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The Ministry of Education is postponing the reform of teaching in elementary schools and is preparing changes in entrance exams from 2026.
New framework educational programs and changes in the admissions process await the Czech education system in the coming years, with impacts on teaching and student evaluation. The information is based (not only) on public materials from the ministry and reports from the websites Seznam Zprávy and iRozhlas , which have covered the topic in detail.
The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports has introduced a gradual adjustment of the educational frameworks for primary schools, which is to come into effect from the 2026/2027 school year. The changes are not a radical revolution, but a targeted modernization that places greater emphasis on digital competences, practical skills and continuous assessment of students. At the same time, the way the admissions process for secondary schools is organized is changing. For parents, this means the need to monitor the new priorities of schools and prepare for a different communication role in supporting their children.
Less curriculum, more skills
Revised framework educational programs reduce the amount of factual content and strengthen competency-based approaches. While traditional curricula prioritized memorization of knowledge, new programs aim to guide students to problem-solving, working with information, or teamwork.
This shift means for students and parents that homework will not just revolve around memorizing data and formulas.
Children will be more likely to work on projects, presentations, and assignments that test broader skills than just the right answer, allowing parents to be more involved as guides in developing skills that have been less practiced in children.
Digital literacy is becoming an integral part of education. It is no longer just a “ standalone subject ”, but a skill that students acquire across subjects. This reflects the needs of the labor market and social changes.
Evaluation: verbal feedback and grades
Another significant change concerns the assessment system. The ministry recommends combining traditional grades with verbal feedback, which provides more detailed information about a student’s progress. Grades will not disappear, but schools will have more freedom in how they present the results.
For parents, this means more frequent descriptive assessments of their child’s strengths and areas for development. This is a welcome innovation for some, as it gives a better idea of where a student needs support. For others, verbal assessment can be confusing, as it is less clear about differences in teachers’ assessments. According to educators and some school principals, quality verbal feedback supports motivation and reduces student stress. However, it also places higher demands on teachers, who must spend more time in communication with parents to personally explain their child’s progress.
Admissions process: greater emphasis on standardization
Secondary school entrance exams remain an important part of the transition from primary school. Standardised tests in Czech language and mathematics continue to play a key role in deciding admission to less capacious fields.
In recent years, part of the admissions process has been digitized, and test dates and organization have been adjusted to better suit schools and applicants. For example, uniform test dates and central registration of applications have been introduced.
For parents, this means that preparing for college entrance exams takes time and coordination. For students, it often starts as early as eighth grade, as the level of the tests emphasizes skills that don’t always mesh perfectly with standard instruction.
Supporting children with special needs
The system of support measures for pupils with special educational needs remains part of school practice, but adjustments are also underway. The Ministry of Education is focusing on simplifying administration and clearer rules for assigning teaching assistants or individual educational plans.
In some schools, this means faster approval processes and clearer communication about support entitlements. Parents of children with learning disabilities or health limitations can still apply for help, but it is useful to familiarize yourself with the conditions at a specific school in advance and communicate your child’s individual needs.
How to prepare for changes
Changes in education do not happen overnight. It is important for parents to follow information from school management and class teachers about how the reform elements are being implemented in practice. Each school can adapt the implementation of the framework programs to its own conditions – and this may mean different emphasis on certain areas.
An open dialogue with the teaching staff will help parents understand how teaching takes place, how the child is assessed, and how they are preparing for entrance exams.
Transparency and regular communication with teachers is key to ensuring that changes do not cause confusion, but benefit.
The long-term goal of the reform is to adapt education to the changing demands of society and the labor market. This includes a greater emphasis on competencies rather than memorizing facts, active learning, and the ability to solve problems independently.
The most important thing for parents is to be informed and involved. Following school communications, asking about specific assessment methods, and preparing early for entrance exams can help alleviate uncertainty and turn the reform into an opportunity for their children to succeed.
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