The quality of education in Flanders is still under pressure, according to Onderwijsspiegel 2026, the annual report of the Flemish Education Inspectorate.
New figures show that nearly one in five schools received an unfavourable rating in the 2024-2025 academic year. In secondary education, the situation is worse, with almost one in four schools judged inadequate.
"The figures are worse than last year. We cannot close our eyes to that," said Flemish Minister of Education Zuhal Demir (N-VA) in a press release.
The Education Inspectorate has found several persistent problems. For instance, school policy has insufficient impact on the classroom, and many schools are failing to adequately translate their pedagogical vision into daily classroom practice. There are also significant differences between teachers; schools use too little data to make adjustments, and student guidance is not always targeted.
The results are in line with international studies such as PISA and TIMSS. Demir points out that the policy to reverse the trend is only now truly being rolled out. "New minimum targets, stronger teacher training, more focus on order and calm in the classroom and on effective teaching methods: these interventions are now being put into place," according to the minister.
She expects that the consequences of this will only become visible in the coming years. The Education Inspectorate conducted a total of 621 inspections and 598 interim visits. Schools with an unfavourable rating receive mandatory guidance and a follow-up visit from the Inspectorate.
Inspector General Katrien Bonneux emphasises that the vast majority of schools received a favourable recommendation. "The situation is serious. But together with teachers and principals, we are going to turn this around," she said.
