Education

The Belgian educational system has an enviable reputation worldwide. The language of instruction is determined by the school’s location. In Flanders this is Dutch.

You can also opt for an international school. The international education system employs the same curriculum in different countries. If you move to another country after a few years, your child can continue their schooling under the same international system. International schools are not bound by Belgium’s language restrictions. They may teach in English, for example. This is not one of the official Belgian languages.

In Belgium, education is compulsory for all children between 6 and 18 years of age. Children starting primary education on 1 September the year they turn five are also considered subject to this requirement. Compulsory education does not mean compulsory school attendance; parents may teach their children at home. The compulsory education is paid for by the government and is free of charge. Schools are not permitted to ask you to pay tuition. Parents do pay for other items, such as school trips, hot meals, cultural activities, etc.

The Belgian Constitution provides for freedom of education. This means you can choose between various types of education in Flanders. The official education system is provided by the government (the Flemish Community, province or municipality). Education can also be provided by private institutions. The official education system is ideologically neutral. Non-state education is Catholic, but schools based on other religious and philosophical views exist as well. There are also schools based on specific pedagogical methods (e.g. Freinet or Steiner schools). The Flemish government has established agreements for all types of education. These agreements specify the minimum that children must learn and be capable of and at what age. These agreed capabilities are called attainment levels. In addition, schools may maintain their own supplementary criteria.

Preschool

In Flanders preschool is not compulsory. However, it’s certainly worthwhile and costs nothing. Your child will learn social skills, become familiar with the language and gain practical skills. The preschool teacher prepares your child for primary education. Six-year-olds may start primary school if they have attended at least 220 half days of Dutch-language preschool in the previous academic year. If this is not the case, the ‘class council’ for the primary school you wish your child to attend decides whether this is advisable, or whether they should first attend another year of preschool. Attention: A child that attends preschool for an additional year will be of school age and must attend school every day (excepting justifiable absences). Though preschool is not compulsory, over 90% of children between 2.5 to 3 and 6 years of age do attend preschool. The options are many and free.

Compulsory education

Education is compulsory for six years of primary school (ages 6 to 12) and six years of secondary school (ages 12 to 18). During the first two years of secondary education all students receive the same basic schooling. Then they choose a specialisation, either general secondary education, technical education or vocational training.

Higher/university education

Those who have completed secondary education can continue their studies at an institute of higher education or university. These programmes are designated as either Bachelor’s or Master’s degree courses. This division into Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees is in accordance with the Bologna Declaration, intended to unify higher education in Europe.