In Brussels, one in four secondary students has problematic absence

A significant portion of Brussels' secondary school students are struggling with absenteeism and early school leaving, according to a new report from the Brussels Institute for Statistics and Analysis (IBSA). In the 2024-2025 academic year, one in four Brussels students in secondary education exceeded nine half-days of unjustified absence, a rate notably higher than the Belgian national average of 17%.

Beyond absenteeism, the study highlights a concerning trend in early school leaving. Across the Brussels-Capital Region, 18% of young people finished secondary education without the required qualification, compared to a national figure of 12%. While this rate has remained stable in Brussels, unlike the rising absenteeism, it still indicates a substantial challenge in educational attainment.

The IBSA report also points to considerable geographical disparities within the Brussels-Capital Region. Municipalities in the northern and western parts of the region are more affected by problematic absenteeism and early school leaving than those in the south and east. This suggests that localized interventions may be necessary to address the specific needs of different areas within the city.