Ombudsman Challenges Change to School Religion Lessons

30 June 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Ombudsman questions ministry rules on religion classes in Polish schools, potentially reversing one-hour limit. Learn what expats should know.

The ombudsman formally challenged the government rules that limited religion classes. However, the dispute now reached the prime minister’s office, and religion classes in Polish schools may face further change.

Table of Contents

How the dispute started

The Ministry of Education cut weekly religion lessons from two hours to one from September 2025. Moreover, the ministry ordered those lessons to sit at the start or end of the school day. In addition, the rule excepts only classes where every pupil attends catechesis.

However, Ombudsman Marcin Wiącek argues the ministry used the wrong legal tool. Therefore, he says Poland should regulate the right to religious education by statute, not by ministerial regulation. Consequently, he sent formal objections first to the ministry. Meanwhile, he later escalated the matter to the Prime Minister because the ministry failed to reply.

Impact on students, parents and schools

The change affected thousands of students and parents across Poland. Moreover, parents now face altered timetables and potential clashes with extracurricular activities. In addition, schools must reorganise schedules and room allocations. Therefore, some schools now place religious lessons at the day’s margins to comply with the rule.

Furthermore, the dispute raises questions about parental choice. For example, some parents prefer two hours for deeper religious instruction. However, others argue that one hour fits modern, secular school life better. Consequently, local school leaders must balance those expectations while following current rules.

Impact on teachers and employment

The new timetable reduced available hours for many religion teachers. Moreover, catechists reported cuts to contracts and income. In addition, several asked for help to retrain or find other school posts. Therefore, unions and advocacy groups filed complaints and appealed to the ombudsman.

Also, the dispute could lead to a legal reversal. If courts or lawmakers reject the regulation, schools may restore two hours. However, the government could instead pass a new law to settle the matter. Consequently, teachers face uncertainty while they wait for decisions.

religion classes in Polish schools: what might change

If authorities find the ministerial regulation unlawful, Parliament might draft an amendment. Moreover, lawmakers could clarify whether the state guarantees two hours of religious teaching. In addition, they could outline alternatives such as ethics classes or non-religious options. Therefore, families should prepare for either outcome.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you are an expat parent, register your child with a PESEL number if possible. PESEL is the national ID number that schools use for records. Also, understand benefits like ZUS (social insurance) and NFZ (national health insurer) for any contract changes affecting teachers. Therefore, keep school communications and signed contracts for disputes.

For now, no court or parliamentary decision changed the September 2025 rules. However, the Prime Minister’s office asked the Ministry of Education for explanations. Moreover, political pressure might speed up a legal fix, or it might not.

Consequently, parents and teachers should monitor official announcements. In addition, they should consult school boards and local education authorities for immediate guidance. Therefore, expect updates from both the ministry and the Prime Minister’s office in the coming months.

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