Introduction

This chapter provides a thematic and chronological overview of national reforms and policy developments since 2023.

The section on ongoing reforms and policy developments groups reforms in the following broad thematic areas that largely correspond to education levels:

• Early Childhood Education and Care
• General School Education
• Vocational Education and Training 
• Higher Education
• Adult Education and Training

Inside each thematic area, reforms are organised chronologically. The most recent reforms are described first.

Overall national education strategy and key objectives

Current reforms in school education

Reform26. Compass of Tomorrow

Since 2025, educational reforms have been part of the ‘Reform26. Compass of Tomorrow’ programme — a large, long term change to the education system, which is to come into full effect in 2026. The programme is intended to replace previous, scattered educational initiatives, giving them a coherent direction. As part of the programme, the following changes, among others, were introduced on 1 September 2025:

•    Two new subjects: civic education and health education (extended formula).
•    New core curriculum for physical education — more practical and project-based classes.
•    Reduction of religion classes to one hour per week, flexible grouping of pupils.
•    Changes to the Teacher's Charter — including new rules on working hours and remuneration.
•    Greater autonomy for schools in offering sports classes and organising activities.

Directions of the state's educational policy for the school year 2025/2026

The main directions for the implementation of the state's educational policy for the school year 2025/2026 include: 

1. shaping analytical thinking through an interdisciplinary approach to the teaching of science and natural sciences and developing mathematical skills in general education.

2. school as a place for civic education - shaping patriotic, social and civic attitudes, responsibility for the region and homeland, caring for one's own and others' safety.

3. promotion of healthy lifestyle at school - shaping pro-health attitudes and behaviours, supporting pupils' physical activity.

4. prevention of peer violence, mental health of children and young people, support in mental crises, prevention of addictions.

5. promotion of digital hygiene and safe navigation on the Internet, developing the ability to critically analyse information available on the Internet, methodologically correct use of modern technologies by teachers, in particular those based on artificial intelligence, and the use of Integrated Educational Platform resources.

6. promotion of vocational education in primary schools and among employers, strengthening the role of vocational guidance.

7. to develop interest in Polish culture and language among the Polish diaspora, to teach the Polish language in Polish communities.

8. to support cognitive activity and the sense of empowerment of students by promoting formative assessment and activating methods in teaching.

Current reforms of the higher education system

Recent systemic changes in science and higher education have been implemented in the framework of “Strategy towards scientific excellence, modern higher education, partnership with business and social responsibility of science”  (Strategia na rzecz doskonałości naukowej, nowoczesnego szkolnictwa wyższego, partnerstwa z biznesem i społecznej odpowiedzialności nauki).

This process has been implemented on the basis of three elements:

1. Constitution for Science (Konstytucja dla Nauki) (systemic changes in science and higher education)
2. Innovations for the Economy (commercialization of research and partnership with business)
3. Science for You (Nauka dla Ciebie) (social responsibility of science).

According to the approved legislation, the following groups benefit from these changes: academic and research community, children, young people, senior citizens, entrepreneurs, businessmen and women, investors, creative and ambitious persons, inventors, teachers, and NGOs.