Based on findings of this report, the following boxes list education systems where specific education policy priorities have been identified by either the OECD or the education system, as well as selected related policies in those systems.
Identified in education systems according to:
OECD: AUS, CZE, DEU, FIN, FRA, ITA, JPN, KOR, LUX, LVA, PRT, SVK, ESP, GBR (ENG)
EPO Survey: CHL
Total number of education systems: 15
Selected related policies:
Australia: Series of National Partnership Agreements on Universal Access to Early Childhood Education (2008-19)
Austria: School Entry and Primary School package of the 2015 education reform (2016)
Belgium (Fl) [SN]: Priority access to ECEC for children under 3 (2009) for single parents and/or low-income parents
Belgium (Fr) [SN]: Pact for Excellence in Teaching (2015-30)
Belgium (Dg) [SN]: Decree on childhood care (2014) providing priority access to ECEC for children under 3
Canada: [SN]: CMEC Early Learning and Development Framework (2014); [SN]: Multilateral Early Learning and Child Care Framework (2017)
Chile [SN]: Series of policies to improve coverage and equity in ECEC (2014-18)
Czech Republic: Innovation of the Framework Educational Programme of Pre-primary education (2012); [SN]: Amendment to the Education Act (2016) making preschool education compulsory (2017-20)
Finland: [SN]: National Core Curriculum for Pre-primary Education (2014); [SN]: National Core Curriculum for Early Childhood Education and Care (2016)
France: Reform of the Republic’s School (2013); New curriculum for all levels of compulsory education (2013/2014)
Germany: Legal entitlement to an ECEC place to children aged 1 and 2 (2013); [SN]: Process to improve the quality of ECEC and negotiate national quality goals (2014) through the Guidelines for the promotion of quality development for good education in early childhood (2017) and the ECEC Prize (2018)
Hungary: Decree on the Basic National Programme of Kindergarten Education (2012); Lowering the age of compulsory participation in kindergarten from age 5 to 3 (2015-16) as part of the National Public Education Act
Iceland [SN]: National curriculum guidelines for pre-primary (2011)
Ireland: Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) "free preschool" programme (2010, expanded in 2016); After-School Childcare Scheme (ACSS, 2013); Community Childcare Subvention (CCS, 2016) for low-income families
Italy: National Curriculum Guidelines Reform for ISCED levels, including pre-primary education (2012, revised 2018) (Ministerial Decree No. 254/2012); Larger structures providing more integrated services for children aged 0-6 (2015, 2017)
Korea: [SN]: After-school childcare for 3-5 year-olds (2013); [SN]: Nuri curriculum (2012)
Norway: New regulation and a subsidy scheme for parental fees for ECEC (2016); Revised Framework Plan for the Content and Tasks of Kindergartens (2017) (replaced The Framework Plan of 2006); Legal right to a place in ECEC from age 1 (2009)
Portugal: [SN]: Curriculum Guidelines for Preschool Education (2012, 2016); [SN]: Universal free preschool for children aged 3-5 by 2019 (2017-19)
Slovenia: Kindergarten Act 2008; Amendments to the Kindergarten Act (2010, 2017)
Sweden: ECEC curriculum (1998, revised 2016)
Identified in education systems according to:
OECD: AUS, CAN, CZE, ISR, MEX, NZL, SVK
EPO Survey: AUS, CAN (NB), MEX, NZL
Total number of education systems: 7
Selected key related policies:
Australia: [SN]: Indigenous Student Success Program (ISSP, 2017); (Queensland): National Indigenous Reform Agreement (2008)
Canada (Nova Scotia): SchoolsPlus (2008)
New Zealand: Māori-medium education (1985); The Pasifika Education Plan (2013-17)
Portugal: National Strategy for the Integration of Roma Communities (ENICC, 2013-20)
Slovenia: Series of projects to promote successful integration of Roma students in schools (2008-21)
Identified in education systems according to:
OECD: AUT, BEL (Fl, Fr, Dg), CHL, CZE, DEU, GRC, HUN, IRL, JPN, KOR, LVA, LUX, MEX, NOR, PRT, SVK, SVN, SWE, TUR, GBR (ENG, SCT); COL, KAZ
EPO Survey: AUS, BEL (Fl, Fr), CAN (NB), CZE, DEU, FRA, IRL, JPN, MEX, NZL, SVK, TUR, GBR (ENG)
Total number of education systems: 29
Selected key related policies:
Australia: [SN]: Smith Family’s Learning for Life Program (from 2016-17 to 2019-20)
Austria: School Entry and Primary School package of the 2015 education reform (2016); [SN]: Expansion of all-day schooling (2017-25)
Belgium (Fl): Funding based on socio-economic background of school and students as part of the Parliamentary Act for primary and secondary education (2008)
Belgium (Fr): [SN]: Instrument for differentiated support (2009, 2017)
Canada (Nova Scotia): SchoolsPlus (2008)
Chile: Preferential School Subsidy (SEP, 2008); [SN]: School Inclusion Law (2015)
Czech Republic [SN]: Amendment to the Education Act (2016) making preschool education compulsory (2017-20)
England: Pupil Premium Programme (2011)
France: [SN]: School of Confidence (2017)
Germany: Education Alliances (2012) supporting out-of-school programmes (including the Education Package [2011]); Education through Language and Writing (2013-19); Reform measures resolved by all Länder in the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Länder in the Federal Republic of Germany (2013)
Hungary: [SN]: 2017 Revision of the National Core Curriculum (2012)
Japan: [SN]: Grant-type scholarship system (2017)
Mexico: [SN]: National Scholarship Programme (2014)
Norway: [SN]: Homework assistance programme (2010)
United Kingdom (England): Pupil Premium (2011)
Identified in education systems according to:
OECD: EST, LVA
EPO Survey: AUS, BEL (Fl, Fr), CZE, LVA, SVN
Total number of education systems: 6
Selected key related policies:
Australia: National Disability Coordination Officer (NDCO) Program (2008)
Belgium (Fl): M-Decree (2015)
Estonia: Amendments (2017) to the Preschool Child Care Institutions Act (2000) and the Basic Schools and Upper Secondary Schools Act (2010) to support students with special educational needs
Iceland: [SN]: Regulation for students with special needs in public and private upper secondary schools (No. 230/2012, based on Article 34 of the Upper Secondary Act, No. 92/2008)
Latvia: Education Development Guidelines 2014-2020, through the Promotion of the inclusion of students with special needs (2011)
Slovenia: Placement of Children with Special Needs Act (2013); Act on comprehensive special treatment of preschool children (2017)
Identified in education systems according to:
OECD: CHL, EST, HUN, ITA, LVA, LUX, MEX, POL, PRT, SVN, ESP, TUR; COL
EPO Survey: EST, ITA, LVA, ESP, TUR
Total number of education systems: 13
Selected key related policies:
Portugal: Third Generation of the Education Territories of Priority Intervention Programme (TEIP, 2012)
Identified in education systems according to:
OECD: AUT, EST, FIN, ISL, LVA, MEX, NZL, GBR (SCT)
EPO Survey: FIN, LVA, NZL
Total number of education systems: 8
Selected key related policies:
Turkey: [SN]: Project for Increasing School Attendance Rates Especially for Girls (KEP-2, 2015-17) (replaced Project for Increasing Enrolment Rates Especially for Girls [KEP-1, 2011-13])
Identified in education systems according to:
OECD: AUT, BEL (Fl, Fr, Dg), DEU, FIN, FRA, ISL, LUX, POL, SWE, CHE, TUR, GBR (ENG)
EPO Survey: BEL (Fl), DEU, FIN, ISL, SWE, TUR
Total number of education systems: 14
Selected key related policies:
Austria: School Entry and Primary School package of the 2015 education reform (2016); [SN]: Language support for non-native German speakers 2016/17
Belgium (Fl): [SN]: Special measures to enhance the integration of refugees in the education system (2015-16)
Belgium (Fr): [SN]: DASPA Decree (2012)
France: [SN]: National action plan to support migrants (2017) (including the "Welcome-refugees" information portal (2015))
Finland: National Core Curriculum for Instruction Preparing for Basic Education (2015), National Core Curriculum for Instruction Preparing for General Upper Secondary Education (2015), Preparatory Education for Vocational Training (2015)
Germany: Qualification Initiative “Getting ahead through education” (2008); National Action Plan on Integration (NAP-I, 2011); Programme on language education (2016); Programme on building bridges to early education for families with refugee background and low SES (2017)
Slovenia: Special model to enhance the integration of refugee children and students in the Slovenian education system (2015)
Identified in education systems according to:
OECD: BEL (Fl, Fr, Dg), CHL, CZE, DEU, FRA, GRC, HUN, ISL, ITA, LUX, MEX, SVK, SWE, ESP, GBR (SCT); CRI
EPO Survey: CZE, DEU, FRA, ISL, MEX, SVN, SWE, GBR (ENG)
Total number of education systems: 20
Selected key related policies:
Australia: [SN]: Smith Family’s Learning for Life Program (from 2016-17 to 2019-20)
Austria: School Entry and Primary School package of the 2015 education reform (2016)
Canada: [SN]: CMEC Early Learning and Development Framework (2014); [SN]: Multilateral Early Learning and Child Care Framework (2017)
Belgium (Fl): Priority access to ECEC for children under 3.
Belgium (Fr): [SN]: Pact for Excellence in Teaching (2015-30)
France: Reform of the Republic's Schools (2013)
Germany: [SN]: Support strategy for poorer-performing pupils (2010); Education Through Language and Writing (2013-19)
Hungary: Decree on the Basic National Programme of Kindergarten Education (2012); 2017 Revision of the National Core Curriculum (2012)
Ireland: Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) "free pre-school" programme (2010, expanded in 2016); After-School Childcare Scheme (ACSS) (2013); Community Childcare Subvention (CCS, 2016) for low-income families
Japan: [SN]: Comprehensive After-School Plan for Children (2014); [SN]: Project for Promoting Community Cooperation Activities for Learning and Education (2017)
Mexico [SN]: New Educational Model for Compulsory Education: Education for Freedom and Creativity (2017)
Spain [SN]: Under the Organic Law on the Improvement of the Quality of Education (LOMCE, 2013), optional vocational pathways and new VET diploma
Sweden: ECEC curriculum (1998, revised 2016)
United Kingdom (England): Pupil Premium (2011)
Identified in education systems according to:
OECD: BEL (Fl, Fr, Dg), DEU, FRA, LUX, MEX, PRT, ESP
EPO Survey: BEL (Fr), PRT, ESP
Total number of education systems: 9
Selected key related policies:
Belgium (Fr): Take-off Project (2012)
Portugal [SN]: Series of policies to promote student success, including a new framework of competences, a National Plan for School Success, tutoring for students who repeat two grades and the Curriculum Flexibility and Autonomy Programme
Identified in education systems according to:
OECD: BEL (Fl, Fr, Dg), CHL, DEU, EST, FRA, ISL, ITA, LVA, MEX, PRT, SVK, SVN, ESP, SWE; COL
EPO Survey: BEL (Fl, Fr), DEU, FRA, ITA, LVA, NOR, PRT, ESP, SWE
Total number of education systems: 18
Selected key related policies:
Austria [SN]: Apprenticeship until 18 (2017)
Belgium (Fl): [SN]: Master plan for secondary education and policy measures for the reduction of early school leaving (2013); “Together against Early School Leaving” (2015) (previously Action Plan on Early School Leaving [2013] and ‘Spijbelplan’ [2012]); Early School Leaving Monitor (2016)
Belgium (Fr): [SN]: Decree mandating work experience in third year of secondary education (2016); [SN]: Pact for Excellence in Teaching (2015-30)
Canada (Quebec): I Care about School strategy (2009)
France: United Against School Dropout (2014)
Germany: Qualification Initiative Getting ahead through education (2008); Educational Chains Initiative (2010) for career support; VerA programme (2010-20); Career orientation programme (2016) part of the Ways to Education for Refugees’ programme
Hungary: [SN]: Public Education Bridge Programme (2016); [SN]: VET Bridge Programme (2016)
Iceland [SN]: White Paper on Education Reform (2014)
Italy: Reform of upper secondary education (2010-15)
Latvia: Support to students at risk of social exclusion (2007-13; 2014-20); Regulation for absent students (2011); Educational Development Guidelines (2014-20); National Reform Programme (2016)
Mexico: [SN]: Constructing Yourself (2008); [SN]: Compulsory upper secondary education (2012); [SN]: Movement against school dropout (2013/14)
New Zealand: Achievement Retention Transitions programme (2013), within the Youth Guarantee (2010)
Norway: Certificate of Practice Scheme (2008)
Slovenia [SN]: CroCooS (2014-17)
Spain: Programme to Reduce Early Dropout in Education and Training (2014-20)
Identified in education systems according to:
OECD: BEL (Fl, Fr, Dg), CZE, DEU, DNK, EST, FRA, GRC, IRL, ISR, MEX, PRT, SVN, ESP, SWE
EPO Survey: BEL (Fr), CAN (federal view), DEU, PRT, SVK, ESP, SWE
Total number of education systems: 18
Selected key related policies:
Belgium (Fl): New model of dual learning (dual vocational learning) (2015)
Belgium (Fr) [SN]: Pact for Excellence in Teaching (2015-30)
Canada: Canada Apprentice Loan (2015)
Chile [SN]: National VET Policy (2016)
Germany: Qualification Initiative “Getting ahead through education” (2008); [SN]: Vocational training initiative (2016)
Hungary: Szabóky Adolf vocational scholarship programme (2016) formerly known as the Vocational School Scholarship Scheme
Italy: Higher Technical Institutes (2011) and short-cycle tertiary programmes
Portugal: Reforms to the VET offering at secondary level (2012-17); [SN]: Qualifica Programme (2016) including Qualifica Centres; [SN]: National Credit System (2016)
Slovenia [SN]: VET modernisation measures (2016-21) (Apprenticeship Act [2017], Amendments to the Vocational and Technical Education Act [2017])
Spain: Dual Vocational Training Model (2012)
Identified in education systems according to:
OECD: AUS, AUT, BEL (Fl, Fr, Dg), FRA, IRL, ITA, LVA, MEX, SVK, GBR (ENG, WLS); CRI
EPO Survey: CAN (Alberta), EST, ISL, SVN
Total number of education systems: 18
Selected key related policies:
Australia: [SN]: Preparing Secondary Students for Work framework (2014); [SN]: Smith Family’s Learning for Life Program (2016–17 to 2019–20)
Belgium (Fl): New model of dual learning (dual vocational learning) (2015/16)
Canada [SN]: Harmonise apprenticeship training for 30 Red Seal trades by 2020 (2016)
Chile: National VET Policy (2016)
Estonia [SN]: Reforms of the VET system (Vocational Educational Institution Act [2013], Vocational Education Standards [2013])
Finland [SN]: Reform of vocational upper secondary education (2018)
Hungary: Szabóky Adolf vocational scholarship programme (2016) formerly known as the Vocational School Scholarship Scheme
Ireland: Education and Training Boards Bill (2012); SOLAS - Further Education and Training Authority (2013); Further Education and Training Strategy (2014-19); [SN]: Action plan for apprenticeships (2016-2020)
Italy: Good School Reform (2015) (April 2017 implementing Decree No 63. on the right to study); Jobs Act (2015); Decree No. 61 of 13 April 2017 (2017) modernising and streamlining vocational educational offering
Japan [SN]: Partial amendment to the School Education Act to implement new higher education institutions (2017)
Latvia: Reform of vocational education curricula (2008-20); [SN]: Action Plan for 2016-20 Development of Adult Education Provision and its Governance Model
Mexico [SN]: Dual training system (2013)
New Zealand: Secondary-Tertiary Programmes (STPs, Trades Academies, 2009); [SN]: Service Academies (2009); Vocational Pathways as part of the Youth Guarantee (2010)
Norway [SN]: Working Life Course for lower secondary students (2009)
Portugal: Reforms to the VET offering at secondary level (2012-17); [SN]: National Credit System (2016)
Slovak Republic: [SN]: National project for the support of dual education (2016); [SN]: Amendment on VET (2018)
Slovenia: [SN]: VET modernisation measures (2016-21) (Apprenticeship Act [2017], Amendments to the Vocational and Technical Education Act [2017]); Reform of vocational education and training (2008-11); [SN]: Slovenian Qualifications Framework Act (2015)
Spain: Dual Vocational Training Model (2012); Under the Organic Law on the Improvement of the Quality of Education (LOMCE, (2013), optional vocational pathways and new VET diploma
Sweden [SN]: Swedish National Agency for Higher Vocational Education (NAHVE, 2009)
Identified in education systems according to:
OECD: AUS, AUT, BEL (Fl, Fr, Dg), CHL, CZE, DEU, EST, GRC, ISL, IRL, ISR, ITA, KOR, LVA, MEX, POL, SVK, SVN, ESP, USA; COL, CRI
EPO Survey: BEL (Fl), CAN, EST
Total number of education systems: 25
Selected key related policies:
Canada: Increase employer engagement for improved job opportunities and outcomes for apprentices (2016); [SN]: Harmonise apprenticeship training for 30 Red Seal trades by 2020 (2016)
Chile: National VET Policy (2016)
Japan: Partial amendment to the School Education Act to implement new higher education institutions (2017)
Slovak Republic [SN]: Amendment on VET (2018)
Slovenia [SN]: VET modernisation measures (2016-21) (Apprenticeship Act [2017], Amendments to the Vocational and Technical Education Act [2017])
Spain: Dual Vocational Training Model (2012)
Identified in education systems according to:
OECD: AUS, AUT, CAN (federal view), CHL, DEU, EST, ISL, ISR, ITA, JPN, PRT, SVN, CHE; COL, CRI, KAZ
EPO Survey: AUS, JPN, TUR
Total number of education systems: 18
Selected key related policies:
Australia: Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (2010)
Belgium (Fl): Short-cycle tertiary education as part of the national qualifications process (2009); A national qualifications' structure (2009-13)
Belgium (Fr) [SN]: Decree that implements dual vocational education in higher education for certain fields of study and programme types (2016)
Chile: [SN]: Tuition-free higher education (2016); [SN]: New Access System for higher education
France [SN]: Program of Assistance to the Emergency Hospitality of Scientists in Exile (PAUSE, 2017)
Germany: Qualification Initiative Getting ahead through education (2008)
Mexico: National Scholarship Programme (2014)
New Zealand: Tertiary Education Strategy (2010-15; 2014-19)
Turkey [SN]: Facilitation of Procedures for Equivalence of Diplomas for Syrian students (2013)
Identified in education systems according to:
OECD: AUS, CHL, CZE, DEU, GRC, IRL, ITA, JPN, KOR, LVA, NOR, POL, SVK, TUR; COL, CRI
EPO Survey: CZE, DEU, FIN, LVA
Total number of education systems: 17
Selected key related policies:
Germany [SN]: Treaty on the accreditation of higher education (2018)
Ireland [SN]: Surveys for the improvement of quality (2014, 2015, 2017)
Latvia: Strategy for improving higher education system (2014-20); Academic Information Centre (AIC, 2015)
Slovak Republic: Amendment to the Higher Education Act (2013)
Sweden [SN]: National system for quality assurance of higher education (2017)
Identified in education systems according to:
OECD: FIN, JPN, LVA, NOR, SVK, SVN, CHE; KAZ
EPO Survey: FIN, SVN
Total number of education systems: 8
Selected key related policies:
Australia [SN]: New Colombo Plan (2013)
Finland: International strategy for higher education and research (2017–25) (previously Strategy for the Internationalisation of Higher Education Institutions [2009-15])
Japan: [SN]: 300 000 International Students Plan (2008); Go Global Japan (2012); Revitalisation Strategy (2013); Top Global University Project (2014)
Latvia: Internationalisation Strategy (2015)
Slovenia: Strategy for the Internationalisation of Slovenian Higher Education (2016-20)
Identified in education systems according to:
OECD: AUT, BEL (Fl, Fr, Dg), CHL, CZE, EST, FRA, ISL, IRL, ISR, ITA, KOR, MEX, POL, PRT, SVK, SVN, ESP, SWE, TUR, GBR (NIR); COL, CRI, KAZ
EPO Survey: BEL (Fl), CAN, CZE, EST, FIN, ISL, ITA, LVA, PRT, SVK, ESP, SWE, GBR (ENG)
Total number of education systems: 29
Selected key related policies:
Australia: National Partnership Agreement on Skills Reform (2012-17)
Finland: Youth Guarantee (2013)
Ireland: Springboard programme (2011)
Italy: Youth Guarantee (2014)
Latvia: Youth Guarantee (2013)
New Zealand: Youth Guarantee (2010)
Slovenia: Youth Guarantee (2014)
Identified in education systems according to:
OECD: EST, FRA, GRC, IRL, ITA, KOR, SVK; CRI
EPO Survey: FIN, IRL, ITA, JPN, PRT, SVN
Total number of education systems: 12
Selected key related policies:
Canada: Job Bank (2014)
Finland: Youth Guarantee (2013); 19 measures to promote the well-being of children and young people, prevent exclusion and reduce the number of NEET youths (part of the Government Action Plan [2017–19])
Ireland: Action Plan for Jobs (2012)
Italy: Youth Guarantee (2014)
Slovenia: Youth Guarantee (2014)
Identified in education systems according to:
OECD: AUT, BEL (Fl, Fr, Dg), EST, GRC, HUN, ISL, IRL, ITA, MEX, SVK, ESP; COL
EPO Survey: BEL (Fl), CAN (federal view), FRA, JPN, SVK, SVN, ESP, GBR (ENG)
Total number of education systems: 18
Selected key related policies:
Australia: [SN]: Smith Family’s Learning for Life Program (2016–17 to 2019–20); [SN]: Policies to strengthen STEM (2016-2026) (Restoring the Focus on STEM measure [2014-15 to 2017-18], Pathways in Technology [2015-16 to 2020-21], Inspiring all Australians in Digital Literacy and STEM measure under the National Innovation and Science Agenda [2016-17 to 2019-20], National STEM School Education Strategy [2016-2026]); National Partnership Agreement on Skills Reform (2012)
Austria: [SN]: New Upper Level Scheme (2012); [SN]: Federal Act on the National Qualifications Framework (2016)
Belgium (Fl): [SN]: An Agreement between the Flemish Government and the Social Partners on Professional Careers (2012); [SN]: Ethical Trading Initiative for Young People Programme (2013)
Belgium (Fr): [SN]: Allocation of funds to projects aiming to equip young people with relevant skills and support their transition into the labour market (2015); [SN]: Decree on higher education defined an alternative pathway for the acquisition of higher education qualifications in specific areas leading to jobs where there are skills shortages (2016)
Canada: Job Bank website (2014); [SN]: (Ontario) Technology and Learning Fund (2014-2017); [SN]: Increase employer engagement for improved job opportunities and outcomes for apprentices (2016)
Czech Republic [SN]: Revision of the Framework Educational Programme
Chile: National VET Policy (2016)
Finland: Youth Guarantee (2013); [SN]: 19 measures to promote the well-being of children and young people, prevent exclusion and reduce the number of NEET youths (part of the Government Action Plan 2017–2019)
France [SN]: Reforms of upper secondary education terminal examination in general and technological tracks, and the transformation of upper secondary education (2018)
Germany [SN]: Education Offensive in the Digital Agenda (2014-17)
Iceland: [SN]: Adult Education Act (2010); [SN]: Reforms on upper secondary education (2011); National Qualification Framework (NQF) for all school levels (2016)
Ireland: Springboard programme (2011); Action Plan for Jobs (2012); Regional Clusters (2014); [SN]: Digital Strategy for schools (2015-2020)
Italy: Youth Guarantee (2014); Decree No. 61 of 13 April 2017 (2017) modernising and streamlining vocational educational offering
Japan: National Curriculum Standard for high school (2009); Revision of the National Curriculum Standard (2009); [SN]: Third Basic Plan for the Promotion of Education (2018-22) (replaced the Second Basic Plan for the Promotion of Education [2013-17])
Korea [SN]: The National Competency Standards (2013)
Latvia: Youth Guarantee (2013); Strategy for improving higher education system (2014-20); [SN]: Action Plan for 2016-2020 Development of Adult Education Provision and its Governance Model
Mexico: New Education Model (2017)
New Zealand: National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA, 2009), part of the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQA); Youth Guarantee (2010)
Portugal: [SN]: Youth Guarantee (2013; 2016-20); [SN]: The Passport Qualifica (2016); [SN]: National Credit System (2016)
Slovenia: Youth Guarantee (2014)
Turkey [SN]: New system for transitioning to upper secondary education (2017/18)