MPs want stricter rules for new schools after FVD-linked school opens with four pupils
Several parties in the Tweede Kamer want tighter rules for setting up subsidised schools, and the state secretary for education has promised to review the survey of parental interest that new schools must carry out.
Several parties in the Tweede Kamer called on Wednesday for changes to the rules on founding new schools, after the Renaissanceschool in Almere opened in August with only four pupils. The school is closely tied to Forum voor Democratie (FVD). State secretary for education Judith Tielen (VVD) had already proposed changes to the law, and parties made further suggestions during an education debate.
In a letter to parliament, Tielen wrote: "It is no longer sustainable to keep so many too-small schools going." In the debate she promised to look again at the survey that new schools must carry out beforehand to gauge interest among local parents. She wants to see whether that part of the law should be tightened or scrapped altogether.
Tielen said the Renaissanceschool must have at least 139 pupils at the start of its fourth school year, or it must close at the end of that year. "That will still be a big challenge," she said. She sees no reason so far to intervene at the school.
The Wet meer ruimte voor nieuwe scholen (law giving more room for new schools), a VVD initiative, took effect in 2021. It makes it easier to start a subsidised school based on innovative educational ideas or a philosophical or religious conviction. Political parties may also found a school under it if there is enough interest and education requirements are met.
D66 MP Rooderkerk said they were angry that 4-year-olds may be indoctrinated by FVD. "Education is meant to teach children to write and do sums, and to form their own opinions. That must not be an experiment of a political party," Rooderkerk said.
Moorman of Pro said too many schools are set up too easily, which leads to segregation, competition and poor quality. She said the need is not so much for more schools as for good schools.
VVD MP Kisteman announced a private member's bill to allow earlier intervention at underperforming schools. In his view, schools that perform poorly should be closed much sooner.
Tweede Kamer
The House of Representatives, the lower and more powerful house of the Dutch parliament. Its 150 members are elected directly; it can amend bills and holds the cabinet to account.
FVD (Forum voor Democratie)
Forum voor Democratie is a Dutch political party that has held seats in the Tweede Kamer, the lower house of the Dutch parliament. Its abbreviation, FVD, is the name used in Dutch political reporting. Parties in the Tweede Kamer are the main channel through which Dutch voters are represented in national law-making.
Wet meer ruimte voor nieuwe scholen
The Act giving more room for new schools is a Dutch law that took effect in 2021. It makes it easier to start a publicly funded school based on innovative educational ideas or a philosophical or religious conviction. Under this law, political parties may also found a school, which is why it is central to debates about how new schools are set up and approved.