Education
Good education for every child in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen
Zeeuws-Vlaanderen is not only a beautiful place to live, but also offers great opportunities in the field of education. School years are, besides a period of learning, also a time for children to grow, discover, and shape their future. It’s an adventure in which they discover new ideas and possibilities, make friends, and get to know themselves better. A time full of challenges! In Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, various parties are committed to childcare and education. They actively work together on ‘Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, the best place to grow up’.
Childcare
One major advantage of living in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen is the well-organized childcare. There are playgroups, daycares, after-school care, and a network of certified childminders.
Zeeuws-Vlaanderen toddlers free to childcare!?
From 2025, toddlers from Zeeuws-Vlaanderen can attend childcare for a number of hours for free. Toddlers from two years old can go to childcare in the municipality of Sluis for twelve hours per week for free, in the municipality of Terneuzen for four hours per week. In the municipality of Hulst, toddlers from 2.5 years old can go to childcare for eight hours per week for free. A wonderful initiative! More information can be found on the municipalities’ websites.
Primary education
There is a primary school in many villages. These are both public and denominational schools. In the larger villages, you can choose between several primary schools. In villages with few inhabitants, there is no primary school. The schools, 47 in total, are smaller in scale than in larger cities. This can be an advantage, as there is more room for personal attention. The region also offers special education for primary school pupils.
Secondary education
There are three regular secondary schools in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen: Reynaertcollege (municipality of Hulst), Lodewijk College (municipality of Terneuzen), and Zwin College (municipality of Sluis). The practical school in Hulst offers customized education. All four fall under the ‘Stichting Voortgezet Onderwijs Zeeuws-Vlaanderen’.
Secondary vocational education
In Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, Scalda provides secondary vocational education (MBO) and adult education. They offer accessible and versatile education in seventeen fields. Not all fields are available at the teaching locations in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen (Terneuzen and Oostburg). Scalda has good contacts with the secondary schools. This ensures that students are well prepared for the transition.
Higher professional education
In the province of Zeeland, HZ University of Applied Sciences (HZ) provides higher professional education (HBO). HZ offers personal and small-scale education to about 5,000 students, both full-time and part-time. HZ does not have a location in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen. They are located in Vlissingen and Middelburg.
If you study at HZ, you can choose from over seventy programs. From sports studies to business administration and from logistics to tourism management. HZ is a university of applied sciences with a strong international character. Students from abroad come here to study on the Zeeland coast. HZ students themselves also get the chance to get to know other cultures and improve their language skills. For example, through excursions, internships, graduation assignments, and international exchange programs.
Special education
There are also good facilities for children who need special education. In Zeeuws-Vlaanderen we have special primary education (SBO), special education (SO), secondary special education (VSO), and practical education (PRO). Ozeo is the umbrella organization within Zeeland. Taxi transport to schools for children with severe learning difficulties can be reimbursed by the municipalities.
Studying in Belgium
There is a lot of cooperation from Zeeuws-Vlaanderen with the Association University of Ghent. Howest, Hogeschool Gent, Artevelde Hogeschool, and Ghent University are part of this. The colleges and university in Antwerp are also well regarded and easily accessible from Zeeuws-Vlaanderen.
Unique character
Every school has its own character that fits the region. Whether you choose a creative, technical, or more theoretical program, the secondary schools offer something for everyone. They all have a wide range: from practical VMBO, versatile HAVO to challenging VWO and Gymnasium. Each is a place where students can fully develop their talents.
Frequently asked questions about education in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen
Find answers to frequently asked questions about education in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen.
1. What does primary education in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen look like?
In Zeeuws-Vlaanderen there are both public and denominational primary schools. In the larger towns you can choose between several schools. In smaller villages, this is not the case. There are a total of 47 primary schools, including some for special education.
2. How is childcare organized in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen?
There are various forms of childcare: playgroups, daycares, after-school care, and also childminders. Since 2025, there is a scheme where toddlers from a certain age can use childcare for a number of hours per week for free (depending on the municipality). For example: in Sluis 12 hours per week, in Terneuzen 4 hours per week, and in Hulst 8 hours per week.
3. Which secondary schools are there in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen?
There are three regular secondary schools: Reynaertcollege (Hulst), Lodewijk College (Terneuzen), and Zwin College (Sluis). In addition, there is the practical school in Hulst. All four fall under the Stichting Voortgezet Onderwijs Zeeuws-Vlaanderen.
4. Can you attend secondary vocational education (MBO) in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen?
Yes, MBO education and adult education are provided by Scalda. They offer education in seventeen fields. Not all fields are available at every location (Terneuzen and Oostburg). Pupils are well prepared for the transition from secondary education to MBO education.
5. Is there higher professional education (HBO) within Zeeuws-Vlaanderen?
No, HZ University of Applied Sciences does not have a location within Zeeuws-Vlaanderen. They are located in Vlissingen and Middelburg. For HZ programs, you have to travel to those locations.
6. What are the options for special education?
There are various facilities for students with special educational needs: special primary education (SBO), special education (SO), secondary special education (VSO), and practical education (PRO). The organization Ozeo plays a key role in this in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen. For students needing extra support, taxi transport is also possible. This depends on the situation.
7. Can I study in Belgium while living in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen?
Yes, that is an option. There is good cooperation with educational institutions in Belgium such as Ghent University, Howest, Artevelde Hogeschool, and others.
