Schools must tackle long-term absence earlier from August 2027

The Eerste Kamer, the Senate, has passed the Terugdringen Schoolverzuim law (school absenteeism law). It comes from State Secretary Tielen of Education and Emancipation and takes effect on 1 August 2027.

Why it matters

• From 1 August 2027, primary and secondary schools and vocational institutions are expected to take a preventive approach to absenteeism.
• Municipalities and school partnerships (samenwerkingsverbanden) will share absenteeism data in their region.
• Exemptions on physical or psychological grounds can be granted for a more flexible period.

Tielen said every child and their parents must be able to count on good, suitable education. "Yet there are thousands of children who sometimes stay away from school for long stretches," she said. "I expect a big improvement, and it's badly needed."

The law gives schools a clearer view of when pupils and students are present or absent, so they can act sooner. A mentor can give a pupil extra attention earlier, or a youth doctor can be brought in on time. Registration is to match what schools already do, to limit the administrative burden.

With the shared data, municipalities and partnerships can advise and support schools more precisely. They can also arrange regional solutions, such as digital distance education or combined education and care.

When a family asks for an exemption on physical or psychological grounds, the youth doctor will by default ask the partnership for advice on the education available in the child's region. The aim is to avoid a child going without education unnecessarily or for too long.

Schools will get support from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science.