The description which follows gives a general outline, but there are likely to be regional and institutional differences.
The education system in the Netherlands is, essentially, a two-phase system. For the purposes of comparative analysis across the INCA website, this two-phase system is described in four-phase format. Phases 1 and 2 of the website description depict what is essentially the first phase of the education system in the Netherlands, namely pre-compulsory and primary education comprising non-compulsory education for those younger than 4-5 years, and compulsory education for those aged 4/5-12 years. Phases 3 and 4 describe lower and upper secondary education for students aged 12 to 16, 17 or 18.
The term 'student' is used for registered pupils or students throughout all educational phases.
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