19/09/2019 Results of the public consultation on the … The national approach to special needs education in Belgium is one of inclusion and equality, meaning children are integrated into mainstream schools where possible. Some international schools offer programs, and there are language-specific programs like CERAN’s Intensive French Program for Juniors & Teens. Without this, children must undergo a basic language test to assess their proficiency. The number of children being educated at home, or by private tutors in Belgium is rising. School is compulsory from age 6 to 18. Beware of the language system in Belgium! The documents you will need to enroll include: Those children without official residence documents also have the legal right to register in a school. School is compulsory from age 6 to 18. No matter what you choose, education standards are high in Belgium. It is therefore necessary to choose carefully between the specializations when thinking about higher education. It was given to you by the primary school. While this allows parents and children to choose their school freely, it also means that a school often cannot accept all children from a specific neighborhood. Belgium has one of the most complex and successful education systems in the world. During three weeks a series of criteria will determine what the priorities are in order to be registered.Social criteria, criterias of distance between the home and the schools, whether if a brother or sister are already registered at the chosen establishment. As a result, over 90% of children attend a pre-school in Belgium. This is not a kindergarten, but active preparation for primary school. Testing is carried out throughout secondary education and is fairly rigourous. In the municipalities around Brussels, known as the “communes à facilités’” such as Drogenbos, Kraainem, Linkebeek, Rhode Saint-Genèse, Wemmel and Wezembeek-Oppem, the legislation is different. These certificates provide access to higher education. Private schools offer a range of different teaching styles and international schools provide the opportunity to obtain globally recognized qualifications. Looking for a first-class international education for your child in the Brussels area? As with other elements of education, support for children with SEN is determined by the department of education in each community. The Belgian school system’s approach to assessment may not win popularity awards with your kids. The language of education is Dutch in the Dutch region, French in the French region and German in the German region. Use Expatica’s guide on the IB in Belgium to weigh up the advantages of an IB education, and browse the list of schools which offer the curriculum. If you decide to educate your child at home, you must notify the language-specific department of education. Schools do not work based on a catchment area, so you are free to choose any location. Education in Belgium ranks third-best among the 35 OECD countries, well above the EU and world averages, with the highest level of pre-school participation, good teachers and a broad and flexible higher education system. However, after age 16 students can opt to study part-time and undertake vocational or technical training. This may affect the ease of changing schools mid year. Expatica uses technology such as cookies and scripts to personalize content and ads, provide social media features, and analyze our traffic. Check with the individual school for their policy. The education system is divided in four general parts: preschool education for ages 21/2 to 6, primary education for ages 6 to 12, secondary education for ages 12 to 18, and tertiary education in both university and nonuniversity format averaging four years. (certain books, outside activities, school trips, sports activities, personal equipment). In the Belgian system, secondary school starts at the age of 12. For those who register after the date, there will not be priority criteria. Primary school: from 6 to 12 years old-from the 1st to the 6th primary. There are also plenty of language courses available to provide extra support for your child. When students begin to specialize, their courses of study focus on one of four areas: Schools may specialize in a particular stream, or offer different sections for different streams. However, after age 16 students can opt to study part-time and undertake vocational or technical training. In the final years of primary education, learning Dutch or German for the French speaking community, and French for the Dutch-speaking community, usually becomes compulsory. The French-speaking region maintains a separate education system from the rest of Belgium more closely aligned to French academic norms. While some aspects may differ, the compulsory school age throughout Belgium is between six and 18. It is important to note, however, that with vocational training, education must be continued a further year to obtain the certificate. But a new system is being introduced to regulate the enrolment of children when they enter the first year at secondary level. Investment in education is also one of the highest among the 40 OECD countries. The time of "first come first served" is finished. Many schools, both public and private, have waiting lists. This overview will help you navigate the school systems in each of the three language communities, to secure the best education for your child. Registration also takes place at certain times of the year, usually December or January for public schools. Details of dedicated SEN schools in a particular area can be found at the town halls (Stadhuis/Maison communale), and the individual Ministries of Education publish lists of special schools on their websites. 03/02/2020 Brexit: centralised information on the impact at the Belgian federal level. The different types of private primary school available include: Secondary education in Belgium – secundair onderwijs in Dutch; enseignement secondaire in French – is compulsory from ages 12 to 18. The local departments of education oversee the requirements and curriculum of each region. Secondary education starts with a two year common curriculum as a foundation. Click "Read More" for further details. School System in Belgium on YP.com. However, after age 16 students can opt to study part-time and undertake vocational or technical training. Belgium is known for outstanding research in biotechnology and aeronautics. See reviews, photos, directions, phone numbers and more for the best Public Schools in Belgium, WI. Click below to consent to the use of this technology on our website – and don’t worry, we respect your privacy. Information on the system of schooling in Belgium, from pre-primary to higher education... As Belgium is divided into distinct federal regions there are separate education systems that run along very similar lines for each of the communities. However, please check back regularly for any updates that may occur. NOTE: These settings will only apply to the browser and device you are currently using. While a number of subjects are compulsory, students must make curricular choices beginning in the first year of study, ultimately leading to a variety of specializations that generally combine two lines of study. As a part of this testing it is common for children to repeat a year, and doing so has no negative stigma attached. The Cedar Grove-Belgium Area School District is dedicated to fostering the intellectual, moral, cultural, emotional, social, and physical development of all students in a secure environment thereby enabling them to function effectively in society as competent, productive, caring, and responsible people. There are also plenty of options for those parents and children leaning towards private, international or alternative styles of education. There are different enrolment systems for Dutch-language and French-language public schools, and depending when in the academic year your are relocating. However, this can mean that the closest school may be full. A Fair but Competitive School Enrollment System. As a member of the European Union, the higher education system in Belgium is consistent with the Bologna Process. With a large range of schooling styles and levels, and regulations which vary between the Dutch-, French-, and German-speaking communities, understanding the different types of schools in Belgium can be overwhelming at first. The school system in Belgium In Belgium, access to education is free until the end of compulsory schooling, that is, until 18 years old. System: Belgium has three autonomous education systems (for the Flemish Community, the French Community and the German-speaking Community), and the role of the federal government is limited to determining the duration There are three different national education systems in Belgium. Due to the differences in curriculum or the price of international schools, some expat parents opt to homeschool their child. Between 2008 and 2012, 98.9 percent of male children and 99.2 percent of female children were enrolled in primary school. 07/05/2020 On 8 May, we commemorate the heroes of World War II #wewillmeetagain . Within each region there are three main types of institutions: All children living in Belgium must enroll within the first 60 days of their registration in the municipality. Without this document, the secondary school will not be able to register your child. There are three different national education systems in Belgium. Before the compulsory school age, there are also free pre-primary school facilities for children aged 2,5 years and over. These statistics show that mandatory primary school … 03/02/2020 Brexit: centralised information on the impact at the Belgian federal level. The ranking is based on a report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This article will give you an overview of the key facts you need to know: Belgium is divided into three distinct language communities: Each community has their own regulations in regard to the education system and enrolment in schools. Alternatively, assessment tests can be carried out in English at the Children’s Department of the Community Help Centre, CHS. Primary education – lager onderwijs in Dutch and enseignement primaire in French – is compulsory from ages six to 12. It is taught at a number of primary and secondary schools in Belgium. Together with Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg and Italy, the country in 1951 formed the European Coal and Steel Community – an embryonic predecessor of the European Economic Community and eventual European Union (EU), to which the Netherlands ascended as an original signatory. In Belgium, primary school starts at the age of 6 and is divided into three cycles of two years. Choosing a school in Belgium is an important step in setting up a life here for your family, whether it’s for one year or for twenty. The curriculum is broad to begin, but as students move into higher years, or cycles, they have more choice about the subjects they take. You can of course change your mind and withdraw your consent at any time, by returning to this site after clearing the cookies on your computer or device. Enrolment in these schools, available throughout the year, requires an assessment to determine the most appropriate school for your child. f you are on the waiting list, we would advise you to register anyways at another school of your choice to be certain to have a place.There is a lot of movement on the waiting lists at the beginning of the year which gives you a good chance to obtain your first choice.www.enseignement.be, Registration in a Belgian secondary school, Free schooling… (faith schools or not), subsidised and free. Criteria of distance, of brothers and sisters already registered.. will be taken into account.If there are still some places left, your child will be registered, if not, he/she will be on the waiting list. Compulsory education is divided into primary (6-12 years) and secondary (12-18 years). See reviews, photos, directions, phone numbers and more for the best Public Schools in Belgium, WI. Parents must also sign a document adhering to the UN’s convention on children’s rights, a requirement that has been met with some controversy in the past. Nevertheless, certain costs of schooling can be charged to the parents. schools appear to lack experienced teaching staff in some cases, and have a higher staff turnover. In the final cycle, between ages 16 and 18, it is also possible for students to study part time while undergoing vocational training. Public primary education is free to all throughout the country. Pre-school education is not compulsory, but can be very useful for a number of reasons. Compulsory education lasts 12 years, similar to the United States, and goes from age six … Are you considering moving to Belgium and wondering how school will look like for your children? High Standards. The French, Flemish and German regions each have their own government-run education system which corresponds with the regional language. Each community has its own school system, with small differences among them. The language of education is Dutch. Nursery school : from the age of 2 1/2; Not compulsory, but recommended by education experts. You can find more information on the range of international schools available in our guide to international schools in Belgium. They offer the complete IB program for students of all ages, ensuring your children have the best start in life whatever their background. However, if the child’s mother tongue is French, and if the head of the family resides in one of these municipalities, the child may attend a French-language school. In Brussels, the learning of Flemish in French-speaking schools and French in Flemish-speaking schools is obligatory from the third grade of primary school.In secondary education, there are « immersion » schools which offer certain courses in Flemish. (certain books, outside activities, school trips, sports activities, personal equipment). Public funding means nurseries and pre-schools provide free childcare for working parents. Possible costs include various learning materials – some of which can be subsidized – and excursions. The education in the Flemish Community covers the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium and consists of three networks (netten): government-provided education (gemeenschapsonderwijs), subsidized public schools (by provinces and municipalities) and subsidized free schools (mainly affiliated to … According to a study by Agodi, in Flanders, the number of home schooled students of secondary school age rose from around 100 to over 1000 between the years 2000 and 2014. If the number of coronavirus infections in Belgium continues to rise, schools will not be able to open fully in September, according to Niel Hens, biostatistician and member of the government’s Group of Experts for the Exit Strategy (GEES). 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