Distinctive preparatory secondary vocational education (VMBO) with strong end-to-end pathways

The position of preparatory secondary vocational education (VMBO) in the Dutch education system is at risk of being undermined. The decline in numbers of pupils makes it difficult to organise good quality education and there are concerns about the appeal of VMBO education. Its appeal suffers from its complex structure and its negative image. The following question was submitted by the Dutch House of Representatives: How can the position of VMBO education within the Dutch education system be strengthened?