The 'Compass for Tomorrow' reform: new core curriculum drafts are under consultation. What is to change and when

What is happening now

On 19 November the Ministry of National Education (MEN) opened public consultations on two draft regulations under the 'Reforma26. Kompas Jutra' (Reform26. Compass for Tomorrow) reform: a new core curriculum (podstawa programowa) for preschool and general primary education, and a framework teaching plan (ramowy plan nauczania). Comments can be submitted until 18 December via the form on the ministry's website.

The drafts were prepared by the Educational Research Institute (IBE); according to the ministry, more than 200 experts selected in a nationwide call worked on them.

What the drafts contain

The ministry describes the new curriculum as focused on competences and 'deep learning' rather than memorising content, with thematic modules and some learning outcomes left to the teacher's choice. The draft framework plan changes, among other things, the weekly hours of science, geography, biology, chemistry, physics, civic education and practical-technical classes.

• mandatory safety topics in form-tutor lessons in grades 4–8 every month,
• a minimum number of hours of psychological and educational support per school year,
• conditions for an annual project week in grades 4–8.

The ministry's timeline

Under the bill adopted by the government on 8 October, the new curricula would come in gradually. Other year groups finish their education under the current curricula.

• 1 September 2026: preschools and grades 1 and 4 of primary school,
• 1 September 2027: first year of general secondary schools (licea), technical schools (technika), first-level vocational schools and post-secondary schools,
• 1 September 2030: second-level vocational schools.

The act and other changes

On 21 November the Sejm passed an amendment to the Education Law (Prawo oświatowe) meant to be the legal basis for the reform. Before it takes effect the legislative process has to be completed, including the President's decision. The government bill also provided, among other things, for moving the eighth-grade exam back to April from the 2026/2027 school year, so that results could be announced in mid-June.

What it means for families

Pupils who are in grades 1–3 and 5–8 in 2025/2026 will not see a curriculum change in their cycle. It matters most for children starting grade 1 or 4 in September 2026. Details — subject hours and textbooks — will be known after the consultations end and the regulations are issued. Parents can also comment on the drafts themselves, and we will return to the topic when decisions are made.