The government’s decision to phase out funding for Dutch schools abroad means that dozens of them are likely to close in the next few years.

Funding for the schools, where expat children can keep their Dutch language skills up to scratch in a few lessons a week, was first cut in 2013 and will stop completely in 2017.

‘Good education in Dutch abroad helps Dutch people who want to maintain links with the Netherlands and the language,’ says Nob, the organisation which runs the schools.

In total, there are 196 Dutch schools abroad, with some 14,500 pupils.

Schools charge fees of up to €1,000 a year for the lessons and receive a €250 payment per child from the Dutch government.