Quebec will ban the use of academic results to select students for special education programs in public schools starting in 2027, marking a shift toward “equitable access” for all students.
What’s changing in Quebec’s school selection rules?
Starting in the 2027–2028 school year, primary schools will no longer use test scores or grades to admit students to specialized programs like sports-études, arts-études, or music concentrations. Secondary schools will undergo a “concerted review” of their admission criteria to reduce reliance on academic performance, according to a letter from Education Minister Sonia LeBel deposited Thursday at the National Assembly.
The policy applies only to public schools and includes international education programs, her cabinet confirmed. LeBel’s directive requires school boards to implement practices that open these programs to a broader range of students while ensuring a follow-up report by the end of the 2026–2027 school year.
Why does this matter?
The move directly addresses criticism of Quebec’s education system, where disparities in access to advanced programs have fueled debates over equity. Critics argue the current system creates an “school of three speeds,” with private-school students, those in specialized public programs, and regular public-school pupils facing unequal opportunities.
LeBel’s announcement follows years of advocacy from groups like École ensemble, founded by parents pushing for fairer admissions, and labor unions such as the Centrale des syndicats du Québec. While some, like Québec Solidaire’s Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois, called it a “small but symbolic step,” others, including the CSQ, described it as a “timid” first move toward broader equity.
What happens next?
School boards will begin implementing the new rules by 2027, with LeBel’s office committing to monitor progress. A possible next step could be a broader public consultation on admission criteria, as suggested by the CSQ, though no timeline for such a process has been announced. The Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ), which previously dismissed the “three-tiered school” concept as ideologically biased, has not yet commented on the latest developments.
Analysts expect the changes to spark further debate over how to measure “equitable access” without compromising the academic rigor of specialized programs. The 2026–2027 follow-up report will likely shape whether this policy evolves into a more comprehensive reform.
How does this compare to past efforts?
LeBel’s announcement is the latest in a series of attempts to address inequities in Quebec’s education system. In 2023, former Education Minister Bernard Drainville rejected the “three-tiered school” theory as politically motivated, but the current government’s motion in December 2025 acknowledged the issue’s validity. Unlike previous measures, this policy explicitly targets selection criteria—a focus that could have more immediate impact on student access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will private schools be affected by this change?
No. The new rules apply only to public schools, according to LeBel’s cabinet.
What programs are included in the ban on academic selection?
The policy covers all specialized programs in public schools, including sports-études, arts-études, music concentrations, and international education programs.
How will schools determine admissions without grades?
LeBel’s letter directs schools to develop “other mechanisms” to ensure equitable access, though specific methods have not yet been outlined. A follow-up report by the end of the 2026–2027 school year will assess progress.
With selection criteria shifting, how might this change the experience for students who previously relied on academic performance to access these programs?
