The European Schools system provides a common education across member states, allowing students to be educated in their mother tongue while learning about other cultures. It began in 1953 with the first school in Luxembourg and has since expanded to 14 schools across 7 countries. The schools follow harmonized syllabi and use the European Baccalaureate exam. In 2008-2009 there were over 21,000 students across the schools, with most located in Brussels and Luxembourg. Reforms aim to open the system to more accredited schools while maintaining autonomy and updating governance and financing.