This chapter provides a thematic and chronological overview of national reforms and policy developments since 2023.

The introduction outlines the strategic Education Vision 2040 and the key principles guiding the entire education system. It also describes how the education reform process is organised and identifies the main actors involved in decision-making.

The section on ongoing reforms and policy developments groups reforms into the following main thematic areas, which broadly correspond to the different levels of education: early childhood education and care; school education; vocational education and training; higher education; and adult education. Within each thematic area, reforms from 2023 onwards are presented.

National education strategy and goals

The Education Vision 2040, under the guiding principle “My education. My future!”, forms the foundation for a sustainable and equitable education system in the German-speaking Community of Belgium. Its core principles are: “ensuring equal opportunities”, “promoting future-oriented competences”, “strengthening well-being”, and “ensuring high quality”.

The vision is aimed at all stakeholders in the education sector. Its objective is to improve educational opportunities for children and young people by 2040 through high-quality, inclusive educational provision in early childhood and school education, as well as in vocational training. It also aims to equip them with the skills needed for lifelong learning, while optimising the professional conditions for teaching and support staff.

To pave the way for this, the government of the German-speaking Community launched the reform project “Overall vision – shaping future-proof education” as part of the Regional Development Programme 2019–2024. Based on a comprehensive analysis of the existing education system, the Education Vision 2040 was developed in dialogue with all education stakeholders.

The vision provides the overarching strategic framework for all future reforms, educational projects and initiatives in the German-speaking Community.

Summary of steps from 2023–2024

• 2023: Online survey on the “school of the future”

In autumn 2023, the German-speaking Community conducted a comprehensive online survey open to all citizens. The aim was to gather opinions and ideas on shaping the school of the future. The focus was on the key areas of inclusion, competence development, and school rhythm.

• 2023: Expert report on school time organisation

In 2023, a team of experts analysed the school rhythm in the German-speaking Community. The report focused on pupils’ current lesson and holiday schedules in order to identify potential areas for improvement.

• OECD analysis on competence development

The OECD analysed existing strategies and concepts for competence development in kindergarten and school. The OECD report outlines strategies and possible approaches to strengthen competence development in the classroom and enhance pedagogical effectiveness.

These studies, surveys and analyses are part of a comprehensive process that began in 2019 with the development phase of the Education Vision 2040. The evidence-based findings provide the foundation for actively shaping the educational landscape in the German-speaking Community and aligning it with the needs of pupils and society.

Further information: www.bildungsvision.be 

Overview of the education reform process 

The government of the German-speaking Community has defined the following three reform projects as priorities to be implemented in the education sector during this legislative period, as part of “Ostbelgien Leben”:

• Strengthening learners’ core competences
• Restructuring the teaching staff framework
• Redefining non-formal adult education