Following an educational reform, schools are adapting their secondary education recommendations based on the primary school leavers attainment test results. This standardised test provides a clear measure of student abilities, ensuring that academic pathways are more accurately aligned with individual potential.

All children finishing primary school at around age 12 must take a standardised test known as the primary school leavers attainment test. Introduced in the 2014/2015 academic year, this test measures students' proficiency in language and numeracy.

The results of this test provide objective information that complements the school advice given by teachers about the most suitable type of secondary education for each student.

Since the 2023/2024 academic year, schools must adjust their advice if the attainment test suggests a more academic type of secondary education is appropriate. However, schools can choose not to make or only partially make this adjustment if it is deemed not in the best interest of the pupil. In such cases, the school must provide a thorough explanation and justification for this decision.

This measure aims to ensure that when the test indicates a pupil might benefit from a more academic education than initially recommended, schools generally revise their advice accordingly. Adjustments can only steer recommendations toward more theoretical education. If the test reveals lower proficiency than the original school advice suggested, the advice cannot be downgraded.

This policy prevents potentially unsuitable advice arising from a pupil facing special circumstances during the test, which may not accurately reflect their true abilities.

The measure seeks to increase opportunities for children who might otherwise be disadvantaged by initial school recommendations. Recent research shows its success, with adjustments to school advice significantly increasing compared to previous years.

The mandatory revision of school advice appears to promote a fairer assessment of children from diverse backgrounds, allowing them greater educational opportunities regardless of socio-economic status, gender, migration background, or geographical location.

Currently, primary schools can choose the leavers' attainment test that best fits their educational philosophy. There are six test providers, offering different options such as paper-based or digital formats. All tests meet the standards set by the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science.

The goal is that, in the coming years, the mandatory adjustments to school advice will provide more opportunities for students. This approach allows pupils to pursue secondary education that supports their fullest intellectual and personal development. The long-term effects of this measure will become more evident in the next few years, as the policy has been in place for only two academic years so far.

For more information: https://www.government.nl/topics/primary-education/compulsory-primary-school-leavers-attainment-test

Source: Eurydice Unit Netherlands