Foundation and approval of private schools
Do you want to start a private primary or secondary school? Or have you already started? Then you must report this to the Education Executive Agency (DUO). The Inspectorate of Education (Onderwijsinspectie) checks whether your school meets the requirements of the Compulsory Education Act.
Reporting your school to DUO
You must report the foundation of your school to the Education Executive Agency (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs, DUO, in Dutch) within 4 weeks.
If your private education school is a legal entity, make sure to include the statutes and regulations when applying for recognition. If you need more information or help you can send an email to DUO’s ICO department.
Inspection by the Dutch Inspectorate of Education
DUO will forward your notification of founding a school to the Dutch Inspectorate of Education. The inspectorate then checks whether your school meets all quality requirements and the statutory requirements of the Compulsory Education Act (Leerplichtwet). The inspectorate advises the school attendance officer of the municipality in which your school is established. If you get a positive recommendation, DUO will register your school in the Registration of Institutions and Programmes (RIO). You will then receive an institutional code in writing. In case of a negative recommendation, you must close the school as soon as possible.
The Dutch Inspectorate of Education regularly inspects whether your school still meets all requirements.
Vocational and higher education
Approval is not compulsory for private schools for higher education, and vocational education and adult education (BVE). The Dutch Inspectorate of Education will however inspect whether the statutory requirements are being met. Do you want to issue legally recognised diplomas? Then you must have recognition for your school.