4.9/5

Brugklas Starter Course: a stress‑free, confident start to secondary school, with the right preparation for a smooth transition

The transition from primary school to Dutch secondary education can be overwhelming. Our 8‑week Brugklas Preparation Course gives students structure, confidence and clear study skills so they can start VMBO, HAVO or VWO. Without tests or extra stress.

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120+

Instructors from TU Delft, AUAS, and more

10+

years of experience

weeks to results

At home & online

Throughout the Netherlands

The transition to secondary school is challenging

New subjects, new teachers, new friends, new expectations, the move from primary school to brugklas can feel overwhelming. Students must:

Plan homework independently
Develop new study skills
Manage test pressure
Organise their school materials

Our course helps students make this transition with clarity, confidence and structure.

What makes this course different?

No tests or homework - we build confidence, not pressure.
Pedagogically trained tutors - experts in motivation and learning development.
All levels - VMBO, HAVO and VWO.
All subjects finally become understandable.
Preparation for the next 6 years.
Flexible - online or at home.
Start anytime.

What will your child learn?

Study Skills

Summarising
Reading comprehension
Learning strategies
Managing test anxiety

Secondary School Skills

How Dutch secondary school works
How to plan homework and tests
How to organise school materials
How to work independently

Subject Preparation

Mathematics: basic concepts, calculations, formulas
Dutch: grammar, reading comprehension
English: vocabulary, basic grammar

Extra support? Subject tutoring

How the course works

Intake

We get to know your child to provide personalised support.

8 weeks, 2 hours per week

Intensive, practical guidance using real brugklas assignments.

Online or at home

Flexible and accessible, See all locations

Personal advice

Each student receives personalised tips for the new school year.

Results after the course

More confidence
Less stress
Better planning and organisation
Stronger academic foundation
More motivation

Our course helps students make this transition.

Trusted by Dutch families

See what parents and students say about their experience

Marieke van der Berg

Emma's mother (VWO 6, Leiden)

Our daughter is in 6 V and wants to do medicine. Needed intensive supervision and was paired with a 3rd year medical student. How fantastic is this. Oh and if there is no click with the teacher, you can just indicate that and we will see how they can best support YOUR child. I didn't regret calling them in for a minute.

Physics: 3.6 → 7.8 in 8 weeks

Robert Janssen

Tim's father (HAVO 3, Rotterdam)

We are very satisfied with Brightpanda. Our children have a good connection with the tutoring staff and we notice that the organization also pays a lot of attention to selection and guidance. So this also saved us a lot of time and energy as parents. We are happy to go back to the next school year!

Economics & Geography

Linda Bakker

Student (VWO 5, Amsterdam)

I had math tutoring for 2 years and made it to VWO 5, and now I'm finally able to do math C. Explaining difficult material in very simple steps was my salvation!

Maths

FAQ - Brugklas Preparation Course

How does the 8‑week course work?

The course runs for 8 weeks, with 2 hours per week. Each session covers study skills, secondary school skills and subject foundations. There are no tests or homework, keeping the focus on confidence and clarity. At the end, your child receives a short personal advice report.

Which levels is the course suitable for?

The course is suitable for students entering VMBO, HAVO or VWO. Learn more about each level:

Can my child start at any time?

Yes. With continuous enrollment, families can start whenever it fits their schedule.

Is the course suitable for expat children?

Absolutely. We explain how the Dutch school system works, including VMBO/HAVO/VWO, schedules, test weeks and expectations. We help expat students adapt quickly.

How much personal attention does my child receive?

We work with small groups and pedagogically trained tutors, ensuring meaningful individual attention. Meet our Tutors

What if my child struggles with planning or motivation?

This course is ideal. We teach students how to plan, organize tasks, manage procrastination and build sustainable study habits.

Is the course online or at home?

Both options are available. Online is flexible; at‑home offers more personal attention. See locations

What happens after the 8 weeks?

Your child receives a short advice report with strengths, focus points and recommendations for the school year.

How much does the course cost?

The course offers three options depending on how much weekly support you prefer: 1 hour per week costs €360, 1.5 hours per week costs €480, and 3 hours per week costs €912. All options include materials, personal guidance, and ongoing progress monitoring.

Is there a trial lesson?

Yes. You can book a free trial lesson, no credit card required.

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