Schools Reduce Religion Classes to One Hour Per Week Amid Parent Backlash
Poland's new scheduling rules for religion classes in schools are sparking concerns among parents and clergy, who argue tighter timetabling makes attendance harder for commuting students.
Across Poland this school year, religious education has been cut to just one hour per week—down from two—and classes must now be scheduled only at the very start or end of the school day. While the school reform has brought new health and citizenship education alongside the reduction of religion to one hour per week, the scheduling constraints are creating friction.
Under the new rules, religion and ethics lessons take place one hour per week, exclusively before or after compulsory lessons. This means some students must arrive as early as 7 a.m. or stay after all other classes finish—a hardship for families with longer commutes.
Practical Impact
Parents, catechists, and bishops argue the new rules could make it more difficult for many students to attend religion classes. Although 75.6 percent of students attended religion classes during the 2024/2025 school year, the tighter scheduling is likely to reduce participation.
For expat families: If your child attends Polish state school and you wish them to receive religious instruction, be aware that timetabling constraints may force early arrival or late collection on the designated religion day. You have the option to decline—ethics classes are offered as an alternative—and both are optional. Ensure your school's schedule aligns with your family's logistics before enrolling.
Sources
Independent app, not a government. General information, not advice. The official source:
