The Government of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation has approved the reform of the first year of secondary school in its third and final reading. The text will be submitted to the education committee on 26 May. From the start of the 2026-2027 school year, the first year of secondary education will change to better support pupils and strengthen basic learning.
Strengthened basic learning
The new organisation strengthens the core subjects with:
- 6 hours of FRALA (French and classical languages)
- 5 hours of mathematics (1 hour more than before)
- 4 hours of languages
- 3 hours of sciences
- 4 hours of FHGES (Historical, Geographical, Economic and Social Education)
- 2 hours of digital learning
- 1 hour of FMTT (Manual, Technical and Technological Education)
This choice reflects our commitment to strengthening basic learning, which is essential for the rest of the pupil's educational journey.
A school adapted to today's world
The reform introduces 2 hours of digital learning, with training adapted to today's challenges (digital tools, critical thinking, AI). The aim is to prepare pupils for the world of today and tomorrow, giving them the keys to understand, critically assess and master digital technology.
Support for pupils facing difficulties
Every pupil who needs it will receive personalised support, for which we are strengthening resources in primary school (220 FTEs), as well as in the first year of secondary school (140 additional FTEs). For pupils already experiencing difficulties with the CEB, enhanced support is planned to ensure full mastery of the skills required by the end of sixth grade primary.
The differentiated first year will disappear from 2026, in line with decisions taken in 2016 by the stakeholders of the Pact, but all human resources are preserved to fund enhanced pupil support (€24.5 million - 10,000 teaching periods).
Sparking career orientation from the start of secondary school
Two days dedicated to discovering a profession will be organised during the free days (internships, workshops, visits, meetings). The aim is to enable every pupil to get to know themselves better, potentially discover new interests, and make positive, informed choices for the rest of their educational journey.
“We are choosing to strengthen basic learning, because it is the key to success for all pupils. We are also adapting the school to today's realities, with digital education that keeps pace with global developments, particularly regarding artificial intelligence. Finally, we are laying the first foundations for positive orientation from the first year of secondary school, so that every young person can gradually build their own path”, concludes Valérie Glatigny, Minister of Education.