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Eurydice

EACEA National Policies Platform:Eurydice
 

Key features of the education system

Governance

Education in Portugal is organised according to the democratic principles established by the Constitution of the Republic (1976), particularly the freedom to teach and learn (Art. No 43), as well as citizens’ rights and duties of the state in this area (Art. No 73-77). These same principles were the foundation of the Education Act (1986), which defines educational objectives, structures and modes of organisation.

2026

Over 400 technology centres to strengthen vocational education

Substantial measures are currently underway to strengthen and enhance vocational education in Portugal, with the creation of over 400 Specialised Technology Centres (CTE) in schools across the country. The CTE, funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), represent an investment of almost €500 million and are expected to be completed by March 2026. 

2026

Update to the “Learn More Now (A+A)” plan

The Council of Ministers Resolution No. 46/2026, 26 February, approves the update to the “Learn More Now (A+A)” plan, which sets out measures aimed at improving learning, promoting pupils’ academic success and the integration of foreign pupils.

Structure of the chapter

This chapter provides a thematic and chronological overview of national reforms and policy developments in the education sector since 2023. The web pages that follow group reforms in the following broad thematic areas:

Key features of the Education System

Since the political transformation (the collapse of the communist regime) in 1989, the Polish education system has undergone profound changes in nearly all of its aspects including the structure, organization, management and the core curriculum. As a result it has developed some specific features which can be described as follows:

2026

National Youth Strategy

29 April 2026

More than 5.7 million young people (aged 15–29) in Poland today face challenges relating to, amongst other things, mental health, education, the labour market and becoming independent. The response to these needs is the development of a national youth strategy – the first comprehensive document in this area for over 20 years

2026

Act on the use of mobile phones in schools and nurseries

3 July 2026

The Polish Parliament (Sejm) has passed a law introducing a ban on the use of mobile phones and related electronic devices in nurseries and primary schools, as well as the possibility of introducing a ban or setting other conditions for their use in secondary schools. The bill will now go to the Senate.

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