New school rules from September 2026

29 August 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Poland rolls out new school rules 2026 limiting phones and updating curricula. Read what expat families must know.

Poland will introduce new school rules 2026 that limit phone usage and reshape lessons from September. Consequently, families will see changes in daily routines at schools.

Table of Contents

New school rules 2026: Phones, screens and playgrounds

Schools will ban phones for primary pupils on school grounds and during activities outside school. Moreover, teachers may allow devices for learning, checks or urgent contact. However, schools can set exceptions for health needs, disabilities, or emergencies. In addition, schools may offer deposit lockers for phones. Therefore, students must hand devices in when a school chooses that option. Schools must agree rules with parents, teachers and pupils. Consequently, secondary schools will set rules in their statutes. This means each school may act differently.

Curriculum overhaul and practical learning

The reform starts with grades I and IV in September. Moreover, the government expects hands-on learning and projects. Students will undertake at least one “educational experience” each year. For example, a class may study trees in a park. Consequently, nature returns to the timetable. In grades IV–VI, the new subject “nature” merges biology, geography, physics and chemistry. In addition, practical-technical lessons will replace old “technology” classes. Schools will teach useful daily skills in two-hour blocks. Furthermore, early grades will see a weekly hour increase from 20 to 21 hours.

Health, meals and inclusive education

Schools must serve at least one plant-based legume meal weekly for pupils receiving three meals. Moreover, schools can replace milk with plant drinks. In addition, health education becomes part of the core. The new module on sexual health will stay voluntary. Therefore, parents can opt their underage children out in writing. Students over 18 can opt out on their own. Exams and homework rules remain under discussion. However, planned changes include in-person tests and teacher feedback on homework.

Support, vocational paths and digital tools

From September, special rules for Ukrainian pupils under the aid act will end. Consequently, schools will apply general rules to all pupils. This change affects Polish language support and preferential completion paths. In addition, vocational schools will add new professions in areas like cyber security and precision mechanics. Schools will also expand career counselling. Moreover, teachers will use digital tools and labour market data. Therefore, parents should watch for invitations to career planning events.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you are an expat parent, register your child with the school early. Ask about the school statute, phone storage and consent rules. Note that PESEL (national ID number) helps with many administrative steps. Moreover, NFZ (public health insurer) and ZUS (social security) do not control school rules. Therefore, learn the local school procedures and keep written consents for optional modules.

Directors will get more flexible hours for local needs. Moreover, schools will trial a central e-journal in 2026/27. Therefore, expect digital attendance and grade records later. In addition, pupils aged 13 and over can found educational cooperatives. This aims at practical entrepreneurship experience.

Overall, the reform focuses on practical skills, less screen time and local school autonomy. Consequently, expat families should meet schools early. In addition, they should prepare for different rules across towns and regions.

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