The effect of a change in the compulsory education system on the number of early school leavers

This research measured the effect of a change in the Dutch law of compulsory education in 2007 on the number of early school leavers. To tackle the problem of early school leavers the Dutch government introduced a change in the law of compulsory education. Schooling is important for individuals and society. Compulsory education helps more students get a basic qualification. This basic qualification is important for their future and their chances on the labor market. The main findings of this research are that the change in the law of compulsory education does not have a specific influence on the number of early school leavers in the Netherlands. It is important to note that not only this change caused a decrease in the number of early school leavers. Earlier projects, programs and investments done by the Dutch government had a significant positive influence on the number of early school leavers. Factors like, gender, household composition, paid work, self-reported happiness and self-reported health has a significant negative influence on the change of achieving a basic qualification for students with an age between 18 and 24 years. The analyses are conducted with the research methods, difference- in- difference analysis and multiple linear regression analysis. The outcomes are checked on robustness.