2 Jun '15

Record number of students earn diploma via Exams Commission

Summary

Student who leave secondary school without a diploma are turning to Flanders’ second-chance Exams Commission in ever greater numbers

38% increase

A record number of 936 students last year earned their secondary school diploma via the Exams Commission. That is 38% more than the year before, according to the Exams Commission’s annual report.
 

Although the number of youngsters who leave school without a diploma decreased last year, there were still some 8,000 in that situation. Increasing numbers of them are turning to Flanders’ Exams Commission, which administers courses of study and diplomas equal to secondary school diplomas.

Nearly 3,660 people registered with the Exams Commission last year, and a record number of 936 passed the exams. Half of these earned a diploma of professional education (BSO), about one-quarter in technical education (TSO) and another quarter in general education (ASO).

Flemish education minister Hilde Crevits told public broadcaster VRT that she had mixed feelings about the statistics. “On the one hand, I think our education system should be modernised in such a way that as few youngsters as possible leave school without a diploma,” she said. “On the other hand, it’s marvellous that youngsters who don’t finish school, for whatever reason, later obtain their diploma via the Exams Commission.”

Photo courtesy ZeLIG School

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Educational system

The Flemish educational system is divided into two levels: primary (age six to 12) and secondary school (12 to 18). Education is compulsory for children between the ages of six and 18.
Types - There are three educational networks in Flanders: the Flemish Community’s GO! network, and publicly funded education – either publicly or privately run.
Not enough space - In recent years, Flemish schools have been struggling with persistent teacher shortages and a growing lack of school spaces.
No tuition fees - Nursery, primary and secondary school are free in Flanders.
1

million school-going children in 2013

30

million euros Flemish education budget for new school infrastructures in 2013

11

percent of boys leaving secondary school without a diploma

  • Education in Flanders
  • Secondary education reform
  • European Encyclopaedia on National Education Systems

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