This seems like a problem
this post was submitted on 05 Jan 2026
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Here in Belgium we don't have any standardized tests either. It's less hassle and allows for more flexibility for teachers and schools (the difficulty can vary wildly between schools).
I think that the literature says standardized tests are better, but our education is (was?) among the best, so I don't think it's a deciding factor.
Freedom of education is a big thing here, the government only can give a rough overview of what teachers should teach. For better or worse, standardized tests would never fly here.
That sounds good if it works, but presumably you still leave mandatory education with some kind of official qualification right?
So if it's not standardised, does that mean people pay more attention to where you went to school Vs the grade you got?
Yes, it is somewhat school dependent.
But the schools all want to be amongst the best. So the quality is pretty high up. Haven't heard of anyone whose degree was questioned because they came from a "bad school". There will be at least some bar they will have to meet somewhere.
Though degrees from some schools are more appreciated than others.
Anyone can start a school, that is a right guaranteed by our constitution. It comes from a time where the Liberals were afraid of Catholics interfering in their education and vice versa so they limited the power the government has over education. And looking at what's happening in the world, it still seems relevant to me.
Being able to hand out recognized diploma's and receiving government subsidy is a bit more difficult, but also far from impossible and you can always send your students to the government organized exam center.
If you're going to university/college it doesn't really matter since you just enrol (or take an entrance test for a few majors). Of course, your chances of getting through will depend on the school you went to. If not, I suppose yes. But isn't that the same as everywhere else, or do you also have national exams for trades?