From the age of 4, your child can go to primary school (basisschool). And from the age of 5, your child must go to school. You can register your child with a primary school once your child has reached 3 years of age.
What to take with you when registering
When registering, you need to provide your child’s Citizen Service Number (BSN). To do this, you must produce your child’s birth certificate, or their passport or identity document. If your child is going to a new school, you need to provide proof of deregistration from the old primary school.
Waiting list upon registration
In some cases, a primary school will not have a place for your child or will have a waiting list. If the primary school of your choice is using a waiting list, the school will put your child on this waiting list, and you must wait until there is a place for your child. If you do not want to wait until the school has a place for your child, register your child with a primary school that does have a place.
Placement at a primary school
In some municipalities, primary schools have made agreements on how they divide pupils among them. If your child already has an older sibling at a certain primary school, your other child may be given priority for placement at the same school. In some cases, children have to live in the same district as the one in which the primary school is located in order to be admitted. If this rule applies in your case and your child does not fulfil that condition, they might not be admitted.
Do you want to know whether you have the right to choose your child’s primary school yourself? Visit the website of your municipality. Or ask the primary school where you want to register your child.
What to take with you when registering
When registering, you need to provide your child’s burgerservicenummer – BSN (citizen service number). To do this, you must produce your child’s birth certificate. Or their passport or proof of identity.
Is your child going to a new school? If so, you need to provide a proof of deregistration from the old primary school.
Suitable place if extra support is needed
Does your child need extra support? Some primary schools cannot offer this to your child. The school may then decide not to admit your child. However, in such a case, the primary school does still have a duty of care for your child. The school will then consult with you to search for another suitable place. The school may register your child at a different primary school or at a special education school.
Familiarisation days at primary school
Has your child reached the age of 3 years and 10 months? Then they can attend familiarisation days (wendagen) at a primary school. Your child can go to school for a maximum of 5 such days. However, please bear in mind that not all primary schools have familiarisation days. Contact the primary school for more information.
Laws and regulations (in Dutch)
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Last updated on 20 October 2025