Financing for equity in pre-primary education
1. Education resources to subnational governments
2. Education resources to institutions
3. Education resources to students and families
4. Social policies and family support programmes
Introduction
Key financing indicators (UIS Data)
In 2024, the official entrance age to pre-primary education was 3 years old. In 2023, the number of years of free pre-primary education granted in legal frameworks was 3, and the number of years of compulsory pre-primary education granted in legal frameworks was 2. For 2023, the net enrolment rate for pre-primary for both sexes was 95,78%.
Governance
In 2024, the official entrance age to pre-primary education was 3 years old. In 2023, the number of years of free pre-primary education granted in legal frameworks was 3, and the number of years of compulsory pre-primary education granted in legal frameworks was 2. For 2023, the net enrolment rate for pre-primary for both sexes was 95,78%.
Tuition-free status
Public pre-primary education in Luxembourg is tuition-free in the public system: preschool (Spillschoul / préscolaire, from age 4 and integrated in enseignement fondamental) is compulsory and provided without tuition fees in public schools, with staff costs covered by the State and infrastructure by municipalities.
1. Education resources to subnational governments
The municipalities are responsible for the costs associated with the infrastructure and equipment of public elementary schools. According to the 2023 state budget, the government provides financial contributions to municipalities for operating educational and childcare services.
The quota system (contingent) was introduced with the 2009 primary school reform to allocate resources based on municipal population composition. It employs a weighting coefficient to address disparities by directing more resources to municipalities with socially disadvantaged populations. Resources are allocated based on a quota of teaching hours, ensuring that the distribution is both quantitatively and qualitatively equitable. The objective is to reduce educational inequalities and better meet pupils' specific needs.
The model is based on two key principles. First, a basic quota allocates human resources among municipalities based on a defined calculation that considers the expected number of students for the upcoming school year and the standard class size. Each municipality receives the same amount of resources per student. Second, a supplement based on a social index allows municipalities to receive additional human resources according to the socioeconomic and sociocultural composition of their students. This allocation considers factors such as family structure, household income, parents' employment status, and the students' linguistic context. Municipalities with a higher social index receive more resources to better meet their students' needs.
2. Education resources to institutions
The Ministry of Education, Children, and Youth oversees funding and coordination for the inclusion of students with special needs. It allocates state financing for operating costs, contracts with specialised service providers, and supports national competence centres and regional teams. The Ministry also invests in continuous system evaluation and recently established the Service national de l’éducation inclusive (SNEI) in 2023 to enhance inclusive education efforts.
Private schools receiving state subsidies are subject to educational monitoring by national authorities. According to Article 20 of the modified law of 13 June 2003, private educational institutions seeking a contract with the state must provide all necessary documents and information for compliance, including balance sheets, bills, and receipts.
3. Education resources to students and families
At elementary school, books and other didactic material are provided free of charge by the municipality.
Elementary school students with special needs can benefit from various support measures. These may include adapting classroom teaching by the teacher in collaboration with the school's teaching team, implementing reasonable accommodations, conducting specific activities, or enlisting the assistance of a specialised professional.
4. Social policies and family support programmes
The “allocation familiale” is paid from the month of a child’s birth until they reach 18 years of age. If the child is in secondary education or an equivalent programme, the allowance may continue beyond 18. In 2023, the basic monthly family allowance was EUR 307.35, with 100% of eligible students benefiting from it. An age supplement of EUR 23.23 per month was added for children over six, and EUR 57.99 for those over twelve.
The State-funded Childcare Service Voucher (CSA; Chèque-Service Accueil) provides financial support to families, ensuring equitable access to child care. It offers price reductions for accredited public and private day care services, parental assistance, and additional non-formal educational options.
Membership in the CSA system is free for parents of all children living in Luxembourg who are under 13 or still in elementary education. Families receiving the Guaranteed Minimum Wage or identified as at risk of poverty qualify for a reduced financial contribution. The fourth child is entitled to care and services at no cost.
An additional special allowance (allocation spéciale supplémentaire) is granted to children with a permanent physical or mental impairment of at least 50% compared to healthy peers. It amounts to €200 per month to cover extra expenses related to the impairment. The allowance is paid until the child turns 25, provided the impairment of at least 50% persists and is certified by a physician.
