Flemish Education Minister Zuhal Demir has unveiled plans to integrate special education and mainstream schooling under one roof, creating so-called inclusive campus schools where all students, with and without special needs, learn together. The reform aims to reduce the high proportion of students in special education — nearly three times the EU average — by offering support directly within regular schools and cutting reliance on diagnostic labels. Pilot campuses will start in 2026, with a phased rollout toward a fully inclusive system by 2040.
Reports from VRT NWS and other outlets explain that Demir’s long-term strategy seeks to bridge the divide between special and regular education by situating both in shared school campuses. Forty inclusive campus schools will begin experimenting in September 2026, bringing together general teachers, specialists like therapists, and support teams to work collaboratively on one site — not simply segregated classes in the same building, but more genuinely blended teaching environments.
The reform is driven by concerns that too many children are steered into special education due to an overreliance on medical labels to secure support, leading to segregation and inefficiencies. By reducing the need for labels and offering tailored assistance within mainstream settings, the government hopes to make the system more equitable and prevent long bus rides and unnecessary separation for students.
Critics and stakeholders acknowledge the ambition but stress that inclusive schooling requires substantial resources, training, and careful implementation so that both educators and children truly benefit. While some see the plan as a hopeful step toward quality for all, others warn that without proper support structures, the initiative could strain schools and dilute care for the most complex needs.