A preliminary draft decree presented by the Minister of Education of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, Valérie Glatigny, corrects several perverse effects of the current enrolment system. The aim is clear: more fairness for pupils, more autonomy for schools and less administrative hassle and stress for everyone.
Since 2023, an 8th coefficient, linked to the socio-economic index of the primary school, could heavily penalise certain pupils, excluding them from schools that were nevertheless close to their home. An injustice that particularly affected children from north-west Brussels, such as those from Maria Assumpta or Christ-Roi in Laeken. This coefficient will be abolished. “Encouraging social diversity, yes. Excluding certain pupil profiles and forcing them to find a school far from their home, no”, the minister points out.
Another key change: the access rules for the status of “presumed full school” will be relaxed. This will allow more schools to give families a quicker response, while retaining the ability to absorb a surplus of requests. A clear signal in favour of school autonomy.
Penalising fraud, supporting neglected schools
The text provides for a sanction against false domicile declarations made to secure enrolment in a particular school, with cancellation of enrolment requests in cases of proven fraud. Electronic communication will also speed up the follow-up of requests for families.
Finally, targeted support will be set up for schools lacking attractiveness. A first project will make it possible to identify these schools and put in place tailored support to act concretely on the school climate and the educational offer.
With this decree, the MR brings common sense back into the enrolment system: a fairer procedure, less hassle for families, and better-supported schools where needed.