The parliament of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation definitively approved on Wednesday evening a draft decree which raises from 50 to 60% the success threshold for external certification tests which are the CEB (organized at the end of 6th primary), the CE1D (at the end of 2nd secondary) and the CESS (at the end of 6th secondary).
To pass their CEB, students must obtain at least 50% in each of the subjects assessed at the CEB (French, mathematics and early learning) but achieve an overall average of 60%. For CE1D and CESS, students must obtain a minimum of 60% in each of the subjects assessed.
This increase in requirements will apply to tests organized from June 2027. It will be accompanied by personalized support measures for students identified as having difficulties. Some 25 million euros will be invested for this purpose by 2029.
Modified secondary school transition arrangements
The deputies approved in the same vein on Wednesday evening another draft decree which redefines the modalities of transition from the 6th primary to the 1st secondary as part of the extension of the common core to secondary.
The text confirms the certifying nature of the basic studies certificate (CEB) organized at the end of primary 6. It also strengthens the role of school juries who can decide to issue the CEB to a student on the basis of report cards and assessments carried out in primary 5th and 6th.
In the event of failure at the CEB, this jury may decide to move the student to secondary 1 with an aid program. But he can also choose to keep him in primary 6 if he considers that this solution is preferable. These repetition measures must, however, be “exceptional”.
In accordance with the plan drawn up by the Pact of Excellence, the 1st year of differentiated teaching in secondary education (year which until now was intended for students who failed their CEB, editor’s note), is canceled. The budgetary resources devoted to this will be reallocated to personalized support for students in difficulty.
The two decrees were approved by the deputies of the MR-Engagés majority.
The PS-PTB-Ecolo opposition voted against each time. She denounced measures which will reinforce educational inequalities.
