How We Calculate School Performance Scores

Every school on KieSchool.nl gets a score from 0 to 100. Here is exactly how it is computed.

The six components

Uitstroom (50% combined)

Uitstroom is the secondary-school track each group-8 cohort was placed into. We measure three tracks as a percentage of the total cohort size:

• VWO — the university-preparation track. Highest weight (25%) because it is the strongest predictor of long-term academic success.
• HAVO — higher general education (15%).
• VMBO-T — theoretical vocational track (10%).

Schools with fewer than 5 students in a cohort are excluded for that year to avoid noise from very small classes.

Fundamental and target reference levels (40% combined)

The Dutch doorstroomtoets produces two benchmarks for every school:

• Fundamenteel niveau (25%) — the share of pupils reaching the minimum required level in reading and maths.
• Streefniveau (15%) — the share reaching the higher aspirational target.

These figures come from Scholen op de Kaart and are linked to each school via its BIS-id.

Standardised test modifier (15%)

Dutch primary schools use different exit tests. We support all of them:

Because each test uses a different numeric scale (IEP runs 50–97, Cito 521–542, DIA 332–374, etc.), scores are normalised within each test type before being used. An IEP school is compared to other IEP schools; a DIA school to other DIA schools. This ensures a school is never penalised for the test format it chose.

The normalised test score is blended in as a modifier:

score = base_score × 0.85 + test_score × 0.15

Normalisation

Before weighting, every component is min-max normalised across all schools in the same academic year. This converts raw percentages into a 0–100 scale relative to the national spread.

After the weighted composite is calculated, a final rescaling ensures the top school in each year scores exactly 100 and the bottom scores 0.

Missing data

If a component is unavailable (no SODK link, no test record), it is excluded and the remaining components are re-weighted proportionally. A school needs at least 25% of the possible weight covered to receive a score at all.

What the score does not measure

The score focuses on measurable academic outcomes. It does not capture class size, teaching style, extracurricular activities, religious identity, building quality, or parent satisfaction — all factors that may matter to your family. Use the score as one input alongside the full school profile.