rssSep 21, 2026, 13:00

School advice differs significantly by district: Southeast receives lower recommendations

Recent data reveals that students in Amsterdam's Zuidoost and Noord districts are significantly more likely to receive lower school recommendations than their test performance warrants. Additionally, the report shows stark disparities in academic achievement and mental health across different city districts, prompting local officials to pledge increased investment in educational equity.

A new report from Onderzoek & Statistiek reveals significant disparities in educational outcomes and mental health among Amsterdam students depending on their district. Students in Zuidoost and Noord are disproportionately likely to receive school recommendations lower than their test scores suggest, with 33 percent of students in Zuidoost facing under-advising compared to only 7 percent in the city center. Furthermore, academic performance regarding language and math targets remains lower in Nieuw-West and Zuidoost compared to more affluent areas.

The study also highlighted concerning trends in student well-being, noting that pupils in the city center and West report higher levels of psychological issues. Conversely, while students in Zuidoost face more academic obstacles, they also report higher incidences of loneliness and suicidal ideation. Education alderman Esmah Lahlah described the findings as confrontational and emphasized the need to ensure a child's prospects are not determined by their neighborhood. The city plans to address these inequities by supporting teachers with recommendations and promoting broader transition classes to allow students more time to develop.

Politics Culture Health Amsterdam

Read original ↗

Based on reporting by rss. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

JARA seeks better connection with agencies: "Young people don't feel heard"

The Youth Advisory Body Amsterdam (JARA) hosted its first youth summit to improve communication between young people and municipal services, law enforcement, and political organizations. The initiative aims to help youth navigate various support systems for personal and health-related issues while bridging the disconnect between city departments.

No new snack bars near schools? Amsterdam looks for legal ways to limit unhealthy food options

Amsterdam is attempting to legally restrict new unhealthy food outlets, especially near schools, by testing the boundaries of current environmental laws in court. The city hopes this pilot case will either empower local authorities to act now or provide the necessary evidence to pressure the national government into finalizing a new Food Act.

Municipality to open its own healthy restaurant to combat excess of fast food outlets

The Amsterdam municipal government plans to open and then deny a permit for its own unhealthy restaurant to test legal limits regarding health-based zoning. By taking the matter to court, officials aim to establish a precedent that would allow the city to restrict new fast-food establishments in the future.

Aid worker Tim has been volunteering at Amsterdam Marathon for nearly nine years

Tim Zandbergen has volunteered as a first aid responder for the Amsterdam Marathon for nearly nine years, using his bicycle to provide rapid medical assistance. He carries essential equipment like an AED to help participants and spectators during emergencies, including life-threatening situations.

Freek Gillissen (1955-2026) was a tower of strength for people with dementia and their loved ones

Freek Gillissen, a nursing consultant and co-founder of Alzheimercentrum Amsterdam, has died at the age of 71. He was highly regarded for his commitment to supporting both dementia patients and their families by fostering meaningful communication during the progression of the disease.