Between 2014 and 2021 the number of 16-17 year old drop outs increased from 216 to 273. Those leaving school between 17 and 18 years of age, however decreased from 436 to 374 in the same period. Photo: Mike Zenari

Between 2014 and 2021 the number of 16-17 year old drop outs increased from 216 to 273. Those leaving school between 17 and 18 years of age, however decreased from 436 to 374 in the same period. Photo: Mike Zenari

The number of high school dropouts between 16-17 has decreased in recent years but that’s not the case for those between 17 and 18.

In an answer to a parliamentary question education minister Claude Meisch (DP) highlighted a study by Luxembourg’s Institute of Socio-Economic Research (Liser) examining 22 young people between 16 and 18 who dropped out of school. The aim of the research was to find out what the pupils needs are in order to improve the chances of continuing their education. The report also states that the causes of school dropout are manifold and that the measures taken correspond to this diversity.

Between 2014 and 2021 the number of 16-17 year old drop outs increased from 216 to 273. Those leaving school between 17 and 18 years of age, however decreased from 436 to 374 in the same period.

“Dropping out of school has a negative impact on the Luxembourg economy. Companies want, as much as possible, well-trained employees. There is also a risk of school dropouts later becoming costly to the state, leading to unemployment for example,” stated Meisch. He added however that the dropouts cases are also dramatic personal stories.

In another parliamentary response the education minister highlighted the result of efforts in recent years to evaluate the education system and to improve it. The education ministry has been assessing formal and informal education systems over the last 20 years.

Meisch put forward the introduction of the national education report in 2015 as an important step in the education ministry’s mission. Luxembourg has also been participating in the International Computer and Information Literacy (ICIL) Study which allows the ministry to receive international input in the field of digitalization in schools. The establishment of a school development division and a curriculum division in 2018 were also highlighted by Meisch as important steps taken in recent years. These efforts should lead to a new study plan in 2025 and between 2020 and 2025 an extension of the standardized tests (EpStan) should be made effective. The programme is currently being revised.

The launch of the bridge builder project in 2020, aiming to improve transparency in education research in Luxembourg, was another important element that Meisch indicated as a recent improvement in his parliamentary response.