More people earning diplomas than ever before

The annual report provides a detailed overview of the Belgian and Flemish education systems, comparing them to 35 OECD and partner countries. One of the standout trends in Flanders is the rise in the number of youngsters graduating from secondary school.

In 2000, 76% of pupils graduated with a diploma. That figure is now 86%. Nearly three-quarters of them earn the diploma in the normal six-year period. “That’s a very good score,” said Dirk Van Damme, the Flemish head of the OECD’s Innovation and Measuring Progress Division.

In addition, more people are earning a degree in higher education, from 36% of the population in 2000 to 45% now. Getting a university or college degree not only improves chances on the labour market, said Van Damme, it also has been linked to a reduction in psychological problems later.

In terms of Stem subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), the source of many campaigns in Flanders encouraging pupils to follow these tracks, about 19% of Belgian pupils are enrolling in them. The OECD average is about 25%. Education minister Hilde Crevits pointed out that the numbers in Flanders are steadily increasing.

The report is critical, however, of the socio-economic gap in the region: The figures for students whose parents do not have diplomas or with a migration background are much lower.
Photo courtesy OECD