Starting Private Primary School Notification

Starting a private primary school (particuliere basisschool) requires notification to the Education Executive Agency (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs, DUO). A private school is a school that is not publicly funded and for which parents pay the full tuition fees themselves. These schools must still meet certain quality requirements.

The notification must be submitted to DUO, part of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science. DUO supervises private schools and checks whether they meet the legal requirements from the Primary Education Act (Wet op het primair onderwijs).

Requirements

  • Education plan: A plan with the educational vision, objectives, and teaching methods
  • Location and facilities: Suitable school buildings that meet safety and health requirements
  • Qualified teachers: Sufficient and qualified teachers with proper teaching credentials
  • Board: A board responsible for the school that meets integrity and reliability requirements

Procedure

  • Submit notification: Submit a notification to DUO before the school starts
  • Documentation: Provide all required documents such as the education plan and board information
  • Assessment: DUO assesses whether the school meets legal requirements from the Primary Education Act
  • Registration: After approval, the school is registered and may start operating

Restrictions

  • No funding: Private schools do not receive government funding and must be self-sufficient
  • Legal requirements: The school must meet requirements for safety, hygiene, and educational quality
  • Supervision: DUO and the education inspectorate supervise compliance with legal regulations
  • Core objectives: The school must contribute to student development according to primary education core objectives