Dutch Report Card Explained: A Complete Guide for Expat Parents
Everything you need to know about your child's Dutch basisschool rapport — grading scales, star ratings, teacher comments, and how to read them in English.
If you're an expat parent in the Netherlands, the moment your child brings home their schoolrapport (school report card) can feel overwhelming.
It's in Dutch, it uses a grading system you've never seen, and the teacher comments are full of words you can't find on Google Translate.
You're not alone. Thousands of international families in the Netherlands face this exact moment twice a year. This guide explains absolutely everything.
The Dutch Grading System (Basisschool)
Dutch primary schools (basisschool) don't use letter grades (A, B, C) or percentages. Instead, most schools use a 5-point scale with checkboxes or circles:
| Rating | Dutch | English | What It Means |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zwak | Weak | Significantly below age-level expectations |
| 2 | Matig | Fair | Below expectations, needs attention |
| 3 | Voldoende | Sufficient | Meets expectations — this is the normal level |
| 4 | Ruim voldoende | More than sufficient | Above expectations |
| 5 | Goed | Good | Well above expectations, excellent |
Key insight: A rating of 3 (Voldoende) is not a bad grade. It means your child is right where they should be. Many expat parents panic when they see "3" — but in the Dutch system, this is the expected baseline.
What Sections Are on the Report?
A typical Dutch basisschool report card is organized by sections, not just individual subjects. Here are the most common ones:
- WERKHOUDING (Work Attitude) — Concentration, independence, motivation, perseverance, planning
- GEDRAG (Behavior) — Cooperation, empathy, conflict resolution, accepting authority
- TAALGEBRUIK (Language Use) — Vocabulary, grammar, speaking, writing
- LEZEN (Reading) — Technical reading, reading comprehension, reading motivation
- REKENEN (Math) — Number sense, arithmetic, problem-solving
- EXPRESSIEVAKKEN (Expression/Arts) — Drawing, music, dance, drama, crafts
- BEWEGINGSONDERWIJS (Physical Education) — Motor skills, sports
- KOSMISCHE VORMING (World Studies) — Geography, history, science (common in Montessori schools)
Each section has individual items rated on the 5-point scale, plus an optional teacher comment for that section.
When Do Reports Come Out?
Most Dutch schools issue reports twice per year:
- 1e Verslag (First Report) — Usually in February, covering the first half of the school year.
- 2e Verslag (Second Report) — Usually in July, covering the full year or second half.
Some schools issue three reports per year (November, March, July). After receiving the report, parents are invited to a 10-minutengesprek (parent-teacher conference).
Understanding Teacher Comments
The most valuable part of a Dutch report card is almost always the teacher's written comments — and these are the hardest to understand if you don't speak Dutch.
Common phrases you might see:
- "Werkt zelfstandig" — Works independently
- "Heeft aansturing nodig" — Needs guidance/direction
- "Kan zich goed concentreren" — Can concentrate well
- "Soms onrustig" — Sometimes restless
- "Gaat goed om met klasgenoten" — Gets along well with classmates
- "Moet beter opletten" — Needs to pay better attention
Tip: Dutch teachers tend to be direct. A comment like "moet beter opletten" isn't harsh — it's simply factual. Don't read emotional weight into Dutch directness.
What Is the CITO Test?
The CITO toets is a standardized test given in Groep 8 (final year, age 11-12). It helps determine which type of secondary school is recommended:
- VMBO — Vocational track
- HAVO — General secondary (5 years)
- VWO — Pre-university (6 years)
The CITO score isn't the only factor — the teacher's recommendation (schooladvies) carries significant weight.
How to Translate Your Child's Report
Google Translate works for individual words, but it severely misses the nuance of educational terms. "Kosmische vorming" doesn't translate to "cosmic formation" — it means "World Studies."
ReportKaart was built specifically for this. Upload a photo of your child's rapport, and AI translates every subject, rating, and teacher comment into clear English — with educational context that Google Translate simply can't provide.