Poland - Education and Schools - Expat Focus (2024)

The quality of education in Poland

Education in Poland is generally of high quality, with a strong emphasis on academic achievement and critical thinking skills. According to the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) rankings, Poland ranks above the average for countries in the world for education quality.

Age of compulsory education in Poland

Education is compulsory in Poland for children between the ages of 7 and 18. However, most children start school at the age of 6, and many continue their education beyond the age of 18 to complete higher education.

Types of schools in Poland

There are several types of schools in Poland, each with its own educational philosophy and focus. The breakdown of schools by age is as follows:

Preschool Education

Preschool education in Poland is for children between the ages of 3 and 6. There are several types of preschool programs available, including public preschools, private preschools, and church-affiliated preschools.

Primary Education

Primary education in Poland is for children between the ages of 6 and 12. There are several types of primary schools available, including public schools, private schools, and international schools.

Secondary Education

Secondary education in Poland is for students between the ages of 13 and 18. There are several types of secondary schools available, including:

• General secondary schools: These schools offer a broad range of academic subjects and prepare students for higher education.
• Technical secondary schools: These schools provide vocational training in a variety of fields, such as mechanics, electronics, and IT.
• Vocational schools: These schools provide specialized training in a specific field, such as hairdressing, cooking, or construction.

Syllabus and qualifications

Schools in Poland follow a national curriculum that is set by the Ministry of Education. The curriculum includes several core subjects, such as Polish, mathematics, science, and social studies, as well as optional subjects, such as foreign languages and physical education.

At the end of secondary school, students take a national exam called the Matura, which assesses their knowledge and skills in various subjects. The Matura qualifications are widely recognized and accepted by universities and employers in Poland and other European countries.

School hours and holidays

School hours in Poland typically run from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm for primary schools and 8:00 am to 4:00 pm for secondary schools, although they may vary depending on the school. There are two-week breaks in October and February, as well as a two-month summer vacation from June to August.

Enrollment and competition

To enroll in a school in Poland, parents must provide proof of residency, such as a passport or ID card, as well as a birth certificate or passport for their child. There may be some competition for enrollment in popular schools or schools in areas with high demand, particularly in urban areas.

International schools

There are several international schools in Poland that cater to expats and international students. These schools offer education in English or other languages and follow international curricula, such as the International Baccalaureate or the British Curriculum. Some notable international schools in Poland include:

• American School of Warsaw: An American school in Warsaw that offers education from preschool to secondary school, following the American Curriculum.
• British School Warsaw: A British school in Warsaw that offers education from preschool to secondary school, following the British National Curriculum.
• International School of Krakow: An international school in Krakow that offers education from preschool to secondary school, following the International Baccalaureate programme.

Higher education options

Poland has several universities and institutes of higher education that offer undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields, such as business, law, medicine, and engineering. Some of the top universities in Poland include the University of Warsaw, Jagiellonian University, and the Warsaw University of Technology.

To enroll in higher education in Poland, students must have a high school diploma or an equivalent qualification. Some programs may have additional requirements, such as language proficiency tests or entrance exams.

In addition to universities, Poland also has several technical schools and vocational colleges that offer training in trades such as carpentry, welding, and culinary arts.

Education in Poland is generally of high quality, with a strong emphasis on academic achievement and critical thinking skills. Education is compulsory for children between the ages of 7 and 18, and there are several types of schools available for different age groups and educational goals. The national curriculum provides a framework for teaching and learning, and students take national exams at the end of secondary school to qualify for higher education. Poland also has several international schools and universities for expats and international students.