Belgium Modifies Education Code to Address School Attendance and Dropout Rates
On 17 July 2026, the French Community of Belgium enacted a decree modifying the Code of Fundamental and Secondary Education, the decree of 31 March 2022 on the creation of the student support file (DAccE), and the decree of 16 May 2024 on reducing school dropout rates and combating student absenteeism. This decree was published in the Belgian Official Gazette on 10 August 2026 and introduces several key changes aimed at improving student attendance and reducing dropout rates.
Key Modifications Introduced
- Adjustment of Unjustified Absence Threshold: In secondary education, an unjustified absence of four full periods of classes counted over the same month will now trigger specific interventions, emphasizing the importance of regular attendance.
- Enhanced Monitoring of Attendance: Schools are required to record attendance twice per school day, once per half-day, to ensure accurate tracking of student presence.
- Extended Notification Period for Absences: The period within which parents or guardians must justify a student's absence has been extended to ten days, providing more flexibility for families to communicate with schools.
Implementation Timeline
The decree took effect on 20 August 2026, allowing schools and educational authorities time to adapt their policies and procedures to comply with the new requirements.
For detailed information, stakeholders are encouraged to consult the full text of the decree or seek guidance from educational authorities to understand the specific implications of the amendments.
