is the schooladvies — a recommendation from the primary school teacher based on several factors:
• results of LVS tests (monitoring tests taken throughout primary school);
• the Cito toets — an exam that assesses language literacy, logic, mathematics, and reading comprehension;
• the child’s overall development, independence, and ability to work in a group;
• language proficiency, especially if the child recently moved to the Netherlands.
For bilingual children, there can sometimes be a gap between intellectual ability and the level of Dutch language proficiency. Because of this, school recommendations may occasionally be lower than a child’s real potential.
This is why additional education and bilingual learning support can be especially important.
Why additional education and learning in the native language matter
For bilingual children, the development of two languages happens in parallel, and this should be taken into account in education.Learning in the native language helps children maintain and develop vocabulary, writing skills, literacy, and logical thinking. A well-developed native language also supports faster progress in Dutch — something confirmed by research on bilingual education.
Additional educational activities, language support, and programs taught in the child’s native language can help to:
• strengthen school motivation;
• make it easier to understand academic material in Dutch;
• improve results in Cito and LVS tests and support academic progress;
• increase a child’s confidence in a new educational environment.
In essence, additional education acts as a bridge between family culture and the Dutch education system.
How to choose the right middelbare schoolChoosing a secondary school is an important step that can influence a child’s motivation and academic success. Parents should consider not only the academic level but also the specific characteristics of schools:
• education tracks (VMBO, HAVO, VWO) — some schools offer combined levels or transitional classes;
• support for bilingual students — special programs for newcomers or multilingual learners;
• TTO (bilingual education) — if a child has strong English skills, this can be an excellent option;
• school specialisations — languages, sciences, arts, economics;
• location and transportation — especially important for children who travel by bicycle or public transport;
• school atmosphere and parent reviews — the child’s comfort plays a major role.
Comparing several schools, attending open days, and consulting with specialists can help families make the right decision.
The transition to secondary school in the Netherlands is not based on a single exam but on a comprehensive evaluation system.
The key document is the schooladvies — a recommendation from the primary school teacher based on several factors:
• results of LVS tests (monitoring tests taken throughout primary school);
• the Cito toets — an exam that assesses language literacy, logic, mathematics, and reading comprehension;
• the child’s overall development, independence, and ability to work in a group;
• language proficiency, especially if the child recently moved to the Netherlands.
For bilingual children, there can sometimes be a gap between intellectual ability and the level of Dutch language proficiency. Because of this, school recommendations may occasionally be lower than a child’s real potential.
This is why additional education and bilingual learning support can be especially important.
Why additional education and learning in the native language matter
For bilingual children, the development of two languages happens in parallel, and this should be taken into account in education.Learning in the native language helps children maintain and develop vocabulary, writing skills, literacy, and logical thinking. A well-developed native language also supports faster progress in Dutch — something confirmed by research on bilingual education.
Additional educational activities, language support, and programs taught in the child’s native language can help to:
• strengthen school motivation;
• make it easier to understand academic material in Dutch;
• improve results in Cito and LVS tests and support academic progress;
• increase a child’s confidence in a new educational environment.
In essence, additional education acts as a bridge between family culture and the Dutch education system.
How to choose the right middelbare schoolChoosing a secondary school is an important step that can influence a child’s motivation and academic success. Parents should consider not only the academic level but also the specific characteristics of schools:
• education tracks (VMBO, HAVO, VWO) — some schools offer combined levels or transitional classes;
• support for bilingual students — special programs for newcomers or multilingual learners;
• TTO (bilingual education) — if a child has strong English skills, this can be an excellent option;
• school specialisations — languages, sciences, arts, economics;
• location and transportation — especially important for children who travel by bicycle or public transport;
• school atmosphere and parent reviews — the child’s comfort plays a major role.
Comparing several schools, attending open days, and consulting with specialists can help families make the right decision.
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How to help a bilingual child transition successfully to secondary school
Preparation for middelbare school is a process that is best started early, especially for children studying in two languages or those who recently moved to the Netherlands.
Recommendations
✔ Develop academic Dutch
Reading, speaking, text comprehension, and school vocabulary directly affect Cito results and teacher recommendations.
✔ Support the native language
Strong speech, literacy, and logical thinking in the native language help children learn a second language more effectively.
✔ Allow deeper understanding of school subjects
Mathematics, languages, and logic are often easier to understand when children can ask clarifying questions in their native language.
✔ Develop learning independence
In secondary school, students are expected to plan tasks, manage schedules, and study more independently.
✔ Become familiar with Cito and LVS formats
Practice and familiarity reduce stress and increase confidence during testing.
How focus school supports bilingual children
Focus School is an educational center for bilingual children in the Netherlands.
We offer:
• preparation for middelbare school: English classes with native speakers and mathematics in Dutch;
• Russian language, literature, speech development, robotics, world studies, and art classes;
• a supportive environment where children feel comfortable communicating with peers.
Our goal is to help children adapt, maintain their native language, and succeed in the Dutch education system.
Preparation for middelbare school is a process that is best started early, especially for children studying in two languages or those who recently moved to the Netherlands.
Recommendations
✔ Develop academic Dutch
Reading, speaking, text comprehension, and school vocabulary directly affect Cito results and teacher recommendations.
✔ Support the native language
Strong speech, literacy, and logical thinking in the native language help children learn a second language more effectively.
✔ Allow deeper understanding of school subjects
Mathematics, languages, and logic are often easier to understand when children can ask clarifying questions in their native language.
✔ Develop learning independence
In secondary school, students are expected to plan tasks, manage schedules, and study more independently.
✔ Become familiar with Cito and LVS formats
Practice and familiarity reduce stress and increase confidence during testing.
How focus school supports bilingual children
Focus School is an educational center for bilingual children in the Netherlands.
We offer:
• preparation for middelbare school: English classes with native speakers and mathematics in Dutch;
• Russian language, literature, speech development, robotics, world studies, and art classes;
• a supportive environment where children feel comfortable communicating with peers.
Our goal is to help children adapt, maintain their native language, and succeed in the Dutch education system.
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