There are often subsidies for this. Establishing the correct pace of education is important in Belgium. Possible costs include various learning materials – some of which can be subsidized – and excursions. Nevertheless, certain costs of schooling can be charged to the parents. 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. Flemish-language teaching: Vlaams Ministerie van Onderwijs en Vorminghttp://www.ond.vlaanderen.be/English, Kindergarten : from 2,5 to 6 years.Elementary school : from 6 to 12 years.Le certificat d'étude de base (CEB) (the certificate of basic studies) gives access to secondary studies.Registration is between mid-February and mid-March.If you have already attended a Belgian elementary school, you would have received an application form.If you arrive directly from abroad, you must make a request to receive this form.Formulaire de demande /Application FormYou can also ask for this form from your school of first choice (see below). School is compulsory from age 6 to 18. For those who register after the date, there will not be priority criteria. 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. Click "Read More" for further details. As a member of the European Union, the higher education system in Belgium is consistent with the Bologna Process. High Standards. 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. 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. If there are more applications than places, some kids may be rejected. Additionally, summer camps in Belgium can also be a great way for children to integrate, socialize, and learn the language. In the Belgian system, secondary school starts at the age of 12. 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. Belgium is known for outstanding research in biotechnology and aeronautics. You may change your settings at any time. It may be, however, that you would prefer your child to follow a more global curriculum, and obtain internationally-recognized qualifications. 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. This guide on language courses for kids in Belgium gives you more information on a range of private language support available. Primary school in Belgium has a strong focus on reading skills and maths, but it also includes a range of subjects such as history, biology or music. NOTE: These settings will only apply to the browser and device you are currently using. See reviews, photos, directions, phone numbers and more for the best Public Schools in Belgium, WI. This site uses functional cookies and external scripts to improve your experience. Which cookies and scripts are used and how they impact your visit is specified on the left. 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. The curriculum is broad to begin, but as students move into higher years, or cycles, they have more choice about the subjects they take. School System in Belgium on YP.com. Getting an education in Belgium has the following advantages: Reasonable tuition fees (students pay social assistance, which allows you to pay 40-60% of the cost of training); The French, Flemish and German regions each have their own government-run education system which corresponds with the regional language. Until the age of five, infants and young children in the Netherlands can attend a variety of non-compulsory daycare educational options such as crèche, kindergarten or childminding. Schools in Belgium exist as part of three communities – Flemish, French and … If you opt for a local school, children will need to have attended a certain number of half-days in a Dutch or French-language pre-school before they can enrol in primary school. Most Belgian children are enrolled in free public schools or subsidized religious schools, but private education – including international schools – is also popular, especially among expats. Nursery school : from the age of 2 1/2; Not compulsory, but recommended by education experts. Method and Montessorischools: offering an alternative education style with a focus on creative thinking and holi… Consequently there exists a large number of private schooling establishments in Belgium. With such a variety of languages spoken, language learning is a core part of Belgian public education, and funding is provided to help children who do not speak the main teaching language. A Fair but Competitive School Enrollment System. Do be aware, however, that places in popular preschools can be limited. The district has been working to offer meals to all school age students and siblings under 18 who are residents of the CGBSD, whether a student is learning on campus or via remote learning. However, please check back regularly for any updates that may occur. This is not a kindergarten, but active preparation for primary school. In the final cycle, between ages 16 and 18, it is also possible for students to study part time while undergoing vocational training. Primary education – lager onderwijs in Dutch and enseignement primaire in French – is compulsory from ages six to 12. 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. 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. Some students go through the selection process up to two years before, to ensure a place at their school of choice. Often, a kindergarten has a relationship with a local primary school, making for an easy transition into formal education. But a new system is being introduced to regulate the enrolment of children when they enter the first year at secondary level. 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). There is also a strong emphasis on learning a foreign language. The number of children being educated at home, or by private tutors in Belgium is rising. The first starts in March. 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. Some cater, for example, to those with a physical disability, and others to students with behavioural difficulties. There are 3 different kinds of schools in Belgium, namely community schools, subsidized public schools, and subsidized free schools which are normally affiliated to the Catholic Church. Expatica helps make your expat journey the experience you've always wanted. In the Belgian system most students are free to choose their school even if it is far from where they live. While some aspects may differ, the compulsory school age throughout Belgium is between six and 18. Beware of the language system in Belgium! schools appear to lack experienced teaching staff in some cases, and have a higher staff turnover. 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. Secondary education starts with a two year common curriculum as a foundation. The language of education is Dutch in the Dutch region, French in the French region and German in the German region. Gradual return to school to continue in Belgium. To maintain topnotch quality, universities in Belgium conduct their individual external quality assurance system on top of the usual self-evaluation system. These cycles receive the names of “observation, orientation, and determination”. In the Belgian system, secondary school starts at the age of 12. As a part of this testing it is common for children to repeat a year, and doing so has no negative stigma attached. Some schools offer language immersion programs and many run out-of-hours clubs that offer homework help and educational support. The time of "first come first served" is finished. Education in Belgiumis regulated and for the most part financed by one of the three communities: Flemish, Frenchand German-speaking. The first to arrive is the first to be registered. Without this document, the secondary school will not be able to register your child. Enrolment in these schools, available throughout the year, requires an assessment to determine the most appropriate school for your child. These statistics show that mandatory primary school is enforced and taken seriously in Belgium.. On completing their primary education, children will graduate with a certificate of primary education, known as Certificat d’Etudes de Base (CEB) or Getuigschrift van Lager Onderwijs. However, this can mean that the closest school may be full. 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. In the Brussels-Capital Region, the languages of education are Dutch or French, as the parents choose. Compulsory education is divided into primary (6-12 years) and secondary (12-18 years). This certificate is important when moving to secondary education. As a result, over 90% of children attend a pre-school in Belgium. Parents or relatives can also look after them. (certain books, outside activities, school trips, sports activities, personal equipment). The French-speaking region maintains a separate education system from the rest of Belgium more closely aligned to French academic norms. Annual reports by economic organization OECD report rank Belgium’s education among the top 10 countries, with students performing above average in science, mathematics, and reading. There are also plenty of language courses available to provide extra support for your child. Owing originally to Article 17 of the Constitution of 1831 (which was retained as Article 24 in the new constitution), Belgium has more private than public schools, and almost all private schools are government subsidized. The secondary education system in Belgium Secondary education in Belgium – secundair onderwijs in Dutch; enseignement secondaire in French – is compulsory from ages 12 to 18. Private home education is permissible too, and these numbers are rising … Nurseries are available for babies and toddlers up to 2,5 years and kindergartens (kleuteronderwijs in Dutch, enseignement maternelle in French) from then until school age. St. John's International School has been teaching expat children for over 50 years at their state-of-the-art learning facilities. The Education System in Belgium Learn all about the formal education system in Belgium, from primary education to advanced higher learning degrees, including government learning requirements. 03/02/2020 Brexit: centralised information on the impact at the Belgian federal level. See reviews, photos, directions, phone numbers and more for the best Public Schools in Belgium, WI. It was given to you by the primary school. There are different enrolment systems for Dutch-language and French-language public schools, and depending when in the academic year your are relocating. In Belgium, access to education is free until the end of compulsory schooling, that is, until 18 years old. Education in Belgium begins in pre-primary school at age two-and-a-half but is only compulsory from six to 18 years of age. Testing is carried out throughout secondary education and is fairly rigourous. Education in Belgium begins in pre-primary school at age two-and-a-half but is only compulsory from six to 18 years of age. 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. 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 … Compulsory education lasts 12 years, similar to the United States, and goes from age six … Between 2008 and 2012, 98.9 percent of male children and 99.2 percent of female children were enrolled in primary school. These statistics show that mandatory primary school … This page contains a calendar of all 2020 and 2021 school holidays in Belgium. 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. 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. Primary school: from 6 to 12 years old-from the 1st to the 6th primary. Where integration in mainstream schooling is not possible, a variety of specialist schools are available from pre-school age until 21 years. It is important to note, however, that with vocational training, education must be continued a further year to obtain the certificate. Check with the individual school for their policy. system. 19/09/2019 Results of the public consultation on the … It is taught at a number of primary and secondary schools in Belgium. The language of education is Dutch. Freedom of education as guaranteed by article 24 of the Belgian constitution not only comprises freedom of choice, but also so-called pedagogical freedom, namely the right to autonomously establish schools. This overview will help you navigate the school systems in each of the three language communities, to secure the best education for your child. Support for children with special educational needs in Belgium, Educational support for expat students in Belgium, International Montessori School in Tervuren, See our directory for secondary schools in Belgium, Intensive French Program for Juniors & Teens. Education - Education - Education in Belgian colonies and former colonies: As elsewhere—and perhaps more than elsewhere—the Catholic and Protestant missions played the prime role in the development of education in the Belgian Congo (now Congo [Kinshasa]; called Zaire from 1971 to 1997) and in Ruanda-Urundi (the present states of Rwanda and Burundi). Plus, while there are few formal lessons, classes actively prepare children for school on an educational and social level through play-focused learning. The national approach to special needs education in Belgium is one of inclusion and equality, meaning children are integrated into mainstream schools where possible. Registering for a place in a Belgian school can be difficult, so it can be challenging to change schools during the school year. These dates are unlikely to be modified by the Ministry of Education. Have a cookie 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. 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. Public funding means nurseries and pre-schools provide free childcare for working parents. 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. The Diploma van Secundair Onderwijs (in Dutch) or Certificat d’Enseignement secondaire supérieur général, technique ou artistique (CESS) (in French) is awarded on completion of secondary education. You can find more information on the range of international schools available in our guide to international schools in Belgium. The French, Flemish and German regions each have their own government-run education system which corresponds with the regional language. There are three different national education systems in Belgium. It is therefore necessary to choose carefully between the specializations when thinking about higher education. Investment in education is also one of the highest among the 40 OECD countries. Make the choice of your school by order of preference, the site enseignement.be offers you a directory of schools/a school directory*.Attention, the registration to enter first year of secondary is subject to a strict law concerning admissions. If you’re new to the country, figuring out how education in Belgium works can seem daunting. The ranking is based on a report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). School is compulsory from age 6 to 18. The secondary education system in Belgium Secondary education in Belgium – secundair onderwijs in Dutch; enseignement secondaire in French – is compulsory from ages 12 to 18. If the requests are more than the offers, and this is the case in the establishments most sought after and in Brussels in particular, it's the CIRI (Commission inter-reseaux des inscriptions) which takes the lead and which selects the requests according to the distance home-secondary school or the distance primary-secondary school in order to allot places in the most democratic way possible. Your choices will not impact your visit. The decree has put in place a procedure which takes place in several phases. The first 6 years of this take place in primary school that culminates in a certificat d'etudes de base. Due to the differences in curriculum or the price of international schools, some expat parents opt to homeschool their child. This may affect the ease of changing schools mid year. Gradual return to school to continue in Belgium. There are 4 options: general, technical, artistic and professional. Public Schools in Belgium on YP.com. International and private schools, however, may have different admissions processes throughout the year. 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 and age range of compulsory education, establishing the minimum requirements for the delivery of recognised qualifications and setting general retirement regulations, … Many schools, both public and private, have waiting lists. Looking for a first-class international education for your child in the Brussels area? Secondary school. 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. 03/02/2020 Brexit: centralised information on the impact at the Belgian federal level. Pre-school education is not compulsory, but can be very useful for a number of reasons. For more details:If you are looking for the address of a school, or references regarding the curricula, the French Community site is a mine of information: http://www.enseignement.beSecrétariat général de l’enseignement catholique en communautés française et germanophone (Catholic teaching): T 02 256 70 11 - F 02 256 70 12 - [email protected]
http://www.enseignement.catholique.be. Schools do not work based on a catchment area, so you are free to choose any location. The curricula tend to be fairly traditional, with morning classes based around literacy and mathematics and a range of other subjects, including music and history, taught in the afternoon. These certificates provide access to higher education. They offer the complete IB program for students of all ages, ensuring your children have the best start in life whatever their background. Children receive assessments at every level, from pre-primary to secondary schooling, to determine whether they are ready to move forward. The district has been working to offer meals to all school age students and siblings under 18 who are residents of the CGBSD, whether a student is learning on campus or via remote learning. The IB curriculum is recognised internationally and by higher education institutes. If there is room, no problem and that's it : in the majority of cases. Support varies from school to school, so it’s a good idea to ask what support they offer for learning the language. Expatica uses technology such as cookies and scripts to personalize content and ads, provide social media features, and analyze our traffic. The main international schools in Belgium offer outstanding facilities for academics, arts and sports. Wednesday afternoons are often free. 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. The number of international schools in Belgium has increased significantly in the last 5-10 years, with many of these schools offering one of more of the International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. Nevertheless, certain costs of schooling can be charged to the parents. 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 school system in Belgium In Belgium, access to education is free until the end of compulsory schooling, that is, until 18 years old. The documents you will need to enroll include: Those children without official residence documents also have the legal right to register in a school. As with other elements of education, support for children with SEN is determined by the department of education in each community. There are three regional Ministries of Education with responsibility for implementing government policy: 19/09/2019 Results of the public consultation on the … Are you considering moving to Belgium and wondering how school will look like for your children? Public primary education is free to all throughout the country. There are three different national education systems in Belgium. (certain books, outside activities, school trips, sports activities, personal equipment). 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. Secondary education in Belgium covers a six-year period, divided in three cycles of two years each, named the observation, orientation, and determination cycles. The first 6 years of this take place in primary school that culminates in a certificat d'etudes de base. Each community has its own school system, with small differences among them. Registration also takes place at certain times of the year, usually December or January for public schools. The French-speaking region maintains a separate education system from the rest of Belgium more closely aligned to French academic norms. Schools in Belgium don’t have a strict zoning system. 07/05/2020 On 8 May, we commemorate the heroes of World War II #wewillmeetagain . States schools are free to all pupils, although they may require a contribution for textbook costs. Many schools have permanent members of staff who specialise in special needs education. 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 Primary school. Secondary education in Belgium covers a six-year period, divided in three cycles of two years each, named the observation, orientation, and determination cycles. 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. Private schools offer a range of different teaching styles and international schools provide the opportunity to obtain globally recognized qualifications. However, there are stringent guidelines in place, and failing to meet them means that parents may face sanctions. Home schooling is constitutionally permitted in Belgium, but the curricula taught much meet certain requirements, depending on the community you reside in, and students must pass yearly assessments. Secondary Education Belgium is not only a storehouse of architectural and historical monuments - it is also a country that is home to the oldest university. 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. There are also plenty of options for those parents and children leaning towards private, international or alternative styles of education. Click below to consent to the use of this technology on our website – and don’t worry, we respect your privacy. The success of this cycle is validated by a common test at all levels : the CEB. There are also plenty of options for those parents and children leaning towards private, international or alternative styles of education. Religious schools: for example Catholic or Jewish schools. Take the unique registration form with you. Click "Read More" for further details. In Belgium, primary school starts at the age of 6 and is divided into three cycles of two years. No matter what you choose, education standards are high in Belgium. However, after age 16 students can opt to study part-time and undertake vocational or technical training. For specific information it is useful to visit the corresponding Department for Education depending on whether you are moving to the Dutch-speaking community, the French-speaking Community, or the German-speaking community. The local departments of education oversee the requirements and curriculum of each region. Alternatively, assessment tests can be carried out in English at the Children’s Department of the Community Help Centre, CHS. 07/05/2020 On 8 May, we commemorate the heroes of World War II #wewillmeetagain . Between 2008 and 2012, 98.9 percent of male children and 99.2 percent of female children were enrolled in primary school.