ABN AMRO Analysis Highlights Link Between Limited Access to Sports, Culture, and Lower Test Scores Among Dutch Children

ABN AMRO Analysis Highlights Link Between Limited Access to Sports, Culture, and Lower Test Scores Among Dutch Children

(IN BRIEF) An analysis by ABN AMRO Foundation reveals that Dutch primary school children with limited access to sports and cultural activities are more likely to receive recommendations for lower levels of secondary education, potentially limiting their educational and career opportunities. The study, based on research from SEO, estimates that 146,000 children lack sufficient cultural exposure and 71,000 lack sports involvement, both impacting test scores and educational recommendations. ABN AMRO’s Ward van der Stee warns that this gap may affect the future workforce, emphasizing the importance of early exposure to sports and culture. To address this, ABN AMRO Foundation is working to expand access to these activities for disadvantaged children to support their full development and ensure a fair start.

(PRESS RELEASE) AMSTERDAM, 1-Nov-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — A recent analysis by ABN AMRO Foundation reveals that Dutch primary school children with limited access to sports and cultural activities are more likely to receive lower secondary school recommendations, potentially stunting their educational prospects and future job opportunities. Authored by ABN AMRO Foundation, this press release highlights the long-term social and economic impacts of this opportunity gap, which affects over 100,000 children nationwide.

ABN AMRO’s analysis, based on research from SEO, an independent economics research agency, estimates that around 146,000 children in the Netherlands are advised to attend a lower level of secondary education due to limited cultural access, while 71,000 children face similar educational under recommendations due to insufficient sports involvement. Ward van der Stee, ABN AMRO sector analyst, stresses that this disparity not only limits individual potential but also poses a risk to the future workforce, which will increasingly require a broad range of skills.

Data from Statistics Netherlands shows a steady decline in children’s participation in organized sports and cultural activities. Today, only 63% of primary students engage in organized sports, while just 26% and 20% of students visit museums and theatres, respectively. According to SEO’s research, participation in sports and cultural experiences correlates with improved aptitude test scores. Children involved in organized sports score an average of 1.5 points higher on the CITO test, while those exposed to cultural activities score an average of 1.4 points higher. For many, this difference impacts whether they qualify for vocational or higher general education tracks.

Highlighting the broader implications, Van der Stee warns that declining participation in these developmental activities not only affects individual children but also hampers workforce readiness in an ageing society facing looming labor shortages. He underscores the role of early exposure to sports and cultural experiences in fostering flexibility and adaptability—key traits for future job market success.

In response to this pressing issue, ABN AMRO Foundation has committed to expanding access to sports and cultural activities for children from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, aiming to provide every child with a fair start and an opportunity to develop their potential. Through its programs, the Foundation seeks to bridge this opportunity gap, supporting holistic child development and building a stronger, more inclusive future workforce.

Media Contact:

Hans Sjouke Koopal
Sr Press Officer Personal & Business Banking, Wealth Management, Corporate Banking
hans.sjouke.koopal@nl.abnamro.com
+31 (0)20 3009154

SOURCE: ABN AMRO