Is the Polish school system a symbol of broken promises?

As the 2025/2026 school year concludes, a shadow of pessimism hangs over Poland's education system. A recent IBRiS survey reveals a stark reality: 72.1% of respondents feel the Polish school system inadequately prepares young people for adulthood. This sentiment points to a deep-seated dissatisfaction with the current educational framework.

The upcoming academic year, 2026/2027, is poised to be particularly challenging. It will be shaped by the "Kompas Jutra" (Compass of Tomorrow) education reform, affecting first and fourth-grade primary students and kindergartens. Simultaneously, the nation braces for parliamentary election campaigns, a period notorious for both new pledges and the scrutiny of old ones.

This confluence of systemic change and political maneuvering creates a volatile environment. The article suggests that the combination of unfulfilled promises from the previous government and the introduction of new reforms could lead to significant disruption. The education system, already under pressure, faces a critical juncture as it navigates these complex pressures.