Poland Introduces Revised Primary School Curriculum Starting September 2026
A new core curriculum takes effect from September 2026 in grades 1 and 4 of Polish primary schools as part of the Reform26 initiative. The changes emphasise competencies, practical subjects like citizenship education, and reduced screen time for young learners.
Poland's Ministry of Education is rolling out a comprehensive curriculum reform—dubbed "Reform26: Compass of Tomorrow"—beginning September 1, 2026. The new core curriculum will apply first to preschools and grades 1 and 4 of primary school (szkoła podstawowa), with phased rollout to remaining grades over subsequent years.
What's Changing
The revised curriculum moves away from rote memorisation toward developing key competencies: language, mathematical, digital, and physical literacy, plus problem-solving, cooperation, and critical thinking. New practical subjects include citizenship education (replacing History and Presence) and health education. Nature study is being redesigned to emphasise hands-on learning.
A major shift for early childhood education (przedszkole): the new preschool curriculum, effective September 2026 for all children aged 3–6, explicitly restricts screen-based devices to strictly educational purposes, prioritising digital well-being. All childcare providers must comply with updated standards on working with children under 3 from January 1, 2026.
Timeline
- September 2026: New curriculum in preschools, grades 1 and 4
- September 2027: New curriculum in year 1 of secondary schools
- 2031: New 8th-grade and Matura exam formats introduced
What this means for you: Foreign parents enrolling children in Polish schools should expect a curriculum that emphasises project-based learning and global citizenship rather than purely academic content. Polish language support remains unchanged: foreign children receive up to 6 hours of free Polish per week for up to 24 months. The new emphasis on practical skills and reduced screen time aligns with many international schools' approaches, easing transition for expat families. Ask your prospective school how they're implementing Reform26.
Sources
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