Evidence-based Strategies for Improving Education

This chapter provides a comparative analysis of the Dutch education system in the context of other high-income countries across Europe, North America, Oceania, and Asia. By benchmarking a broad set of indicators – ranging from educational investment and resource allocation to learning outcomes and labour market integration – the chapter identifies key structural strengths and pressing challenges. Particular attention is paid to issues such as teacher shortages, educational inequality, under-enrolment in early childhood education, and declining performance in international assessments such as the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). Drawing on evidence from high-performing systems in Finland, Estonia, Canada, and Singapore, the analysis emphasises the importance of integrated policy strategies that enhance teacher quality, promote equity, and support early intervention. The chapter concludes with evidence-based recommendations, advocating for coordinated governance, robust evaluation frameworks, and inclusive, data-informed reforms that respond to evolving societal needs while ensuring access to high-quality education for all learners.