The PIRLS 2021 study (Progress in International Reading Literacy Study) provides a detailed overview of the reading proficiency of fourth-grade students in Flanders, benchmarked against international standards. Building on previous cycles, PIRLS 2021 examines trends in reading achievement, student engagement, and instructional practices in reading education. The study employs a large-scale assessment to measure students' reading comprehension, complemented by extensive questionnaires on home environments, school contexts, and instructional practices.The results of PIRLS 2021 offer insights into the strengths and weaknesses of reading education in Flanders and highlight how factors such as socioeconomic background, motivation, and teaching approaches influence reading performance. By comparing these findings with those from other countries and regions, the study provides valuable information for policymakers, educators, and researchers. PIRLS 2021 contributes to the further development of effective reading education and helps shape strategies to enhance students' reading literacy in Flanders.