Nearly one in five Flemish schools rated inadequate by inspectors
The quality of education in Flanders remains under pressure, according to the latest annual report from the 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.
Inspectors carried out 621 school reviews. Just 38% of schools were rated fully satisfactory, while 43.8% were approved but required to address shortcomings. A total of 18.2% received a negative judgement, and three schools risk losing official recognition.
Results have worsened compared with the previous year, when 15% of schools were rated inadequate.
Flemish Education minister Zuhal Demir said the figures are concerning and cannot be ignored. She described the education system as a “fleet” that can change direction, but warned that improvement will take time.
"The numbers are worse than last year. We must not close our eyes to that"
The report highlights several persistent issues. School policies are often not reflected in classroom practice, there are wide differences between teachers, and schools make limited use of data to improve performance. Student support is also not always effective.
At primary level, results are mixed. Teaching quality is generally acceptable, but tailored support for pupils often falls short. Assessment methods also remain a weak point.
In secondary schools, concerns are greater. Teaching standards for Dutch frequently sit at the minimum level, and feedback to pupils is often weak. In mathematics, more than 80% of secondary schools fail to meet expectations for personalised support.
Educational leadership remains a major concern: many schools are scoring below or are only just meeting expectations. Reliable self-evaluation is also lacking.
The findings mirror international studies such as PISA and TIMSS. The minister said recent reforms (including new learning standards, stronger teacher training, and a greater focus on classroom discipline) are only now being introduced. Results are therefore expected in the coming years.
Schools receiving an unfavourable rating must undergo compulsory support and will be re-inspected.
Inspector-general Katrien Bonneux said the situation is serious but stressed that most schools still receive a positive judgement. She added that improvement will require close cooperation between teachers, school leaders, and inspectors.
#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM