Inequality at primary schools

In Utrecht, there appears to be a large divide between rich and poor in primary schools. A large divide is visible between children with practically educated parents versus children with theoretically educated parents. The Utrecht municipality now hopes, by setting up a central registration procedure, to counter this divide. According to Ravesteijn, priority rules are also an important factor reinforcing the dichotomy. For instance, siblings have priority or there is a priority scheme based on location. His research also showed that neighbourhoods in Utrecht are highly segregated. Because people then choose a school in the neighbourhood, the schools are almost automatically segregated as well. 

The Kansenkaart created by Ravesteijn and his colleague clearly shows the income differences at primary school.