Flawed survey backs €507,000 funding for far-right party school in Almere
A government grant for a new primary school linked to Forum voor Democratie was based on a survey that experts say omitted key information and lacked a representative response.
The Dutch education ministry approved half a million euros for the Renaissance primary school, which is affiliated with the far-right Forum voor Democratie, based on a market study that now appears deeply flawed. The survey, conducted by Ipsos I&O, failed to inform parents that the school was tied to the party and was distributed to homes in Almere Oosterwold, several kilometres away from the school’s location. Only 258 parents responded, and merely 18 indicated a willingness to enroll their children, a figure scholars say is too low to be meaningful.
Critics highlighted that the questionnaire asked about generic school features already offered nationwide and omitted the fact that the curriculum would separate boys and girls. D66 parliamentarian Ilana Rooderkerk labeled the initiative deceptive and demanded accountability, while the ministry maintains that the research complied with all regulations. A previous privately funded attempt to open a similar school in Almere collapsed in 2024.
Why it matters
It shows how questionable data can steer public funds toward politically motivated education projects.
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