Poland makes health education compulsory (sex optional)

9 April 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Poland announces health education will be compulsory in schools, while sexual health stays optional. What this change means for expats.

Poland’s Education Minister Anna Nowacka announced that health education will be compulsory from the next school year. However, the sexual health component will remain optional and require separate sign-up.

Table of Contents

health education will be compulsory: what the government changed

The ministry replaced the older subject “wychowanie do życia w rodzinie” in 2025/2026. Moreover, officials originally introduced the new subject as non-compulsory. Consequently, the public expected a quick decision on whether to make it mandatory. Therefore, Nowacka delayed a final call until this week. In addition, she clarified that the subject will split into two parts. One part will form the compulsory core. The other part will cover sexual health. Furthermore, that sexual health module will make up about one tenth of the total course.

How classes are organised and who decides

The subject runs in primary and secondary schools. In primary, teachers cover it in grades IV-VIII at one hour per week. However, eighth grade receives that hour only in the first semester. In secondary schools, schools teach it one hour weekly for two years. Parents previously had to send a written resignation to the school head. In addition, adult students had to submit their own resignation. Now, the ministry says students or parents will not need to opt out of the core subject. Instead, parents must opt in for the sexual health module.

Why this matters for families and school life

Poland’s move changes everyday school planning. Therefore, schools must adapt timetables and teacher allocations. Moreover, headteachers will inform families about optional enrolment procedures. As a result, schools may ask parents to sign consent forms. However, the ministry has not yet published all implementation rules. Consequently, local education authorities will issue guidance soon.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you are an expat parent, contact your school early. In Poland, official records often use PESEL (national ID number). In addition, many schools require enrolment paperwork in Polish. Therefore, ask about language support and translated materials. If you need public healthcare after a school incident, remember NFZ means the National Health Fund and covers many services. Also, ZUS handles social security and pensions. Finally, schools previously accepted a written resignation to remove a child from a class. Now, expect an opt-in form for the sexual health module. Contact the school head or your local municipal education office for clear steps.

In sum, the ministry made the overall subject compulsory while keeping the sexual health element optional. Moreover, the change reflects wider debates in Poland about education and family policy. Therefore, expat families should watch for school letters and act quickly when sign-ups open.

Source: Read original article