When looking at independent schools, the Netherlands is often mentioned as a prime example of school autonomy. Rooted in the constitution, the Dutch education system is build upon a combination of public funding and private operation. After almost a century of independent schools, the Dutch Government adopted a law recently which enables unprecedented levels of interference. Some claim unconstitutional levels of interference. In this paper I analyze the rationale behind the new law, including the social and political context. Although this analysis applies to small European country, the dynamics behind government interference has important implications for independent schools elsewhere. (Contains 2 figures and 2 notes.)