Flemish Minister to Review Priority Rules for Dutch-Language Schools in Brussels

Flemish Minister of Education Zuhal Demir intends to review the admission procedures for Dutch-language secondary education in Brussels, with a particular focus on the priority rules. These rules currently allocate 65% of first-year places to Dutch speakers.

Demir stated in the Flemish Parliament's Education Committee that Flemish parents have reported their children being unable to secure places in Brussels' Dutch-language schools. "And that is certainly not the intention. With all due respect, but Dutch-language education in Brussels is primarily for the Flemish people in Brussels," she asserted.

To qualify for priority, at least one parent must demonstrate sufficient Dutch proficiency, typically requiring a Dutch-language diploma or a B2-level certificate or higher. Minister Demir aims to assess whether this proficiency level is adequately verified and if the 65% allocation remains appropriate.

This evaluation is scheduled for discussion in parliament this autumn. Demir also highlighted the Flemish government's significant investments in Brussels education since 2010, totaling 125 million euros, which created over 7,500 school places. Despite these efforts, demand still outstrips supply, with an additional 1,900 secondary school places needed in the coming years. Demir anticipates a surplus of around 1,300 places by 2030-2031, but cautioned that this does not guarantee parents will always get their first choice of school.