The way Dutch is taught in schools needs a radical overhaul, teachers and academics said in a joint manifesto on Thursday.

There has been little change in the way Dutch is taught for 25 years and many pupils find it boring and unchallenging, broadcaster Nos quotes the manifesto as saying.

In addition, school pupils lack proper writing skills and universities and colleges have been forced to introduce special courses to get new students up to speed. At trade schools (vmbo), 14% of pupils are ‘functionally illiterate’, the manifesto states.

In particular, the teachers say school exams should be made more relevant and that more attention should be paid to writing skills.