Article 28: Education

Convention text

1.

The countries that have signed the Convention must respect every child’s right to education. To realise this right and to give everyone equal opportunities, they must in particular ensure that:

• primary education is compulsory and free for every child;
• the development of different forms of secondary education, including general and vocational education, is encouraged. These forms of education must be accessible to every child. Where possible, countries must provide free education and financial support;
• higher education is accessible to every child who is able to follow it;
• information about education choices and career choices, and guidance on these choices, is accessible to every child;
• children attend school regularly and fewer children leave school early.

2.

These countries must take measures to make sure that discipline in schools respects the child’s human dignity and is in line with the Convention.

3.

These countries must encourage and improve international cooperation in education, especially to help end ignorance and illiteracy worldwide and to increase access to scientific and technical knowledge and modern teaching methods. In doing so, particular account must be taken of the needs of developing countries.

Key point

Every child has the right to education.

Explanation

To make sure that every child can go to school, primary education must be free. Education after that must also be accessible to every child, including secondary education and vocational education. This also applies to higher education. At the same time, education must match the child’s level and abilities. If parents cannot afford primary or secondary education, the government must help. The government must also provide good information so that children can make the best choices about their education or future career. It must also make sure that children do not leave school early, for example without gaining a qualification.

The Convention also says something about how schools must treat pupils: this must be done with respect for children’s rights and human dignity.

The Dutch Compulsory Education Act and the qualification requirement

The Netherlands has a Compulsory Education Act (Leerplichtwet). This means that in the Netherlands, education is not only a right but also a duty. This Act states that children must attend school from the age of 5 until the age of 16. However, the Netherlands also has a so-called qualification requirement. This means that young people between the ages of 16 and 18 may only leave school if they have obtained a qualification at the level of senior general secondary education (HAVO), pre-university education (VWO) or at least secondary vocational education level 2 (MBO-2).

Children may also be taught at home, but only if the government gives permission. Children who cannot attend school for physical or mental reasons may receive an exemption from the government and therefore do not have to attend school compulsorily.