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Find My Dutch School

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Find My Dutch School

Helping expat families navigate the Dutch education system, from preschool to secondary school, including taalschool & ISK.

Providing personalised guidance on Dutch and international schools. Managing the full search and enrollment process

15/08/2026

New school year!

As the new school year kicks off, I always think back to my own first “eerste schooldag” as an expat mom - new school, new language, a thousand questions, and that slightly panicked feeling of “am I doing this right?” 😅

If you’re new to the Netherlands (or still finding your feet), this time of year is a great reminder: Dutch schools work on a very different system to what most of us grew up with. It can feel overwhelming when you’re still unpacking boxes and figuring out where to buy groceries.

You don’t have to work it out alone.

At Find My Dutch School, I help expat families understand how the system works, compare options, and get your kids enrolled in a school that fits, without the stress or the guesswork. Whether your little one is starting peuterspeelzaal or you’re already thinking ahead to secondary school.

Message me or drop an email at [email protected] if you’d like some guidance.

Welcome back to school, everyone! 🍎

15/07/2026

Cycling exam!

Cycling in the Netherlands is more than a hobby, it's an essential life skill. To prepare children for independent travel, many primary schools, usually in Group 7 (around 10–11 years old), participate in a cycling proficiency program known as the "Verkeersexamen." (VVN Verkeersexamen⁠)

Students first complete a theoretical exam covering traffic signs and road safety rules. They then participate in a practical test, demonstrating their ability to cycle in real streets safely and responsibly.

For Dutch families, teaching children to cycle responsibly is an important milestone that encourages independence.

It’s also a great example of how Dutch schools focus on practical life skills alongside academics. The goal isn’t simply passing a test, it’s also helping children become safe, responsible and independent road users. And in a country with more bikes than people, that’s a pretty useful skill!

“And if you’re still figuring out the Dutch school system and what to expect, feel free to reach out. I help expat families navigate school choices, applications and enrollment across the Netherlands 💛”

[email protected]

10/06/2026

Tomorrow is a big day across the Netherlands.

At 08:00, the official N-termen will be released, allowing schools to calculate final exam grades. From that moment on, schools will begin contacting students throughout the day with the news they have been waiting for.
One of the interesting things about this day is that there is no single moment when everyone finds out. Each school has its own process and for many families that phone call from school becomes a memory they never forget.

Whether your child is receiving vmbo, havo, or vwo results tomorrow, it is an important milestone to be proud of.

Across neighborhoods, you can also expect to see Dutch flags hanging outside homes, often with schoolbags attached, along with celebratory banners and school flags as families mark this important achievement and show their pride.

Good luck to all students and parents across the Netherlands tomorrow!

Melani Young

[email protected]

04/06/2026

FIFA World Cup - 11 June 2026

It always makes me smile how the Netherlands comes alive for football.

Even non-football fans suddenly know the score, know every player and have an opinion about the referee. The whole country turns orange overnight. Bikes, streets, outfits, snacks! Absolutely nothing is safe 😄

Even schools get swept up in it. Children come in wearing orange, playgrounds turn into mini stadiums and suddenly everyone is practicing their football skills at break time.

What I love most is how football creates this instant sense of connection. For a little while, everyone is united in the same excitement.

As someone who works with expat families, I often see these kinds of cultural moments as part of the bigger picture of feeling at home. Understanding the rhythm of Dutch life whether that’s school systems or national traditions like football fever can make settling in a lot easier and faster.

If your street suddenly turns orange… don’t worry, you’re just in the Netherlands doing World Cup season right 🧡

Enjoy the matches!

Sunday 14 June 2026
🇳🇱 Netherlands vs 🇯🇵 Japan

28/05/2026

I've packed up my life and moved countries more times than I care to admit. 😄 But honestly? I wouldn't have it any other way. And if you’re here, chances are you know exactly what that feels like.

I'm Melani, founder of Find My Dutch School, a South African mom living just outside Amsterdam. My husband and I have lived in the US, Germany, the UK, Switzerland and the Netherlands, before returning to South Africa, and then making the move back to the Netherlands 13 years later, this time with two children in tow. And it was through that experience of relocating with our boys that I discovered just how much the right school shapes their whole journey abroad, so I turned that experience and knowledge into something useful for other families.

I help expat parents find the best school fit for their kids - Dutch or international. I manage everything on your behalf from research to enrollment, so finding the right school doesn’t have to be another item on your moving to-do list.

Got questions about Dutch schooling? Drop me a message and let’s find the right fit for your child.

[email protected]

19/05/2026

Many high schoolers across the Netherlands are finishing their final centraal examen.

Now comes the difficult part: waiting for their results!

Dutch exam grades are adjusted using something called the n-term. The n-term is a national adjustment factor decided after the exams are completed. It helps compensate if an exam was considered unusually difficult or unexpectedly easy across the country.

Once exams are marked, the n-term is determined for each subject before final grades are officially calculated.

This means:
- Students do not immediately know their final grade after the exam
- A difficult exam may receive a slightly more favorable adjustment
- Final results are only confirmed once the national calculations are completed

After this process, schools inform students whether they have passed. If needed, students usually have the right to one herkansing (resit exam) to improve a result. The second exam period (tweede tijdvak) is 16 to 23 June 2026.

Good luck to all students (and parents) waiting for their results! - Melani Young

[email protected]

02/05/2026

Wishing all exam students in the Netherlands the very best as the Centraal Eindexamen begins on the 8th of May.

Good luck to you all!

Melani | Find My Dutch School
[email protected]

23/04/2026

KONINGSDAG is one of the most vibrant and unique celebrations in the Netherlands! Held every year on April 27th, it marks the King’s birthday with nationwide festivities.

Cities and towns transform into lively street markets (vrijmarkten), where anyone, especially children, can sell toys, clothes, homemade treats and just about every imaginable item.

The celebrations often begin the night before with Koningsnacht, when cities are filled with music events and festivals that continue into the next day.

Streets are buzzing with people dressed in orange with a festive energy from morning until night.

For expat families, it’s a wonderful way to feel part of your community and help children connect with Dutch traditions 🧡

[email protected]

09/04/2026

If your child is in middelbare school, the final exam period is approaching fast. Here are the key dates to keep in mind:

15 April – Results for numerus fixus (selective) university programs
1 May – Deadline to apply for higher education (via Studielink)
8 May – Start of final exams
27 May – Last exam day
11 June – Results day
16–23 June – Retakes (one permitted retake or missed exam)
30 June – Results of retakes

Note: Some VMBO students may start digital exams earlier, depending on the school

Feeling unsure about how the Dutch education system works or what the right path is for your child? You are welcome to get in touch to learn how I can support your family - [email protected]

19/03/2026

When Should You Register Your Child for School in the Netherlands?

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