PISA study shows declining reading proficiency in Netherlands and Flanders

PISA results reading proficiency education decline literacy rates Dutch education

The 2025 PISA study reveals a significant decline in reading proficiency among 15-year-olds in the Netherlands. Approximately 39 percent of Dutch students failed to reach the basic level of reading proficiency required to function effectively in school and society. This trend has been ongoing since 2012, and Dutch students have consistently performed below the European average since 2018.

While reading scores have dropped, proficiency levels in mathematics and science have remained relatively stable, though a slight downward trend in mathematics was noted. In Flanders, a similar pattern of decline is observed in reading and mathematics, with 30 percent of students failing to meet basic standards.

Experts suggest that the decline in language skills may be linked to a lack of emphasis on oral communication in classrooms. In the Netherlands, educators reportedly spend about 80 percent of the day speaking, which limits opportunities for students to practice speaking and listening. The Dutch government has announced plans to address these basic skills through new educational goals and an upcoming action plan.

Entities

Flanders · Judith Tielen · Miriam op de Beek · Netherlands · OECD · Pisa

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 6 SOURCES] Approximately 39 percent of Dutch 15-year-olds failed to reach the basic level of reading proficiency. ridderkerksdagblad.nl · nos.nl · forum.viva.nl · boekenkrant.com · www.oost.nl · +1 more
[● 2 SOURCES] Dutch students have performed below the European average since 2018. ridderkerksdagblad.nl · nos.nl
[○ 1 SOURCE] Proficiency levels in mathematics and science remained largely stable in the Netherlands. ridderkerksdagblad.nl
[○ 1 SOURCE] Teachers in the Netherlands spend approximately 80 percent of the day speaking, leaving little room for student oral practice. www.nporadio1.nl
[● 6 SOURCES] The 2025 PISA study shows a decline in reading proficiency among Dutch 15-year-olds. ridderkerksdagblad.nl · nos.nl · www.nporadio1.nl · forum.viva.nl · boekenkrant.com · +1 more
[○ 1 SOURCE] Language proficiency includes speaking, listening, and writing, not just reading. www.nporadio1.nl

Sources

Leesvaardigheid Nederlandse scholieren opnieuw hard gedaald [ridderkerksdagblad.nl]

3 days ago

Pisa-scores weer gedaald [forum.viva.nl]

3 days ago

Nieuws: Week van Lezen en Schrijven gestart. Leesvaardigheid verder onder druk [boekenkrant.com]

2 days ago

Erika kon jarenlang niet lezen of schrijven: 'Mijn wereld is nu zoveel rijker' [www.oost.nl]

3 days ago

PISA-resultaten Vlaanderen verder achteruit, zowel aan de top als aan de basis [www.bruzz.be]

3 days ago

Vlaamse leerlingen kampen met achteruitgang in lezen en rekenen [newsmonkey.be]

2 days ago

Bijna 40 procent 15-jarigen kan niet goed lezen, laaggeletterdheid dreigt [nos.nl]

3 days ago

Taalvaardigheid Nederlandse jongeren blijft zakken, wat moet er beter? [www.nporadio1.nl]

3 days ago