Education council warns of growing conflict between parents and schools

The Onderwijsraad told D66 minister Letschert that the relationship between parents and schools is becoming increasingly strained. More families are taking conflicts to formal dispute committees because informal resolution fails, and secondary-school teachers are feeling greater work stress due to these confrontations. Primary-school educators have reported comparable strains for years, with roughly one-third feeling added pressure.

While schools are responding with training programmes for teachers and leaders, the council points to government measures—such as the emphasis on free school choice and the 2014 inclusive-education reform—as contributors to the problem. The council warns that treating parents as customers through school-comparison websites encourages a consumer mindset, and unclear boundaries in support provisions spark clashes over expectations. The PO-Raad, representing primary schools, also observes daily tensions, especially around the school-advice process at the end of primary education.