Leerweg

Leerweg is a Dutch term for the educational path or track a student follows within the Dutch education system. In secondary education it denotes the level and focus of the curriculum, as well as subject choices and qualification goals. The term is commonly used in VMBO, the preparatory middle-level vocational education, which historically classified students into several leerwegen after primary school. The main leerwegen are: Basisberoepsgerichte leerweg, Kaderberoepsgerichte leerweg, Theoretische leerweg, and Gemengde leerweg. The Basisberoepsgerichte leerweg emphasizes practical training and vocational subjects. The Kaderberoepsgerichte leerweg combines theory with applied study and more extensive internships. The Theoretische leerweg focuses on theoretical subjects and typically prepares students for further study at MBO or, in some cases, HAVO through bridging routes. The Gemengde leerweg mixes theory and practice and offers exits to various MBO pathways.

After completing a VMBO leerweg, students generally continue to MBO (middle-level applied education) or pursue other post-secondary options, depending on the diploma and local arrangements. Outside VMBO, the term leerweg is also used more generally to describe learning paths in adult education, language courses, or other programs, where learners choose a route aligned with their goals and prior knowledge. See also: VMBO, HAVO, MBO.