Education time

Updated: 25 June 2026

Topics covered by this chapter

7.1
7.4

Since the 2015-2016 school year, secondary education has been subject to education time per training. The school itself sets the timetable. Standards for secondary education are:

  • havo (5 years): 4700 hours;
  • vwo (6 years): 5700 hours.

The term "educational time' means: guided education which forms part of the school's compulsory education programme for all pupils. The various activities must also be carried out under the responsibility of a qualified teacher. The school's policy is to teach students as much as possible with a teacher for the class.

The hours of lessons due to the absence of a lecturer are called Z-hours, these lessons are received in grade 1 to 3 by a teacher or supervisor. In grade 4 to 6 a lesson can be received by a teacher or supervisor, or the students will work in the media library or study room. In junior high, an hour is also planned for a help lesson or Remedial Teaching.