2026

In 2026, no reforms focused on vocational education were implemented.

2025

Amendment to the Education Act brings modernisation of the forms of study

Amendment to the Education Act reflects current trends and needs of education in Czechia (the list of all changes in this amendment can be found in chapter 13.2). One of the crucial steps is the modernisation of the forms of study, which aims to elevate the quality of education, enable higher flexibility in the education process and ensure better preparedness of pupils for the changing requirements of the labour market and society.

Alongside the changes to the Maturita Examination (maturitní zkouška) (see chapter 13.2) and the support for digital education, modernisation of the forms of study also includes the option to offer education in a combined form with elements of distance education and a new model of the so-called dual practical education.

Combined form of study with distance education elements

Starting from 1 January 2026, secondary VET schools (střední odborné školy) and tertiary professional schools (vyšší odborné školy) will have the option to provide education in a combined form. This is a full-time form of study which combines elements of distance study (e-learning) and on-site education. It is up to the individual school to create a model of combined education and include the conditions and organisation of this type of study in its school education programme and its school code (školní řád).

The maximum proportion of distance teaching is 40% of instruction hours. On-site instruction must thus amount to at least 60% of the instruction hours in a given school year. The specific range will be defined by the Ministry in a decree.

The newly set rules will ensure that this form of education will be accessible to all pupils, including ensuring that appropriate conditions are met, such as the entitlement to school meals.

Dual practical education

Starting from 1 January 2026 with the aim to support vocational education, practical training can be realised through providers of so-called dual practical education, i.e. in the form of in-company training. The employer must hold relevant authorisation and competency to provide practical education.

Dual practical training will be carried out on the basis of a contract, which will define the content and extent of this education. It will be carried out under the guidance and supervision of persons holding the qualifications of an instructor, teacher of practical education or practical training.

The contract with the provider will be concluded for a period of at least one school year. Details of the contract requirements and rules for the quidance of pupils and supervision by responsible persons will be defined by the Ministry in a decree.

Sources:

Průvodce novelou školského zákona (Guide to the Education Act amendment 2025)
edu.cz: Změny legislativy v souvislosti s novelou školského zákona (Changes in legislation in connection with the amendment to the Education Act)

Proposal for the innovation of the system of fields

The National Pedagogical Institute (NPI) in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MEYS) prepared a proposal for the innovation of the system of fields for upper secondary vocational education. The innovation of the system of fields brings changes aimed at increasing transparency and flexibility, which will guarantee easier interdisciplinary permeability and higher employability of graduates. The task to innovate the system of fields of upper secondary vocational education also stems from the Strategy 2030+.

The innovation proposal is based on four pillars:

• Broader fields of education: Restructuring existing fields into broad fields with a common vocational basis
• A competency-based approach to education
• Clear qualification profiles of graduates
• Links to practice

The proposal is designed to create the conditions for horizontal and vertical permeability between different fields of education, flexibility in terms of the possibility to respond to the different needs of pupils, schools, employers, and the employability of graduates in the labour market (source: Current IOS proposal). 

The innovation of the system of fields will be followed by a revision of the framework education programme for upper secondary vocational education.

2024

Digitalisation of upper secondary school admission procedure

As of 1 January 2024, an amendment to the Education Act is in force, which regulates the digitalisation of the secondary school admission procedure. In practice, this means an increase in the number of schools on the application form, easier access to information on the results of the admission procedure and, newly, the prioritisation of selected schools.

More detailed information can be found in National reforms in school education.

Vocational education of Ukrainian pupils

In the school year 2024/2025, there are several changes in the education of Ukrainian pupils, which are described in the National reforms in school education.