The Flemish education inspectorate reports that the number of children being home-schooled in Flanders has nearly doubled since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Data shows that the figure rose from 3,186 students in the 2019–2020 school year to 5,774 in the most recent school year. This rapid growth has raised concerns about the quality of oversight and the educational outcomes of home-schooled children, according to the newspaper De Tijd.
In Flanders, home schooling can take two forms. It can be individual, where parents teach their own children, or collective, involving groups of parents or private tutors.
Unlike in some regions, compulsory education in Flanders does not require mandatory school attendance. Home schooling is legal if children obtain a primary education certificate by the end of the school year in which they turn 14. This certificate is usually earned through exams organized by a central examination board.
However, the pass rate for these exams has fallen significantly. It dropped from over 90 percent in the 2020–21 school year to just 70 percent in 2022–23. In response, Education Minister Zuhal Demir of the N-VA party is introducing stricter controls on home schooling.
Minister Demir said, “I’ve heard stories about parents isolating their children from the outside world for years to hide neglect and abuse. That will no longer be possible.”
Under the new rules, home-schooled children must undergo five scheduled medical check-ups. If parents refuse, their children will be immediately excluded from home schooling.
Inspectors will also assess the children’s social involvement, such as participation in sports teams or clubs, to ensure they remain integrated in society.
Families who do not cooperate with inspectors risk receiving negative assessments sooner. If a child receives two negative assessments, they will be required to return to formal school in the following term.
Authorities will also act faster on concerning cases by reporting them promptly to prosecutors or social services. Any case referred to the public prosecutor will now automatically be considered neglect.
Starting in September, the process for parents to declare home schooling will become stricter. Parents must guarantee enough instructional time, suitable educational materials, and a clear daily structure.
While home schooling is not bound by the official curriculum’s minimum objectives, it must clearly lead to the development of key skills and competencies.
Parents choose home schooling for various reasons. Some cite unmet special educational needs at mainstream schools, bullying, conflicts, alternative teaching philosophies, or stress related to school.
The education inspectorate views the rise in home schooling as a sign that mainstream education may not be inclusive enough for all children.
