Recalibrated Education Disadvantage Indicator Prepared for 2027 Funding (Netherlands, June 2026)
The Netherlands announced that a recalibrated CBS education disadvantage indicator will be used for school funding from 2027. CBS applied the revised method to 2025 pupil data so schools can see expected effects before funding decisions.
The Netherlands announced that a recalibrated CBS education disadvantage indicator will be used for school funding from 2027. CBS applied the revised method to 2025 pupil data so schools can see expected effects before funding decisions.
What Changed?
The indicator used to distribute education disadvantage funding is being recalibrated. The revised method uses a broader set of background characteristics to estimate disadvantage risk more precisely and will feed into 2027 funding decisions.
Old System vs New System
School disadvantage funding was based on the existing CBS indicator and scale, which will no longer be the basis for the 2027 allocation.
From 2027, allocations will use the recalibrated indicator. The 2027 budget decisions will be based on pupil data from 1 February 2026, with schools informed by the end of 2026.
Who Is Affected?
Student Impact
Pupils in schools with higher recalibrated disadvantage scores may benefit from targeted resources for reducing learning gaps.
Parent / Family Impact
Families in affected communities may see changes in school support programmes depending on the revised funding calculation.
School / Institution Impact
Schools must review recalibrated scores, compare expected budget effects and plan support programmes for 2027.
Teacher / Staff Impact
Teachers may see changes in available support, intervention capacity or staffing connected to disadvantage funding.
Key Dates
- 2026-02-01: pupil data reference date for 2027 funding
- 2026-06-25: recalibration update announced
- early September 2026: brochure expected
- end of 2026: 2027 budget decisions expected
- 2027-01-01: funding use begins.
What To Do
- School boards should compare current and recalibrated scores and prepare for possible 2027 budget changes.
What To Watch Next
The next key information will be final 2027 budget decisions and the September 2026 explanatory materials.
Global Context
The update is relevant internationally because it shows how statistical indicators are used to target equity funding in school systems.
Source Record
Source type: Official announcement and statistics update
Source name: Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) Newsletter