On the initiative of the Minister of Education, the Government of the French Community approved in the first reading the preliminary draft decree aimed at raising the pass mark to 60% for external certifying evaluations, including the Certificate of Basic Education (CEB) at the end of the 6th year of primary education.

From the 2026-2027 school year, pupils will be required to obtain at least a 60% average mark in the CEB, and achieve at least 50% in each of the subjects assessed (French, Mathematics, and Humanities – History, Geography, and Science-).

A minimum of 60% in each exam will be required for the certificate of the first stage of secondary education (CE1D), taking place at the end of the 2nd year, and for the Certificate of Upper Secondary Education (CESS).

This raising of the pass mark is fully in line with the Declaration on Community Policy 2024-2029 and responds to a twofold ambition: to guarantee effective mastery of basic learning, and to restore the value of effort and hard work among pupils. This reform reflects the desire to emphasise excellence as a priority within the education system.

The increase in the pass mark is accompanied by concrete support measures:

• An additional 100 full-time equivalent staff will be deployed to provide more support to pupils in the 6th year of primary education.

• Class councils retain full autonomy to assess each individual situation and may consider the pupil's overall record.

This reform is also based on the new core curriculum standards, which will come into effect at the start of the next school year, to better equip teachers and provide each student with a more solid educational framework.

Beginning in 2026, the newly approved CLÉ test will also take place for all 4th-year pupils in primary education to detect any difficulties at an early stage and provide personalised support.

For more information: https://glatigny.cfwb.be/home/communiques-de-presse/presses/ceb-ce1d-cess-un-seuil-de-reussite-a-60-pour-garantir-la-maitrise-des-apprentissages.html

Source: Eurydice Unit Belgium (French Community)