Teachers' perceptions of school drop-out in Luxembourg

Semi-structured interviews were used with teachers in secondary vocational education in Luxembourg to find perceived causes of dropping out. Answers were grouped into four categories: perceived causes related to students, family, peers and school. Problems linked to educational and vocational guidance were highlighted. Specific characteristics of the Luxembourgish educational system (high proportion of immigrants, over-emphasis on foreign language education, lack of coordination between guidance services, insufficient work placement opportunities and school traps) were found to be perceived as related to dropping out. The views expressed provide useful insights and intervention options.