Thursday 11 June 2026 is an important day for secondary school students in the Netherlands – those who took their central final exams hear whether they have passed, need to take a resit, or have not yet met the requirements for their diploma.
For international families, the Dutch exam system can be difficult to understand at first. Different school tracks, including vmbo, havo and vwo, structure their final diploma around a combination of school exams and national central exams. The final result depends on both school-based assessments and the central exams taken at the end of the school year.
One of the most visible Dutch traditions on exam results day is the school bag and flag. When a student passes, many families hang the Dutch flag outside their home, often with the student’s school bag attached. Some also add a sign or decoration with the word “geslaagd”, which means “passed”. It is a proud and public way to celebrate the end of secondary school.
On results day, schools calculate each final result after the national exam standards have been published. Many students then wait for a phone call from school. For those who pass, the day is often a moment of relief, celebration and family pride.
For students who do not pass immediately, 11 June can also be stressful. Some may be able to take a resit in the second exam period. Others may need advice from their school about their options for the next school year. Decisions can sometimes need to be made quickly, so it is important for students and parents to speak with their school as soon as possible if the result is disappointing or unclear.
The second exam period in 2026 takes place in June, with results expected on Tuesday 30 June. This period is generally used for resits or for those who missed an exam in the first period for a valid reason.
International parents who are less familiar with the Dutch education system may wish to ask their child’s school for clear information about the result, possible resits, deadlines, and what the result means for the next step in their child’s education. Schools are the first and most important point of contact.
There are also online resources that explain the Dutch exam system, exam dates and options after the results. Some education organisations also offer information or advice around exam results day, although families should check directly whether support is available in English.
More information (in Dutch)
Examenblad, official exam information: www.examenblad.nl
Ouders & Onderwijs, information for parents: www.oudersenonderwijs.nl (also has an English page)
DUO, information about exams and diplomas: www.duo.nl
Luzac, exam results day advice line: www.luzac.nl
Text & Image: The Hague Online