When the Doorstroomtoets 2026 results arrive, many international parents wonder how to interpret the numbers and what they mean for secondary school placement in the Netherlands.

After the test in February, there is usually a waiting period of a few weeks. For many families, especially expat parents, this can feel uncertain.

What do the letters mean?
What is the difference between Cito and IEP scores?
And how important are the Doorstroomtoets 2026 results for the final school advice?

In this article, I explain clearly and calmly how to read the results, what they actually say (and what they don’t), and how they relate to your child’s final advice for secondary school.

If you are still preparing for the test, you can first read our guide:
👉 Doorstroomtoets 2026: 5 Essential Tips for Expat Parents

How to Interpret the Doorstroomtoets 2026 results

One of the biggest sources of confusion is that there isn’t just “one score.” In Dutch primary education, you may encounter:

• Letter scores (A–E)

• Roman numerals (I–V)

• Skill scores

• Functional levels (M7, E6, etc.)

• Reference levels (1F, 1S, 2F)

• A 50–100 scale (IEP Doorstroomtoets)

Let’s break this down step by step.

Cito scores in the Student Monitoring System (LVS)

Many parents still use the term “Cito score.” Historically, Cito was the main test provider in the Netherlands. Today, there are multiple providers, but the name has remained.

Within the student monitoring system (Leerling in Beeld), results are often shown as:

A–E Scores

• A – the highest 25% of students

• B – above average

• C – around average (slightly below to slightly above)

• D – below average

• E – lowest 10%

I–V Scores

• I – highest 20%

• II – above average

• III – average group

• IV – below average

• V – lowest group

Important:
These letters do not mean “good” or “bad.” They show your child’s position compared to a large national reference group.

A “C” or “III” means your child is performing around the national average.

In my experience working with international families, many parents are surprised to discover that a level III or a C-score is actually average. Some assume that if it is not an A or an I, it must be disappointing. But that is not how the Dutch system works. These letters indicate how a child compares to a large national group; they are not grades as many international school systems use them.

Raw Score, Skill Score and Growth

When your child takes a test, the number of correct answers is called the raw score. That raw score is then converted into a skill score. This score is placed on a long measurement scale that runs from group 3 to group 8.

Why is this important? Skill scores enable teachers to measure growth over time.

A letter (like B or III) shows position. A skill score shows development.

Two students can both have level III, but one may have grown significantly while the other remained stable. That growth is visible in the skill score, not in the letter.

I recently spoke with parents who initially felt uncertain about their child’s results because they saw B and C scores on the report. During their meeting with the teacher, they learned that the underlying skill scores were very close to the A-B boundary. In fact, the results were stronger than they had expected.

This is a good example of why it is important not to interpret the letters in isolation. Detailed scores and growth over time often tell a more complete and reassuring story.

Functional levels (M7, E6, etc.)

Sometimes reports show levels such as:

• M7 (middle of group 7)

• E6 (end of group 6)

• B4 (beginning of group 4)

This is called a functional level. It indicates the average group level your child’s performance aligns with.

For example, if a group 8 student performs at M7 level in mathematics, it suggests their results are comparable to the average student halfway through group 7. Functional levels can indicate lead or delay, but they should always be interpreted alongside the skill score and the growth graph.

A note on DLE Scores

Some schools mention DLE scores (Didactic Age Equivalent). These try to translate performance into months of learning.

However, DLE assumes that learning progresses linearly. In reality, development is rarely perfectly linear. A difference of one skill point can sometimes appear to be several months in DLE, which may be misleading. That is why schools prefer skill scores when evaluating development.

Understanding the Doorstroomtoets 2026 Results: Cito vs IEP

Since 2024, the Doorstroomtoets replaced the old central end test. Several providers offer it, including Cito and IEP. Each provider uses its own scoring system.

Cito Doorstroomtoets

Cito uses a skill score between 151 and 200. A higher score means more correct answers. Each score corresponds to a range of secondary school advice.

IEP Doorstroomtoets

The IEP Doorstroomtoets uses a 50–100 scale. The score is calculated based on achieved reference levels in:

• Reading

• Language (spelling and grammar)

• Mathematics

 

What are Reference Levels (1F, 1S, 2F)?

Reference levels were introduced nationally in 2010. They describe what children should be able to do in language and mathematics at certain stages.

For primary school, the most relevant levels are:

• 1F (Fundamental level) – basic level every child should reach

• 1S (Stretch level for mathematics)

• 2F (Higher language level)

Roughly one-third of students finish at 1F, while about two-thirds reach 1S/2F.

The Doorstroomtoets 2026 results indicate which reference levels your child has achieved. The Dutch Education Inspectorate ensures that the percentage of correct answers required for each level is standardised across all test providers.

You can read more about this here: Understanding Dutch reference levels (1F–4F)

When do you receive the results?

IEP results are usually available about five weeks after the test, typically in the second half of March.

The primary school receives the Doorstroomtoets 2026 results first and then shares them with you. If anything is unclear, schedule a conversation. Schools expect questions.

The Final School Advice in the Netherlands

Since 2015, the final primary school advice has been legally binding for admission to secondary education.

The school bases this advice on:

• Test results over several years (especially group 6–8)

• Work attitude

• Motivation

• Social-emotional development

• Classroom performance

The Doorstroomtoets primarily serves as confirmation.

What if the score is lower?

If your child scores below the preliminary advice, the school is not required to lower the advice. The broader development and long-term results still count.

What if the score is higher?

If your child scores higher than the school’s advice, the school must reconsider the advice. They may keep the original advice only if there are strong, well-argued reasons. In many cases, the advice is adjusted upward.

A test is a snapshot, not a label

The most important message I share with parents:

The Doorstroomtoets 2026 results reflect performance at a single point in time. They do not define your child’s intelligence, potential or future. Especially for multilingual children, development can follow a different pattern. Growth may look different and that is completely normal. What matters most is realistic placement and long-term development.

While the Doorstroomtoets provides a useful snapshot, it is only one moment in your child’s language journey. To learn how you can support your child’s Dutch throughout the year, read our comprehensive guide: How to help your child learn Dutch every day.

How to discuss the results with your child?

• Take time and remove distractions.

• Let your child explain what they see first.

• Ask how they feel about the results.

• Reassure them that one score does not determine their future.

• If the score differs from the advice, discuss together what feels right.

The goal is confidence and clarity, not pressure.

Need help interpreting the Doorstroomtoets 2026 results?

For many international parents, the Dutch testing system feels complex.

If you would like help interpreting your child’s results—especially in the context of language background or international schooling, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

🎙️ I also recorded a podcast episode explaining the Doorstroomtoets 2026 results in clear language.
📩 Or book a consultation if you would like personal guidance.

You do not have to navigate this system alone!

Frequently Asked Questions about the Doorstroomtoets 2026 results

What do the Doorstroomtoets 2026 results mean?

The Doorstroomtoets 2026 results show how your child performed in reading, language and mathematics compared to national standards. Depending on the test provider (Cito or IEP), results are presented as a skill score or on a 50–100 scale, with achieved reference levels (e.g., 1F or 1S). The results mainly confirm the school’s preliminary advice and provide additional insight into your child’s academic level at the end of primary school.

Is the Doorstroomtoets decisive?

No. The final school advice given by the primary school is legally binding for admission to secondary education in the Netherlands. The Doorstroomtoets primarily serves as confirmation. If the test score is lower than expected, the advice does not have to change. If the score is significantly higher, the school must reconsider the advice.

What does 1F or 1S mean?

1F and 1S are national reference levels that describe what children should be able to do in language and mathematics at the end of primary school.

1F (Fundamental level) is the baseline every student should achieve.
1S (Stretch level) indicates a higher level of mathematical understanding.
These levels help secondary schools understand a student’s academic readiness.

Can school advice change after the test?

Yes, but only upward. If the Doorstroomtoets result is higher than the preliminary school advice, the school must reconsider the advice. They may keep the original advice only if there are strong, well-argued reasons. If the test score is lower, the school does not have to adjust the advice downward.