Language test for pre-schoolers abolished
The government of Flanders is eliminating the compulsory Dutch language test that often-absent pre-schoolers had to pass to enrol in primary school
New procedure gives teachers more options
The government of Flanders is now scrapping the test because a new language screening procedure is being introduced at the start of the next academic year. Schools will now be able to oblige children with a language deficit to catch up on their Dutch in a language immersion programme.
The class council, which includes teachers and staff of the pupil support agency CLB, will decide autonomously whether and under what conditions a child can enrol in primary school and can use different tools to evaluate the child – such as a language test.
Photo courtesy VRT

Educational system
million school-going children in 2013
million euros Flemish education budget for new school infrastructures in 2013
percent of boys leaving secondary school without a diploma
- Education in Flanders
- Secondary education reform
- European Encyclopaedia on National Education Systems