Start-up School's first graduation ceremony sets a new standard in vocational education

Start-up School reached a milestone this week. Eighteen-year-old Roel Kind is the very first student to earn a diploma through the completely innovative concept of "learning to qualify." With this, Start-up School sets a new standard in future-oriented vocational education.

Start-up School, part of Summa, is the first vocational education program in the Netherlands to apply "learning-based qualification" throughout the entire program. Students receive continuous feedback on their progress and development, gathering evidence through practical assignments, projects, and internships. Assessment only takes place once a set of evidence is complete. This concept differs significantly from the traditional approach, where snapshots, such as exams, are the norm.

"For us, it's not just about knowledge, but especially about how that knowledge is applied in practice. This approach makes learning more personal, more meaningful, and better aligned with the changing demands of the labor market," says teacher coach Stein Hurkx of Start-up School.

Roel Kind, the first graduate of Start-up School, discovered the program through an article in Het Financieele Dagblad . “The concept appealed to me immediately,” he says. “The freedom to determine my own learning path gave me the motivation to go for it completely.”

During his studies, Roel worked on challenging projects, such as setting up TikTok campaigns that generated millions of views for a financial platform. "At Start-up School, I was given the freedom to discover what truly suits me. I'll carry that experience with me for the rest of my life," says Roel.

With his diploma in hand, he's off to Barcelona to further pursue his entrepreneurial dream. "I hope to return one day as a guest lecturer to give back to the community that has helped me so much."

At Start-up School, everything revolves around doing, experimenting, and learning from your experiences. Students choose their own path and are supported by an inspiring community of like-minded individuals, coaches, and experts. "The community at Start-up School has made a huge difference. Everyone is entrepreneurial and driven, which creates an environment where you understand and motivate each other," explains Roel. "With us, it's about who you are and what you want to achieve," Hurkx clarifies. "We challenge students to make a positive impact based on their passion. Roel is a great example of how this approach helps students develop and be ready for the next step."

Start-up School, together with Summa ICT and Summa Veiligheid, is a pioneer in making education flexible and personalized. This first graduation ceremony is an important step towards a future in which more students learn based on their own talents and ambitions.