City of Brussels to maintain subsidies for school supplies and hot meals in francophone schools

The City of Brussels will continue to subsidise a raft of additional costs from the first year of preschool through to the sixth year of primary schools to reduce the financial burden on families.

In addition to the distribution of school supplies, swimming lessons and after-school activities will also be free of charge, announced Brussels mayor Philippe Close (PS) while visiting Steyls primary school in Laeken on the first day of the academic year.

Brussels’ financial commitment of almost €1m comes in the wake of recent education budget cuts by the Wallonia-Brussels Federation. Subsidies allocated to school supplies have decreased from €562,000 in the academic year 2025-2026 to €255,000 this year.

“School should not be a source of anxiety,” said Close, referring to the rising cost of schooling. 

From 31 August, pupils will pay €2 for a hot meal at French-speaking schools in the capital attended by a high numbers of disadvantaged students. Additionally, soup remains available in the morning at 10.00 in both preschools and primary schools.

“Free schooling is particularly important to me because it allows all students to have an equal opportunity,” emphasised Faouzia Hariche (PS), the alderman for public education, who sees it as a “powerful lever for equal opportunities.”