French Community Issues First-Year Secondary Reform Guidance (Belgium, June 2026)
The Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles issued guidance on the reform of the lower stage of secondary education and its first implementation in first secondary during the 2026-2027 school year. The change affects school organisation for pupils entering secondary education.
Source: Gallilex - Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, Circulaire 9744
The Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles issued guidance on the reform of the lower stage of secondary education and its first implementation in first secondary during the 2026-2027 school year. The change affects school organisation for pupils entering secondary education.
What Changed?
The circular provides schools with implementation information for first secondary, including a revised timetable structure, new support measures and reinforced support for pupils entering secondary education without the CEB certificate.
Old System vs New System
First secondary operated under the previous lower-secondary organisation, with existing timetables and support arrangements for pupils moving from primary to secondary education.
From the 2026-2027 school year, first secondary schools must prepare for the revised lower-secondary organisation and apply the new arrangements set out in the official guidance.
Who Is Affected?
Student Impact
Pupils entering first secondary will be affected by the revised organisation of the lower secondary stage, including support measures for pupils who have not obtained the CEB.
Parent / Family Impact
Parents of pupils entering secondary education should check how their child’s school will apply the new timetable and support arrangements.
School / Institution Impact
Secondary schools must adjust planning for first secondary, including timetable organisation and support structures.
Teacher / Staff Impact
Teachers in first secondary may face adjusted timetables and support duties linked to the new lower-secondary implementation rules.
Key Dates
- 2026-06-17: implementation circular issued
- 2026-09-01: first school year of implementation in first secondary begins.
What To Do
- Schools should review the circular
- update first-secondary planning and communicate changes to families before the start of the school year.
What To Watch Next
Further guidance may clarify how the reform expands beyond first secondary in later school years.
Global Context
The change matters for education-system comparison because it affects the transition from primary to secondary education in Belgium’s French Community.
Source Record
Source type: Circular
Source name: Gallilex - Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, Circulaire 9744