NHL Stenden in Leeuwarden said 36 students started its Frisian teacher-training programme this academic year, more than double the number in previous years. The group includes two full-time students, 16 part-time students and 16 minor students; many of the part-time students are career switchers.

The programme attributed the increase to Friesland’s language policy and recruitment efforts linked to the Language Plan Frysk 2030. It said more teachers will be needed as Frisian is promoted more actively in schools and is due to be offered as an examination subject at all Frisian secondary schools by 2030. Three students also began studying Frisian at the University of Groningen, the first such intake there in 15 years.