1. EDUCATIONAL
SYSTEM
in POLAND

2. EDUCATION
The present educational system in
Poland was introduced in
1998/1999.
Many changes have been
implemented over several years
concerning administration,
financing, inspection, supervision,
guidance, teachers rights and
duties.

3. Educational system in Poland
Education is now compulsory from
7 till 18 but there are some non school
alternatives from 16, including
apprenticeships.

4. Pre-school education
According to the new Educational Act of 2002,
pre-school education is treated as the first
level of the education system and is
compulsory for children of six years old.
This education stimulates the general
development and gives the primary reading
skill and basic mathematics.

5. Elementary school education
Pupils of 7-12 attend elementary
school, which is compulsory.
Primary education is divided into two
cycles:
- the first cycle (grades 1-3) at which
beginning learning is offered,
- the second cycle (grades 4-6) at
which systematic learning is
provided.

6. Elementary school education
Primary schools operate on the basic of
general educational plan which determinies
the minimum weekly number of lesson
periods of particular subjects.
The main components taught at the lower
level of the primary school are:
- Polish language,
- social and natural environment,
- mathematics,
- crafts and technology,
- art and music,
- physical education.

7. Elementary school education
In the lower grades one teacher
teaches all subjects, while in the
higher grades each subject has
a different teacher and usually
pupils change classroom for
each subject.

8. Secondary education
After completing elementary school pupils can
choose different secondary education, which is
free of charge.
General secondary schools provide graduation
certificate of general education. Those who
have passed the final examination called
„matura” (maturity exam) may apply to
universities.
Those who do not want
to study at university and
those who have not taken
the „matura” examination
may continue their education
in post-secondary vocational
schools.

9. Vocational education
Secondary schools of vocational education
prepare qualified workers and others with
equivalent qualification. They also provide
general secondary education. The purpose
of these schools is to meet the demand for
qualified workers, and they also provide
young people with the opportuninty of
acquiring secondary education and taking
the ‘matura’ examination.

10. Post-secondary education
Students can choose post-secondary
education. They are trained as
nurses, accountants, administrative
personnel for enterprises and hotels,
computer specialists, librarians.

11. Higher education
After secondary school students can take
higher education.
There are various types of higher education
institutions in Poland:
- universities,
- polytechnics,
- economic academies,
- agricultural academies,
- others.
Day studies in state higher schools are free of
charge.

12. Public and non-public schools
Pursuant to the Act on School
Educaton in force, primary schools,
gymnasiums and post-gymnasium
schools may all be public or non-
public.
Non-public schools are established and
administered by legal or natural
persons, and public schools by
public administration and local
government agencies.

13. Public and non-public schools
A public school is an establishment which:
- provides free education within framework
timetables,
- recruits pupils on the basis of the general access
principle,
- employs teachers holding qualifications which are
defined in seperate legislation,
- implements:
 curricula which are based on the core curriculum for
general education and, in the case of vocational
schools, also the core curriculum for training for a
given occupation or a given branch of vocational
education,

14. Public and non-public schools
 a framework timetable,
 complies with the rules
for pupil assesment,
grading and progression,
and for setting
examinations and tests
as laid down by the
minister responsible for
school education and
education,
 offers the possibility of
obtaining state
certificates and
diplomas.

15. Structure of educational
system in Poland
Pre-school education
Elementary school
Age: 7-12
Gymnasium
Age: 13-15 years
Post secondary schools

16. Post-secondary education
 3-year specialised high school,
 3-year general high school,
 4-year technical secondary
schools,
 2-3-year vocational schools,
 2-year supplementary schools,
 3-year supplementary technical
secondary schools,

17. MINISTRY OF
NATIONAL EDUCATION
(elaborating educational policies
at the national level, coordination
other governing bodies, controlling
higher education institutions
supervised by this Ministry)
EDUCATION LOCAL GOVERNMENT
OFFICER
(administration and financial
(educational supervision) supervision)
SCHOOLS

18. Financing of public schools
National government
(Ministry of Finances)
Local government
(Municipalities, Poviat, Voivodship)
Schools