In primary schools across the Netherlands some 154,000 pupils in year eight are sitting a national test this week.

Dutch children are streamlined into different levels according to ability as soon as they enter secondary school. The test is a major indicator for the level of secondary education the pupils should enter in September.

The three-day test is taken in 85 percent of Dutch primary schools. The results will become available by March.

This year an experiment is being held in 50 schools in four regions in the Netherlands. Here children will take the test six weeks later, to see if longer preparation will improve the accuracy of the test as an indicator.

The annual national test in primary schools was introduced as a legal requirement in 1965. It is set by the national institute for exam development, Cito, whose name has become synonymous with the test.

© Radio Netherlands Worldwide