This Wednesday, 3 December, the Parliament of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation voted in plenary session on the preliminary draft decree concerning the introduction of a new external assessment: the CLÉ test (Calculating, Reading, Writing).
In September 2026, all pupils in the 4th year of primary school will sit this test for the first time. Unlike certifying assessments, the CLÉ test is non-certifying: it aims to measure mastery of fundamental knowledge at the end of the first three years of primary school, in order to quickly identify any difficulties and provide suitable teaching responses.
The CLÉ test will replace the non-certifying external assessments currently organised in the 3rd and 5th years of primary school. This reform makes it possible to streamline assessments, easing the burden on schools while retaining a tool for steering the education system. Each school will receive a personalised report, and where relevant, teaching suggestions will be offered to teachers.
As a reminder, this test requires no preparation; it is a “snapshot” of the basic knowledge acquired. Moreover, it does not lead to any grading or diploma.
Moreover, 13 million was released during the budget conclave to hire 220 additional full-time equivalents for personalised support in the 3rd and 4th years of primary school, for those who need it.
“With the CLÉ test, we are giving teachers a simple, clear and useful tool to detect pupils' difficulties as early as possible, and to prevent them from becoming entrenched. We know that a difficulty spotted early gives a better chance of remedying it. This is all the more important for the basic skills of Calculating, Reading and Writing”, explains Valérie Glatigny, Minister of Education, who adds that strengthening the possibilities for personalised support for pupils is under consideration.
The first CLÉ test is scheduled for the start of the 2026-2027 school year.