A parliamentary majority supported tightening the law that has made it easier since 2021 to establish publicly funded schools. State Secretary Tielen said she would review, and possibly tighten or remove, the requirement for prospective schools to demonstrate local parental interest through market research, after lawmakers questioned whether online surveys provided a reliable basis. She said the law will be tightened within five years because of the growth in very small schools.

The debate cited the Renaissance School in Almere, which opened in August with four pupils despite earlier measured interest from about 350 people. The school is linked to Forum for Democracy. Tielen said she currently sees no grounds to intervene there, but noted that it must have at least 139 pupils at the start of its fourth school year or close at the end of that year. A VVD member also announced a private member's bill intended to allow earlier intervention at poorly performing schools.