However, inclusion is necessary but not sufficient; it must be combined with fairness to achieve real equity in education. Fairness relates to pupils’ ability to access quality education and the degree to which background circumstances influence education outcomes.

Equity in education: inclusion and fairness

Equity in education is the principle that every pupil should have a fair chance to improve their life via education, whatever their personal circumstances. Pupils who graduate from compulsory education without acquiring basic skills are unlikely to do well in adult life, and have a higher risk of social exclusion. When a large share of the population lacks basic skills, there are wide-ranging negative effects on societies and economies as well as individuals.

Inclusion applies to all pupils regardless of background, but in practice it is most crucial for pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds or traditionally marginalised groups, who are more likely to suffer from early dropout and low proficiency in basic skills.

Learning from PISA 2022 for Europe’s future

The results of PISA 2022 clearly indicate a need to reform existing systems in European countries. However, the reform should be about genuinely improving learners’ competences and capacities. The Lifelong Learning Platform details how these results should not be placed solely on the shoulders of the COVID-19 pandemic. They should serve as a source of reflection about which systemic changes can help better rebuild education and training to change models of learning and make them truly learner-centred. This includes ensuring a whole-government approach to competency development, and adapting learning goals towards competence rather than skills, to enhance the flexibility of the learning journey for all pupils.