As of September 1st, a total of 42,129 children were enrolled in Dutch-speaking schools in the Brussels Region, an increase of 3% compared to 2013, announced Guy Vanhengel on Tuesday (President of the Flemish Community Commission (VGC) and also in charge of Education). New data indicate a record increase of 1,228 students. “This trend is in line with expectations” said Minister Vanhengel, who reiterated his intention to invest within the next five years in 3,000 additional spaces in primary schools, as well as in two new secondary school campuses for vocational, technical and general learning.
The increase in the number of students is more significant in primary education (+ 4.1%, up to 16,415 students) than in secondary education (+ 2.7%, up to 13,290 students) and in kindergarten (+1, 7%, up to 10 927 children). The number of children in special education has also slightly increased.
"The appeal for parents in Brussels for quality Dutch-speaking education remains very strong," said Vanhengel recalling the importance of developing a safe transition between primary and secondary education.
(Source: Belga)
