Going to school in the Netherlands, the future uncertain

The study
SEO Amsterdam Economics, together with Sardes, CAOP and Pharos, investigated how education for Ukrainian students in primary and secondary education has developed in recent years. The study combines a multi-year monitor with an evaluation of the Temporary Education Facilities Act (TOV), which gave schools the opportunity to set up temporary education facilities. The study looked at educational participation, progression, well-being and absenteeism, and the extent to which the Act has contributed to accessible, high-quality education.

Results
Most Ukrainian pupils will be attending regular education in the 2024/25 school year, especially in primary education. At the same time, the Dutch language remains a major obstacle for many pupils, especially in secondary education. The temporary educational facilities have helped to quickly create sufficient educational places, but this has sometimes been at the expense of educational quality and alignment with the Dutch education system. Uncertainty about residence and the future also leads to motivation problems, absenteeism and poor progression to vocational education and higher education.

Methods
The study uses registration data from DUO and CBS Microdata, surveys among school boards and municipalities, and a digital poll among Ukrainian parents. In addition, case studies were conducted in various municipalities, with interviews and focus groups involving education professionals, parents and pupils. This combination of quantitative and qualitative methods provides a broad and in-depth picture of the situation of Ukrainian pupils in Dutch education.

Below you can find the summary of the report in English and Ukranian, the full report is in Dutch.