Each secondary school student costs the Dutch government around €7,300 per year, but luckily, parents do not have to cover this amount themselves. Just like primary school, Dutch secondary education is free for everyone under the age of 18 (after that, tuition fees apply, roughly €1,500 per year). You also do not have to pay for schoolbooks or basic educational materials. Still, there are a few expenses to be aware of.
Materials You Need to Buy Yourself 📚
Some educational materials must be purchased by parents. These are usually personal items that last more than a year, such as dictionaries, an atlas, a calculator, and gym clothes.
Sometimes, schools ask for a deposit for the schoolbooks. This deposit is refunded if the books are returned undamaged. You are not required to pay a deposit, schools are obligated to provide the books either way.
Laptop for Secondary School: Who Pays? 💻
One of the biggest expenses for parents these days is a laptop or tablet. Schools can ask parents to provide one, but they cannot make it mandatory, even though in practice, many parents feel it is. Moreover, one in five parents struggles to afford a laptop or tablet.
If you are unable or unwilling to buy a device, the school must offer an alternative, for example, a loan laptop. Schools may ask for a voluntary contribution, but parents are not required to pay this. In such cases, the school must ensure other suitable learning materials are provided.
Voluntary Parental Contribution 👪
Just like in primary school, secondary schools can request a voluntary parental contribution. The amount varies per school but usually ranges from €200 to €500 per year. This contribution is often used for extra activities, school trips, and special projects. If you choose not to pay, your child may not be excluded.
Other Costs
There are also a few additional costs to consider when your child starts secondary school:
- School trips and excursions: These may be partly covered by the voluntary contribution, but sometimes schools ask for an additional fee for special outings.
- School photos and yearbooks: Like in primary school, school photos are offered every year and usually cost a few tens of euros.
- New bicycle: A new school often means a new bike. The distance to secondary school is usually greater, and teens grow quickly, making their old bike too small.
Financial Support
There are several types of financial support available. In addition to the increased child benefit and child-related budget you receive once your child turns 12, many municipalities offer special arrangements for families with a low income.
🡪 Also read: The Costs of Having Children: What to Expect as a Parent
Grassfeld: Keep Control of Your Finances 📱
Want to get a clear picture of the costs you are facing as a parent — including school-related expenses? You can do this with the free Grassfeld app. The app allows you to categorise your spending, so you can instantly see where your money is going.
Grassfeld works best when you link your bank account(s). Most transactions are then automatically sorted into categories (which you can always adjust). You can create your own categories, but we have already included the most common ones in the app.
Grassfeld also helps you achieve your savings goals and stick to a budget, so you do not spend more than you earn. You will also receive regular financial reports. Download the app now in your app store and discover the benefits of Grassfeld!
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