Education and schools in Luxembourg

Education and schools in Luxembourg are known for offering high standards and excellence in preparing students to enter the workforce. The government runs public schools for free, and education is compulsory for all children ages 4 to 16.

All schools teach in one of the three official languages, namely Luxembourgish, German or French, with the secondary two also forming part of the curriculum. The language barrier can be a deterrent for expats looking for a school for their children. Many often send their children to an international school where they can continue with their home country’s curriculum in their home language.

If you're staying in Luxembourg long-term and are keen to enrol your children in local schools, you'll be delighted to find that the government has educational programmes to help foreign students integrate into the school system. Additionally, some schools also teach English as an extra language.

Public schools in Luxembourg

Public schooling in Luxembourg is rather complicated. There are three main stages of schooling in Luxembourg and the first stage, fundamental education, is divided into four cycles. These cycles focus on developing diverse skills in children, including language acquisition, social, basic numeracy, and literacy skills, while the fourth cycle emphasises moral and arts education.

• Fundamental education (enseignement fundamental) includes four cycles from pre-school to primary school: ages 4 to 11
• Secondary education (enseignement secondaire) is divided into junior and senior classes: ages 12 to 18

At the secondary education stage, children must choose between a classic secondary education (lycée classique) or a vocational education programme (secondaire générale). 

The first year of secondary education is the same in both streams, after which the subject matter becomes increasingly focused on the student’s preferences. Students will graduate from secondary school at either 17 or 18, depending on their course, and can then either move on to tertiary education, a technical college or start working.

Schools in Luxembourg require students to be proficient in at least one of the local languages, and somewhat knowledgeable in the others before enrolling. To accommodate international students, the government has rolled out intensive home courses that students can complete before attending a school in the country.

There are also welcoming and insertion classes for secondary school children new to the Luxembourg education system. These classes aim to help students learn the languages and prepare them to transition to general courses.

Useful links

• Ministry of Education, Children and Youth of Luxembourg – Education System

Private schools in Luxembourg

There are a few schools in Luxembourg offering alternative teaching methods, and these are known as private schools. These are either run by the government or are semi-private institutions. Private schools in Luxembourg teach an entirely different curriculum from the national curriculum, while some follow Montessori or Waldorf teaching methods. Some of these schools even teach their curriculums in English. School fees at these institutions are state-subsidised, making them relatively affordable.

These schools could be a good middle ground for international students who wish to learn in English but cannot afford the fees at an international school.

International schools in Luxembourg

Luxembourg is home to several international schools that teach foreign curricula in a foreign language. These schools may be the best option for those wanting to continue their home country’s curriculum in their home language. Some international schools teach the globally recognised International Baccalaureate programme.

Fees at international schools can be pricey, but they are also known for offering world-class facilities, a wide slate of extracurricular activities, and exceptional teaching standards. If you're moving to Luxembourg for work, you should negotiate a school allowance into your employment package if you're looking to provide your children with an international education. We recommend that you apply for international schools well in advance, as placement is competitive. 

Special-needs education in Luxembourg

Luxembourg has many services in place to assist children with special educational needs. Depending on their needs, they may attend a mainstream school, be partially integrated into both a mainstream and a special-needs school, or attend a local or international special-needs school.

At every level of schooling, there are different government departments and organisations in charge of identifying children’s special needs and finding services to support them. If attending a mainstream school, the services available to children with special educational needs include after school homework assistance, special classes and extra lessons during the holidays or after school hours.

Children with mental or physical disabilities are eligible to receive benefits from the government to pay for their care requirements. Parents must apply for these benefits with the Children's Future Fund office.

Useful links

• Ministry of Education, Children and Youth of Luxembourg – Special-needs Support
• Children's Future Fund – Allowances

Tutors in Luxembourg

Parents looking to assist their children with learning the local languages or adjusting to the new school curriculum may consider hiring a local tutor. These tutors can also help your children with any subjects they may be struggling with.

Luxembourg has a range of companies and individuals who provide tutoring services. There are options available for private at-home tutoring lessons, as well as attending lessons at a tutoring school. Before hiring a private tutor or signing on with any tutoring companies, we recommend that parents enquire at their child’s school or ask other local or expat parents for recommendations.

Useful links

• Etic Academy
• Réussit’school
• Cours At Home