All children aged 5–16 residing in the Netherlands are entitled and obligated to attend school. Contact your local gemeente (municipality) for school assignment. Dutch state schools are free and teach entirely in Dutch. Most municipalities have a central enrolment desk (centrale aanmelding) — register early as popular schools fill quickly.

Adults can access free or subsidised Dutch language (NT2) courses via Inburgering (civic integration programme) if required, or through ROC colleges (regionaal opleidingscentrum). Expats on a highly skilled migrant permit are exempt from mandatory inburgering but may still access subsidised classes. Children receive NT2 support free within the state school system.