Guide to education in the Czech Republic for families with children: How the Czech school system works, what options are available for children of foreigners and how school enrolment works

For immigrant families with children, understanding the local school system is key to ensuring a quality education. The Czech school system offers several options and supports for children of foreigners, including special programmes for integration and language education. This guide provides an overview of how the system works, what your options are and what you need to know about enrolling in schools.

1. Structure of the Czech school system

The Czech school system is divided into several levels:

• Pre-school education: if you have children aged 3-6, you can enrol them in kindergarten, which is often the first step in the education system. Kindergartens focus on basic social skills and preparation for primary school.
• Primary education: primary education lasts 9 years (usually from 6 to 15 years of age) and is compulsory. Primary schools provide basic academic education and preparation for secondary school.
• Secondary education: after completing primary school, students can go on to secondary schools, which can be general grammar schools or vocational schools with different specializations. Secondary schools usually end with a matriculation examination.
• Higher vocational and university education: after successfully completing secondary school, students can go on to study at higher vocational schools or universities.

2. Options for children of foreigners

• Czech schools: Children of foreigners have the right to the same education as Czech children and can attend public schools without tuition fees. For children who do not speak Czech, some schools offer preparatory classes aimed at learning the Czech language or you can arrange one here.
• International Schools: International schools are also available in the Czech Republic, usually teaching in English and offering internationally recognised programmes such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or IGCSE. However, these schools are usually fee-paying.

3. Enrolment in schools

• Kindergarten enrollment: Enrolment usually takes place in the spring, in person at the respective kindergarten. The necessary documents include a birth certificate, proof of residence and medical documentation.
• Primary school enrolment: Enrolment in the first grade usually takes place in April and is compulsory for all children of the relevant age. Parents must present a birth certificate, ID card and proof of residence.
• High schools and colleges: To enrol in secondary schools, you usually have to pass an entrance exam. Individual schools provide information on dates and requirements. We can help you prepare for these exams.

4. Tip: Language preparation

It is recommended that non-native speakers start language training as early as possible. We will be happy to help you with this, just let us know and we will tailor a course for you.

Understanding the Czech school system and knowing the options available to you will help your children to successfully integrate and thrive in the Czech Republic's educational environment.