In December 2025, the French Community adopted a draft decree to reform the first year of secondary education from the 2026–2027 academic year. The reform aims to strengthen foundational skills for all pupils and ensure a smoother transition from primary to secondary school.

Key changes in the reform

The reform introduces three main changes:

• A common core for all pupils in the first and second years of secondary education

• A stronger focus on fundamental learning, using adapted teaching methods

• Targeted support for pupils with specific needs from the start of secondary school

Ending differentiated first-year classes

The reform abolishes the differentiated first year, which was previously for pupils who failed the Certificate of Basic Studies (CEB). Instead, all pupils will join a reorganised common first stage, featuring strengthened foundational learning, and tailored support measures. This change simplifies the pathway for pupils who struggled to obtain the CEB.

Support for pupils who failed the CEB

The government will retain the resources previously allocated to differentiated education and provide extra support for pupils who failed all or part of the CEB exams. These pupils can still enter the first year of secondary education if recommended by the school jury or class council. They will be placed in standard first-year classes.

Personalised support for all pupils

The reform builds on existing primary-school measures to address learning difficulties, with adjustments for secondary education. Key features include:

• Two weekly periods of personalised support for all pupils, offering a second teacher in the class for small-group or one-to-one help, and remedial teaching or advanced learning, depending on individual needs

• Enhanced support periods for pupils who did not fully pass the CEB exams.

The Pupil Support File (DAccE)

Teachers will regularly assess pupils’ progress and needs using formative assessment (ongoing feedback rather than formal testing). For pupils with persistent difficulties, support actions will be recorded in the DAccE, a digital file that follows the pupil throughout their schooling and includes three summary reports per year.

Stronger focus on guidance and digital skills

The reform prioritises manual, technical, and technological education, allocating three weekly periods to these subjects. At least two of these periods will focus on digital education to help pupils develop essential digital skills, and a critical understanding of digital tools and practices.

Source: Eurydice Unit Belgium (French Community)