Grade Retention in Belgium - What Now? Options and Advice

Everything you need to know about repeating a year: when does it happen, what options do you have, and how do you deal with it.

Repeating a year (grade retention) is a difficult experience for many students. But it doesn't have to be a disaster. In this article, we explain how the Belgian system works, what options you have, and how to deal with it.

When Do You Have to Repeat?

In Belgium, the class council decides on your promotion at the end of the school year. You may have to repeat when:

  • Too many failing grades (below 50%) on the final report
  • Failing grades for important subjects like Dutch, French, or math
  • Not meeting minimum attendance requirements
  • Advice from the class council that you can't handle the level

The Decision Process

This is how the promotion decision works in Belgium:

  • At the end of the year, your final grades are calculated
  • The class council meets and discusses each student
  • You receive an A, B, or C attestation
  • Your parents receive official notification of the decision

What Options Do You Have?

Option 1: Repeat the Year

You stay at the same school and in the same track, but repeat the year. Advantage: you already know some of the material and can improve your weak points.

Option 2: Change Study Track

With a B-attestation, you can move to a different study track. Think of switching from ASO to TSO, or choosing a different direction within the same level.

Education Types in Belgium

ASO (General Secondary Education), TSO (Technical Secondary Education), BSO (Vocational Secondary Education), and KSO (Arts Secondary Education). Each has its own strengths and opportunities.

Filing an Appeal

Do you disagree with the decision? You can file an appeal:

  • First ask for a meeting with the principal
  • Submit an internal appeal within 3 working days of receiving the attestation
  • If the internal appeal is rejected, you can file an external appeal with the Department of Education

How to Prevent Repeating?

Prevention is better than cure:

  • Track your grades via Smartschool or your school's platform
  • Ask for help (tutoring, study guidance) as soon as you notice difficulties
  • Talk to your teacher or CLB about your options
  • Make a realistic study plan and stick to it

Use our calculator to track what grades you still need!

Calculate What You Need

Do you know how much you need to pass? Use our calculator to figure out what grades you still need.