An investigation of factors affecting early foreign language learning in the Netherlands

The most recent data available on language teaching in Europe indicate that the number of pupils in primary education that are being taught at least one foreign language is on the rise, with pupils being offered foreign languages at an increasingly younger age (Eurydice Network, Eurostat, and Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency, 2008). The teaching of English in Dutch primary schools has been mandatory in the (pen)ultimate year of schooling since 1986 (Thijs et al. 2011). However, schools also have the option of introducing a foreign language earlier in the curriculum. Currently, an estimated 850 primary schools—approximately 12 per cent of the total number of primary schools in the Netherlands—offer a foreign language from age 4 years, that is, the first year of primary school, and while there are a number of schools opting for French or German, the vast majority choose English (Europees Platform, n.d.).