New school rules in Poland 2026

22 August 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Poland introduces new school rules Poland from Sept 1, 2026, changing behaviour grades and homework expectations for pupils.

The government adopted new school rules Poland that take effect on 1 September 2026. Consequently, the reforms change how teachers grade behaviour and how schools manage homework.

Table of Contents

What changes to behaviour grades mean

Education Minister Barbara Nowacka signed the regulation this week. Moreover, the regulation sets fresh criteria for mid-year and year-end behaviour grades. Previously, schools focused on duty fulfilment, community welfare, respect for school traditions, and polite conduct. However, teachers must now weigh seven updated elements. They include duty fulfilment and respect for others, including staff and students. In addition, students must show responsibility for their own development and meet developmental goals. Furthermore, pupils must follow social norms both inside and outside school. The new list also stresses care for language clarity and school reputation in a different way. Therefore, teachers will report on attitudes toward safety and public behaviour more explicitly.

Homework and daily school life

The regulation also changes rules around homework. Consequently, local school leaders must limit the amount and frequency of assignments. Moreover, the government directs schools to consider family circumstances when setting tasks. As a result, schools should avoid overloading students outside school hours. However, teachers retain responsibility for preparing pupils for exams and further study. In addition, schools must document homework policies and explain them to families each year. Therefore, parents can expect clearer communication from the institution.

How administrators and teachers will implement it

Schools will adapt their internal rules before September. Moreover, principals must train staff on the new criteria. Consequently, class tutors (wychowawca) will use the updated checklist during evaluations. The Ministry provides templates to help schools apply the new standards consistently. However, local differences will remain because municipalities run many schools. In addition, school inspectors will check compliance in routine visits.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you are an expat with school-age children, register them at the local school as soon as possible. In Poland you will need the child’s PESEL only for some admin tasks, but schools work with basic ID and proof of address. Moreover, expect schools to ask about language needs so they can provide Polish language support. In addition, understand how public services work here: ZUS is the social insurance office, and NFZ manages health coverage. Therefore, international families should contact the school and local municipal office (urząd gminy) for clear enrolment steps.

The changes aim to create clearer expectations for pupils. Moreover, they reflect broader policy trends that focus on student responsibility. However, critics warn about vague phrases like “social norms” and potential subjective grading. Consequently, parents and teachers must engage in dialogue this autumn. In addition, the regulation carries practical consequences for families who move to Poland mid-year. Therefore, expats should ask schools for written explanations of behaviour criteria and homework load.

Overall, the reform marks a significant shift in daily school life. Moreover, it will affect countless pupils in both primary and secondary education. Therefore, watch for local announcements this summer. Finally, schools will publish updated behaviour and homework rules before 1 September 2026.

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