The Netherlands’ secondary schools must give pupils a minimum of 1,000 teaching hours a year, 40 hours fewer than in the current rules, MPs decided on Wednesday.

Some 18 months ago there were widespread protests about the 1,040 norm, which pupils complained led to pointless classes just so the target could be reached.
Junior education minister Marja van Bijsterveldt had threatened to fine schools which did not give enough lessons.
In order to make sure that schools hit the new target, the official summer holiday for secondary schools is being reduced from seven to six weeks. The extra days off for pupils will be used throughout the school year on days when teachers have extra training or other meetings, news agency ANP reported.
Van Bijsterveldt has refused to make more money available to help schools reach the new target, ANP said.