VET Inclusive Excellence is key for all learners to succeed, according to CEDEFOP

VET Inclusive Excellence is key for all learners to succeed, according to CEDEFOP

CEDEFOP’s publication VET excellence and inclusion for the 21st century, published in December 2025, deepens Cedefop’s understanding with regard to how the objectives of excellence and inclusion interact in policies related to vocational education and training (VET). As the third strand in a long-term research project, the report aims to better understand the future of vocational education, training and learning in Europe. It provides a comprehensive historical overview of how policy documents across Europe have reflected and/or combined excellence and inclusion. 

The study covers 30 countries: the 27 EU Member States, Iceland, Norway and the United Kingdom. Findings show a growing emphasis on both excellence and inclusion in national policies over the past 25 years, even if these exact terms are not always used. With the emerging concept of ‘inclusive excellence’ gaining traction in the EU and international education discourse, national policies – reflecting political, economic and social priorities and principles – must be implemented in ways that ensure all learners, regardless of ability, can thrive and succeed.

CEDEFOP’s publication VET excellence and inclusion for the 21st century available here.