Luxembourg to Introduce French Literacy in Primary Schools from 2026/27

Luxembourg’s Education Minister Claude Meisch has announced that French literacy will become a standard part of the primary school curriculum beginning in the 2026/27 academic year. The reform, which will roll out in Cycle 1.2 (the second year of kindergarten), forms part of a broader strategy to promote equality, expand opportunities, and provide stronger support for children with special needs.

Breaking Down Barriers in Education
Currently, Luxembourgish-speaking pupils are disproportionately channelled into the country’s “classic” track in secondary education, while other language groups often face barriers. Meisch argued that introducing French literacy early will help balance opportunities and rejected claims that the reform would deepen divisions. “These divisions already exist,” he said, emphasising that the measure instead aims to create fairer pathways.

This change builds on earlier reforms designed to reduce grade repetition rates. According to ministry projections, the French literacy programme could lower the number of students repeating a year by up to 25%, easing both social and academic inequalities.

Addressing Infrastructure and Staffing Concerns
Teachers’ unions have raised concerns about the shortage of classrooms. Meisch estimated that roughly 150 additional classrooms will be required nationwide, but stressed that municipalities must address this demand regardless, given Luxembourg’s growing population.
Meanwhile, the ministry will double the number of classroom assistants for children with special needs, expanding from 50 to 100 assistants. Since the 2017 inclusion reform, specialised staff numbers have already tripled, from 645 to 1,845.

Expanding French in Secondary and Vocational Education
The reform also extends to secondary and vocational education. At present, 39 vocational programmes (DAPs) are available in French; from next year, all programmes will be. New tracks are also opening up, including a music section at Lycée Michel Lucius, along with “Economic Affairs” and “Data Literacy” at the École de Commerce et de Gestion (ECG).

In addition, students will gain more flexibility: from 2026/27, those graduating from the classic track can opt into a one-year shortened vocational programme (DAP raccourci), while graduates from the technical track will find it easier to pursue higher education.
The school leaving age will also rise from 16 to 18, in line with the government’s broader push to ensure students are better prepared for the labour market and higher studies.

Strengthening Support and Modern Tools
Schools with disadvantaged student populations will be assigned a second special needs teacher (I-EBS), and two new socio-therapeutic centres will open this year. Cooperation with the National Office for Children (ONE) will also be intensified to provide better family support.
Finally, the ministry is drafting guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence in classrooms. The focus, Meisch said, will be on finding the right age to introduce AI tools while ensuring students continue to develop essential skills in self-expression.

A Reform with Long-Term Impact
This literacy reform marks the latest milestone in Luxembourg’s evolving education system. After the 2017 inclusion law significantly increased specialised support staff, the new measures aim to tackle persistent inequalities while adapting schools to a multilingual society and a digital future.

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