The VBS (Dutch Assocation of Independent Schools) started originally in 1918 as an assocation of teachers and schoolleaders to share knowledge & good practices, discuss common development issues and to look after the interests of schools with a specific pedagogical vision.

At present the VBS is an assocation of around 650 schools in primary, secondary, special and higher vocational education. Circa 40 people work at the VBS. Not only for members and non members, but also because the VBS hosts different special service agency's like: the National Agency of Broad Schools, National Project of Combination functions, National Association of Montessori Schools and National Assocation of Dalton Schools. 

Pedagogical entrepeneurship and a specific own pedagogical vision/concept is what the schools unite, associated with the VBS. They represent around 7-8% of all the Dutch primary & secondary schools. The formal ground of recognition of these schools is most of the time what is called algemeen bijzonder (general independent), in contrast with the acknowledged religieus pillars wich are recognised by the state for financial budget to operate schools. 

The VBS or DAIS (Dutch Assocation of Independent Schools) has a lot of schools active in the international field. The VBS services them in fields like judicial and financial questions, questions of starting and expanding schools and questions of human resource management and consultation in innovation of education and or organisation (social innovation).

The VBS functions in different networks to share knowledge, connect people and schools and look after the interests of independent schools. At present the general director of the VBS is also the chairman of ECNAIS (European Council of National Associations of Independent Schools).