Translated from Dutch. The Dutch page is the original. Read in Dutch
Secondary school open day: what should you look out for?
Secondary school open days are mostly in January and February, right around the time of the doorstroomtoets (the national test in groep 8). In just a few hours you have a lot to see and remember. With good preparation and the right questions, comparing schools becomes much easier. Here is our checklist.
In short
- Choose two to four schools in advance that can place your child at the expected level and are easy to get to.
- Ask the same questions at every school: about the first year (brugklas), support, class sizes and extra costs. That way you can compare fairly.
- Let your child look around and ask their own questions. After all, your child will be going there every day.
- You register later, from 25 to 31 March 2027 (inclusive), with the definitief schooladvies (the school's final recommendation for secondary school level).
Before you go: choose two to four schools
You don't have to visit every school. First make a short list using these questions:
- Is the level right? Does the school offer the level the teacher expects? The voorlopig schooladvies (the school's provisional recommendation for secondary school level) comes between 10 and 31 January. If the teacher is unsure, also look at a school with a mixed-level first year (brede brugklas).
- Is the school easy to get to? Cycle or travel the route once on a school day, especially if your child will be going on their own.
- How does registration work in your area? In some cities it works with a list of preferences and a lottery. Look this up early, because it may change your choice.
Put the open day dates in your diary straight away. They are often on the same evening or the same weekend, and then you will have to choose.
Ten questions to ask at the open day
Ask the same questions at every school. Then you can compare like with like afterwards.
- What is the first year (brugklas) like? Is there a mixed-level first year, and how long does it last?
- How big are the classes in the first year?
- How often do pupils move to a higher or lower level after the first year?
- Who is my child's regular contact person? How often is there a mentor lesson (mentoruur)?
- What does the school do if my child doesn't understand something or falls behind?
- What help is there for dyslexia, dyscalculia or other support needs? Ask about the school support profile (schoolondersteuningsprofiel).
- How much homework is there, and is there homework support at school?
- How does the school deal with bullying and with phones?
- What costs are there on top of the voluntary parental contribution (ouderbijdrage), for example for a laptop or school trips?
- How does the school keep parents informed, including parents who find Dutch difficult?
What should you look out for as you walk around?
Not everything is in the brochure. Also pay attention to what you see and hear:
- The pupils. Do they tell you what it's like without being asked? Ask what they like less: that answer often tells you the most.
- The teachers. Do they talk to your child too, or only to you?
- The atmosphere. Does it feel calm and safe, and does the size of the school suit your child?
- An ordinary day. An open day is a special occasion for the school. Ask what a normal school day looks like.
Five questions for your child
Let your child ask questions too. Think of them together; your child will often feel more confident. For example:
- What time do lessons start and finish?
- Where do you eat at lunchtime?
- Which subjects are new in the first year?
- How do you make new friends here?
- What clubs or activities are there after school?
Afterwards: compare straight away
Write down what you thought that same evening, before the schools get mixed up. Give each school a mark for level, support, atmosphere and travel time. Also ask your child: where did you feel most at home?
| When | What |
|---|---|
| 10 to 31 January 2027 | Voorlopig schooladvies |
| January and February | Open days |
| By 24 March 2027 at the latest | Definitief schooladvies |
| 25 to 31 March 2027 | Registering at the secondary school |
| By 12 May 2027 at the latest | The secondary school decides on admission |
Is your child taking the doorstroomtoets around the same time? Then don't plan open days just before the test days, so your child starts the test well rested.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
When are the secondary school open days?
Mostly in January and February. Each school puts the dates on its own website. Have a quick look there in November or December, so you can put the days in your diary.
Should my child come with me to the open day?
Yes, if possible. Your child notices different things from you, and this is the place where they will spend every day for the next few years. Many schools also have an afternoon when children from groep 8 can join a few short lessons.
How many schools should I visit?
For most families, two to four schools is enough. That gives you enough to compare, without everything getting mixed up.
Can I go to an open day if we don't have a schooladvies yet?
Yes. You don't need a schooladvies to visit an open day. Look at schools that match the level the teacher expects, and ideally also at a school with the level above and below, or with a mixed-level first year (brede brugklas).
Do I need to register my child at the open day?
No. The central registration week is from 25 to 31 March 2027 (inclusive). You register your child with the definitief schooladvies. In some regions you can register earlier, but even then only with a definitief schooladvies.
Is the parental contribution compulsory?
No, the parental contribution (ouderbijdrage) is voluntary. Your child may not be excluded from activities if you don't pay. Do ask about any other costs, for example for a laptop or school trips.
Practise around the open days
While you look at schools, your child can practise for the doorstroomtoets for free, with an explanation for every answer.
Practise for the doorstroomtoets