The model in NL is that the tracks aren't fixed, and most schools offer all tracks (or a subset) in the same building, so switching tracks doesn't necessarily mean losing friends. We also have 4 secondary education tracks, not two; in ascending order:

- VMBO-praktijk (applied vocational education, 4 years)

- VMBO-theoretisch (theoretic vocational education, 4 years)

- HAVO (general high-school education, 5 years)

- VWO (university-prep high-school education, 6 years)

Also, the specialization doesn't happen until they're 14, and students are free to switch if they meet the grades. If they get sufficient marks across the board, they can "upgrade" to the next track, or if they'd have to repeat the current year they can sometimes choose to downgrade a track instead.

Finally, students can re-enroll in the higher track after graduation as well (starting from the penultimate year). It's not uncommon for someone to complete their VMBO-T track first, then re-enter the HAVO track and get a HAVO certification in six years instead of the nominal five (or complete the VWO track in 7 years that way). As said, not everyone learns at the same pace and I think this setup gives many students lost of opportunities for a good outcome.