6 months Ago
Many VMBO students already began their exams last month. Since April 1, schools were allowed to administer digital exams for students in VMBO primary and intermediate levels. Students taking written exams also started earlier than the rest.
Previous Results and Performance Trends
In 2024, 91.5 percent of students passed their exit exams. Historically, VMBO students tend to perform well, while HAVO students usually have the lowest pass rates. Last year, more than 10 percent of HAVO students failed their exams.
According to the State of Education 2025 report released last month, the Education Inspectorate suggested that this may be due to "VMBO avoidance behavior." This refers to students or parents avoiding vocational education due to its perceived lower status, resulting in some students entering HAVO without the ability to handle its demands.
Expert Advice for Exam Preparation
Stefan van der Stigchel, professor of Cognitive Psychology at Utrecht University, advised students to prepare for exams in quiet, distraction-free spaces such as study halls. He stressed the importance of keeping mobile phones far away during study time. Even a single notification sound can interrupt focus, he said, comparing it to dieting with cookies nearby — an approach that doesn't work.
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