The Primary education made the news several times a few weeks ago. What was going on? The General Association of School Leaders (AVS) and the sector association for primary education (PO-Raad) wanted to add an extra test-taking week to the test-taking period. This was because there were many signals from the south of the country that the final test could not be combined with carnival. 

In the end, even the Minister of Primary and Secondary education had to get involved. She decided to indeed offer schools an extra week to take the final test digitally. Because of that extra test-taking week, all schools can create good conditions for their students in taking that final test. And that makes us happy. But that was certainly not the only important news surrounding primary education.

Several laws and regulations have changed for primary and special education again this school year. Sometimes it is almost impossible to keep up. As a parent, you already have more than enough on your mind. However, as of the 2023/2024 school year, we no longer speak of the final test, but of the transition test. What does that mean for you and your child?

What is the flow-through test?

We'll start at the beginning, nice and easy. In February of this year, the bill on flow-through testing was passed. This law came into effect this school year. So from now on we no longer speak of a final test, but of a flow-through test. What exactly does it all mean? It is quite simple. The content of the flow-through test is similar to the final test, not that much changes. And they call it the flow-through test, because your child will move on to high school and develop there.

The new law further regulates that there is only one central application week for all students. Because, writes the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW), this way everyone has an equal chance of getting a place at their preferred secondary school. The first central application week for Secondary education is during the week of March 25 to 31.

Furthermore, your child's school recommendation will be adjusted upward if they have done better on the transfer test. It contributes to a smooth transition to Secondary education, because sometimes that's exciting enough. And it contributes to greater equity of opportunity. That also makes us very happy.

What else does that mean?

Of course, it does affect the time frame. Want to know what awaits you as a parent in the time ahead? We'd like to give you a brief overview below:

• Before Nov. 15, schools sign up for that flow-through test.
• Between January 10 and 31, your child will receive the preliminary school recommendation.
• In the first or second week of February, your child will take the passage test. 
• By March 15, schools will receive the results of the passage test.
• By March 24, you and your child will receive the final school recommendation. 
• With the final recommendation in hand, your child will enroll in high school between March 25 and March 31.

One small note. The central application week does not apply to students who move on to secondary special education. They can register earlier with the preliminary school recommendation.

Still want to know more about the flow-through test? Quite understandably so. The Ministry of OCW has organized several digital information sessions. You can find these here.

‍Goodpreparation is half the battle

It may still seem a little far away. But we know better than anyone that school and the time you think you have literally flies by. Before you know it, it is already February. And that transfer test is getting awfully close. Exciting! For you, but certainly also for your child.

It is therefore extremely important to start preparing on time. Such a transfer test and everything that comes with it can be very impressive for elementary school students. They are not only tested on their knowledge and skills. It also determines which level of Secondary education is most appropriate.

Practice for the flow-through test

Therefore, we would like to help your child practice for the transfer test in grade 8. These training sessions cover all the subjects necessary for the transfer test, such as arithmetic, reading and language care. 

In such a training we first start by explaining the topic, such as ratios, a subdomain within arithmetic. We explain exactly what ratios are and how they can be solved. We end with making exercises. We clearly emphasize the combination of explaining and practicing in our trainings, because we really think it is very important that children understand what they are doing.

We always end the last training with a flow-through test comparable to the real thing. We do this, of course, to take away some pressure and tension. But also to see which subjects are still difficult and may need extra attention.

The biggest benefit? Your child knows what to expect and that brings peace of mind. As a result, your child goes into the transfer test a lot more confident.