Structure of the chapter
This chapter provides a thematic and chronological overview of the national reforms and policy developments since 2022.
The web pages that follow group reforms in the following broad thematic areas:
- Early childhood education and care
- General school education
- Vocational education and training
- Higher education
- Adult education and training.
Inside each thematic area, reforms are organised chronologically. The most recent reforms are described first.
Government's key objectives for education
The programme of the current three-party coalition government sets out the main orientations and objectives of education policy. The second legislature's 2023-2028 coalition agreement defining the government policy was signed on 16 November 2023 by the representatives of the parties involved: the Christian Social People's Party (CSV) and the Democratic Party (DP).
In the fields of Education, Children and Youth, policy takes a holistic approach, meaning that the development of children and youth has to be understood in its entirety. The key objective of the educational strategy is to ensure that all children and young people have equal access to a consistent, comprehensive and quality educational and childcare environment.
State schools shall respond to the learner population's growing diversity. Educational provision and schooling offer must fit the students' actual needs. One major objective of governmental action is to promote equal opportunities for all citizens.
The government's educational policy is guided by five main principles:
- Equal starting opportunities for all
- Quality education with modern curricula and content
- Development of every child's individual capacities
- Enhance vocational training
- Promote well-being.
The details of the strategy are developed in pages 114-135 of the 2023-2028 coalition agreement.
Overview of the education reform process and drivers
In Luxembourg, educational reforms are proposed to the Chamber of Deputies in the name of the Grand Duke by the minister responsible for Education, Children and Youth and/or Higher Education and Research. The Chamber of Deputies has legislative power and steers the political debate (see its missions).
The legislative process is described on the Chamber's website. It consists of several consecutive steps:
- Draft law or bill: launch of the legislative process
- Referral to the committees: a necessary step
- Discussion in public session: presentation and final amendments
- Voting: a two-stage process (with a second vote following the opinion of the Council of State, unless the Council of State waives it)
- Promulgation: signature by the Grand Duke
- Entry into force: publication in the Official Journal.