Home education & compulsory schooling in the Netherlands:

What’s possible in 2025

A clear, simple guide for families exploring their options.

The Netherlands has strict compulsory education (leerplicht).

Home education is generally not permitted. Limited exemptions from registration (for example, on philosophical grounds known as ‘richtingbezwaar’) exist but are narrow, applied for with your municipality, and often need renewing.

Is schooling from home legal in the Netherlands?

Children aged 5–16 must be enrolled and attend a recognised school; those aged 16–18 must continue until a ‘startkwalificatie’ (basic qualification). The municipality’s compulsory education officer (leerplichtambtenaar) enforces attendance. Exemptions require formal application and evidence.

What are the steps?

1
Assume school enrolment is required; discuss support or adjustments with your school if needed.
2
If you believe you qualify for an exemption (e.g., philosophical objections or foreign schooling), apply to your municipality with full documentation — often annually.
3
If an exemption is granted, expect oversight and information requests from the municipality.
In England, bina supports your legal duty to provide a “suitable” education by delivering structured teaching, progress tracking, and regular reports you can share with your LA. You keep full parental control; we handle day-to-day teaching and documentation aligned to UK expectations.
That’s where
helps

What is bina and how is it different?

bina is a global, accredited online school for children ages 4–12.

We offer live, interactive, small-group learning that brings the energy and connection of a great classroom into your home.

Small, live classes with caring teachers

Classes are capped at 7 students, so teachers know your child’s name, learning style, and interests. You stay as involved as you want to be while we handle the teaching and structure.

A curriculum that fits your child

Your child learns at a pace that works for them, with space to explore their interests and the support they need to thrive. Our accredited programme is internationally recognised, giving you peace of mind that they’re learning what matters.

Friendships and belonging

Children make genuine friends with classmates from around the world. In small groups, they build confidence, practise social skills, and feel part of a real community — all from the safety of home.

You stay in the know

You’ll get weekly updates on what your child is learning and quarterly progress reports. A dedicated family success manager works with you to make sure everything fits your goals as a parent.
Most Dutch families use bina alongside recognised school enrolment in the Netherlands or (if legally arranged) with schooling abroad. Where a valid exemption applies, bina can provide daily teaching and progress reports for the municipality.

What parents say

"bina has helped us navigate SEL in a fun way and develop her independence and confidence!"

Lorena Marden

"My grandson is a hands on and visual learner. Where we live there are no real learning programs geared towards different learning styles. bina has been a blessing for Aydin and our family. The worry and stress have eased tremendously."

Diedre Shakir

“Lily’s love for learning and creativity really gets to shine at bina. As her parents, we are inspired knowing her weekly goals and progress as discussed with us by her teachers and support team.”

Rae Bram

“We spent all of 2023 traveling through all 7 continents. We tried homeschooling, world schooling and even unschooling. Finding bina helped us to bridge the gap we were missing with the other education options we tried.”

Sarah Schmirl

"bina has helped us navigate SEL in a fun way and develop her independence and confidence!"

Lorena Marden

"My grandson is a hands on and visual learner. Where we live there are no real learning programs geared towards different learning styles. bina has been a blessing for Aydin and our family. The worry and stress have eased tremendously."

Diedre Shakir

“Lily’s love for learning and creativity really gets to shine at bina. As her parents, we are inspired knowing her weekly goals and progress as discussed with us by her teachers and support team.”

Rae Bram

“We spent all of 2023 traveling through all 7 continents. We tried homeschooling, world schooling and even unschooling. Finding bina helped us to bridge the gap we were missing with the other education options we tried.”

Sarah Schmirl

Find out if bina is right for you

1
Book a free consultation to see how bina can fit your family’s goals, schedule, and lifestyle.
2
Join a bina adventure with your child and walk away with tailored growth insights — no strings attached.
We’re happy to answer your questions and help you figure out what’s possible for your family.
Whether you’re ready to make a change or just gathering information, we’re here to help.

The questions we hear most from parents like you.

May bina replace school in the Netherlands?

Generally no. Compulsory schooling requires enrolment/attendance at a recognised school. bina can support learning or be primary where the legal status permits.

Will my child keep up with the local curriculum?

Yes. bina’s accredited programme meets or exceeds primary expectations. We share clear progress so you always know what’s next.

Will my child make friends if we learn from home?

Small, interactive classes and clubs help children connect quickly across countries and time zones.

How much of my time will this take as a parent?

We teach live and handle the curriculum and structure. You support your child, but you are not expected to be their teacher.

Can we return to a local or international school later?

Yes. Our documentation supports smooth transitions back into recognised schools.

What about screens?

Short blocks, movement and off‑screen activities are built into each day.