In brief

Primary, secondary and mbo (secondary vocational education) schools in the Caribbean Netherlands are using a new funding method. 

One total amount

Each year, schools receive one budget to fund their education. This total amount is called a lump sum. For primary schools, the amount is made up of basic funding and extra funding. For secondary and mbo schools, it is basic funding and additional funding.

The funding does not specify separate amounts for personnel or operations. Schools themselves decide how much to spend on each component, as long as it is spent on personnel and operational costs in relation to education.

Examples of operational costs include the maintenance of school buildings, cleaning, and teaching aids. 

Count dates

Primary schools - count date is 1 February
The count date has been changed from 1 October to 1 February. The amount of funding depends on the number of pupils who were registered on 1 February of the previous calendar year and who attended the school.
Secondary and mbo schools - count date is 1 October

The amount of funding depends on the number of pupils who were registered on 1 October of the previous calendar year and who attended the school.

How to get funding

Schools automatically receive these forms of funding:

  • Basic funding
  • Extra funding (primary schools)
  • Additional funding
  • Additional funding in the event of any special developments

Schools must send in an application to receive the following funding:

• Additional funding in unusual circumstances 

When can you expect the administrative decision?

DUO will send the administrative decision for the new calendar year by December at the latest. You will find the outcome on the ‘Overzicht Financiële beschikkingen’ (Overview of Financial Decisions). If a new calculation is necessary during the course of the year, this usually happens in October or November.

Contact us

Email us at caribisch.nederland@duo.nl if you have any questions.

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