A new, coherent core curriculum, more practical and project-based classes, better support for teachers, and future changes to the assessment system – these are just some of the proposals awaiting Polish schools.
These changes in schools are the result of cooperation between experts, teachers, school directors, and educators from all over Poland. Their aim is to create a school that better responds to the needs of pupils and teachers, supports the development of competencies, and provides an arena for cooperation and creative activity.
Working together for a better school
The Educational Research Institute – National Research Institute, commissioned by the Ministry of National Education, is preparing proposals for changes to the education system.
This is the first time that developing the core curriculum has been far removed from politics. The conditions were set for education experts to freely discuss how to change Polish education. We started by developing graduate profiles. We sought answers to the question: what do we expect from school at its completion? Based on reliable research, rather than the opinions of individuals or intuition, we identified the biggest problems facing Polish schools.
Prof. Maciej Jakubowski, Director of (IBE PIB)
We are discussing very ambitious changes to the examination system, pupil performance monitoring, and tools for teachers that will allow them to monitor not only performance in individual subjects, but also pupil well-being and their sense of agency.
Dr. Tomasz Gajderowicz, Deputy Director of IBE PIB
The assumptions of Reform26 were presented by the Minister of Education, Barbara Nowacka, during a press conference held on July 9. They were developed on the basis of extensive public and expert consultations. IBE PIB analyzed over 24,000 surveys completed by teachers, organized hundreds of meetings throughout the country, and appointed 22 expert teams. As a result, the new solutions are based on reliable data, the experience of the educational community, and good practices from Poland and abroad.
The Graduate Profile
One of the key documents developed by the IBE PIB is the Graduate Profile. It is a reference point for all changes to the core curriculum. The profile indicates which competencies are most important today and in which areas schools can support pupils. It sets the direction for reform and inspires new thinking about education.
The Graduate Profile for preschool and primary school (PDF download)
The Graduate Profile for secondary school is in preparation
Planned changes
- New, practical subjects (civic education, health education, nature in a new formula, practical and technical classes in a new formula)
- New, clear and consistent core curriculum – more time for deepening knowledge
- More practical and project-based classes
- Changes in assessment – greater emphasis on descriptive assessment, feedback and competence development
- Care for the well-being of pupils and teachers
- Changes to eighth-grade and secondary school final exams starting in 2031
- Support for teachers – methods guides for each core curriculum, free training, postgraduate studies, modern methods tools
- Even distribution of learning, fewer hours in grades 7–8 of primary school
The changes will be introduced gradually to give schools time to prepare. On September 1, 2025, two new subjects will be introduced: civic education and health education. The core curriculum for physical education will also change. As of September 2026, the new core curriculum for other subjects will come into force in preschools and grades 1 and 4 of primary school.
IBE PIB: expert knowledge in the service of education
The Educational Research Institute – National Research Institute actively supports the reform process by developing solutions in line with current knowledge about learning. Our aim is a school that develops, inspires, and prepares pupils for life in a changing world. Together, we are creating better education – based on knowledge, cooperation, and trust.
A change on paper will not change Polish schools. We need to adapt textbooks, teaching methods, exams, and assessment methods – we will change them in the spirit of expert discussion.
Prof. Maciej Jakubowski, Director of IBE PIB