Evaluation of the Dutch Equal Opportunity to Progress to HAVO and VWO Act

Evaluation of the Equal Opportunity to Progress to HAVO and VWO Act

Since 2020, the Equal Opportunity to Progress to HAVO and VWO Act has been in force. The Act is intended to ensure that pupils have an equal opportunity to progress from vmbo-gl/tl to havo, or from havo to vwo. Commissioned by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW), Dialogic and Oberon are investigating how effective this Act is in practice. In doing so, we look beyond the number of pupils who progress. We examine the extent to which pupils are aware of their options, how they are supported in making their choice, how schools apply the statutory rules and what barriers pupils may experience. We also consider pupils’ experiences after the transition and the factors that influence their subsequent educational careers.

To this end, we combine various research methods. We analyse existing knowledge and findings from research conducted by DUO, hold discussions with national stakeholders and carry out case studies at schools. Within these case studies, we analyse school documents and speak with pupils and education professionals, among others. This enables us to map both national developments and the operation of the Act in everyday educational practice.