The 2026-2030 experiment lets participating schools move some holidays outside national periods and use more four-day weeks; it changes school planning, not parents’ right to take leave.
What you need to know
From 1 August, selected Dutch primary schools enter a flexible-timetable experiment. Parents should read the school guide or ask the school directly because only participants may change holidays and four-day weeks.
- Under the normal framework, national holiday periods and limits on four-day weeks shape the calendar. Pilot schools gain room to move both, so siblings at different schools could follow different dates.
- The government measures education quality, continuity and equal opportunity. Flexibility may help families and staff, but it can also create childcare and learning-rhythm pressure.
- Applications are closed and parents cannot opt a school in. Until the school issues a formal calendar, book travel, childcare and work leave against the existing school guide.
Hokimi field note: Ask one exact question first: “Is our school in the flexible-education-time experiment?” Then compare its calendar with the BSO contract before changing family plans.
Check before you go
Dates, availability and external conditions can change. Confirm the latest information with the official source.
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