Belgium (Flemish Community): Schools for Everyone
In April 2025, Flanders launched Schools for Everyone, a long-term plan to ensure high-quality education for all pupils, including those with additional needs. The policy addresses key challenges such as capacity shortages in school, poverty-related gaps in attainment, growing demand for learning support.
Guided by the Commission on Inclusive Education, the reform aims for a fully inclusive system by 2040. Implementation follows three phases, starting with pioneer schools in 2026–2027. Early efforts focus on quality, teacher support, and accessible infrastructure.
An independent commission will track progress to guarantee a sustainable transition.
Flanders is ensuring every pupil, with or without additional needs, receives high quality education. To achieve this, a policy vision paper approved in April 2025 highlights urgent challenges:
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capacity pressures in special education
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overrepresentation of pupils in poverty
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long school transport times
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growing demand for learning support
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barriers to education for some learners
The paper explains the need for more inclusive education and outlines Flander’s plan: developing a shared vision, a coherent strategy and a clear timeline for full inclusion by 2040.
The reform follows recommendations of the 2023-2024 Commission on Inclusive Education. A consultation paper published in November 2025 on the evolution towards Schools for Everyone further develops the vision, strategy, and timeline. The Flemish Government aims for all children and young people to learn in high-quality, inclusive schools.
The plan is structured around key pillars, including quality education for all learners, a more inclusive school culture, stronger support for teachers, staff professional development, and structural cooperation between education and welfare services. In addition, the plan focuses on effective funding mechanisms and accessible infrastructure.
Implementation happens in three stages:
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Startup phase (2025-2029) - Early preparations
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Transition phase (2029-2034) - Scaling up changes
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Full rollout (2034 – 2040) - System-wide inclusion
An independent commission will track progress. From 2026-2027, pioneer schools will start testing inclusive practices.
The November 2025 consultation paper kickstarted discussions on the vision, strategy, and timeline. A States General event in December 2025 further advanced the dialogue.
For more information: https://www.vlaanderen.be/onderwijsprofessionals/lesgeven-en-begeleiden/leerlingenbegeleiding/zorg-en-ondersteuning-voor-leraren-en-leerlingen/naar-scholen-voor-iedereen-in-2040
Source: Eurydice Unit Belgium (Flemish Community)
