Luxembourg plans three new public European schools as student numbers rise

Luxembourg's rising population has led to an increasing number of students in schools, prompting Minister of Education Claude Meisch to acknowledge the need for greater capacity in the Grand Duchy's secondary schools.

At the request of the Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party (LSAP), Minister Meisch met with MPs from the parliamentary education and housing committees in a joint session to present details of the new sector-specific plan for secondary schools.

The previous sector-specific plan for secondary schools is now 20 years old, and a new strategy is being developed, with completion expected by 2028. Proposed measures include expanding existing schools and building three new public European schools in regions with high demand – specifically near Esch-sur-Alzette, Dudelange, and Luxembourg City, as Meisch explained. Some MPs also called for private secondary schools to be included in the plan, given that nearly a quarter of students attend private institutions.

Addressing space shortages in schools

Without intervention, Luxembourg's secondary schools could face worsening space shortages, Meisch warned. MPs highlighted particular gaps in western Luxembourg, around Steinfort, and in the northern part of the country – issues the minister assured would be analysed.

When questioned by MP and Luxembourg City Mayor Lydie Polfer, Meisch confirmed plans to reduce the concentration of secondary schools in the capital's Limpertsberg neighbourhood. Lycée Michel Lucius will relocate to Kirchberg, while Lycée technique du Centre will move to Gasperich. However, a secondary structure of the Gaston Thorn European School will be established in Limpertsberg.

Ministry proceeds with expansion of public European schools

The government's plans confirm a continued push to expand public European schools, despite criticism that their graduation criteria are too broad.

In response to concerns, Minister Meisch pointed to the ministry's decades-long positive experience with the two existing European schools in Kirchberg and Mamer. While he acknowledged differences in their graduation and evaluation standards, Meisch described the issue as "very complex" and stressed the need for careful assessment.

He proposed that the Observatory for Quality of Education should evaluate potential reforms. The minister also cited the introduction of French literacy education as a "first step" in broader efforts to improve Luxembourg's school system.