French Community Confirms Upper-Secondary Teacher Workload and Absence Rule Changes (Belgium, June 2026)
The Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles published explanatory guidance on measures carried by the 5 June 2026 decree-programme. The teacher-policy measures include changes to upper-secondary classroom workload and absence-related rules from the 2026-2027 school year.
Source: Gallilex - Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, Circulaire 9741
The Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles published explanatory guidance on measures carried by the 5 June 2026 decree-programme. The teacher-policy measures include changes to upper-secondary classroom workload and absence-related rules from the 2026-2027 school year.
What Changed?
The guidance confirms that the classroom teaching load for ordinary upper-secondary teachers rises from 20 to 22 periods, with stated exemptions for first-year teachers and teachers aged 60 or over. It also confirms tighter absence rules, including a lower waiting salary after sick-leave capital is exhausted and a reduced number of absence days without a medical certificate.
Old System vs New System
Ordinary upper-secondary teachers had a 20-period classroom teaching load. Staff absence rules included a more gradual waiting-salary reduction after exhaustion of sick-leave capital and a higher allowance for absence without a medical certificate.
From the 2026-2027 school year, ordinary upper-secondary teachers move to a 22-period classroom teaching load where the measure applies. Waiting salary after exhaustion of sick-leave capital is set at 60 percent, and absence without medical certificate is limited to three days.
Who Is Affected?
Student Impact
Students may experience changes in teacher allocation and timetable organisation as schools adjust staff deployment.
Parent / Family Impact
Parents may see operational changes in class organisation, depending on how individual schools apply the staffing rules.
School / Institution Impact
Schools must update teacher workload planning, absence management and internal staffing arrangements for the new school year.
Teacher / Staff Impact
Affected teachers face a higher classroom teaching load and revised absence-related employment rules, while exempt groups keep specific protections.
Key Dates
- 2026-06-05: decree-programme date
- 2026-06-12: explanatory circular issued
- 2026-09-01: 2026-2027 school year implementation begins.
What To Do
- School leaders should review workload assignments
- communicate applicable exemptions and update absence-management procedures.
What To Watch Next
Implementation may require further clarifications on exemptions, staffing calculations and local timetabling effects.
Global Context
The change is relevant for workforce comparison because it adjusts teacher workload and sick-leave rules in one of Belgium’s main education communities.
Source Record
Source type: Circular
Source name: Gallilex - Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, Circulaire 9741