Pre-vocational secondary education (Dutch: Voorbereidend middelbaar beroepsonderwijs, lit. 'preparatory middle-level vocational education', abbr. VMBO) is a school track in the Netherlands. It lasts four years, from the age of twelve to sixteen. It combines vocational training with theoretical education in languages, mathematics, history, arts, and sciences. Sixty percent of students nationally are enrolled in VMBO. VMBO has five different levels; in each a different mix of practical vocational training and theoretical education is combined:[1]
For all of these levels there is "learning path supporting education" (Leerweg Ondersteunend Onderwijs), which is intended for pupils with educational or behavioural problems. These pupils are taught in small classes by specialised teachers.
