Number of special lower secondary schools in Poland 2000-2019

The number of special lower secondary schools in Poland declined during the observed period, reaching 285 establishments in the 2018/2019 school year. In January 2017, President Andrzej Duda signed laws changing the school system in Poland, including the structure of schools. In place of 6-year elementary schools, 8-year schools were introduced; in place of 3-year lower secondary schools - 4-year secondary schools; 4-year technical schools - 5-year technical schools, and vocational schools - trade schools. In addition, lower secondary schools (gymnasiums) were abolished. Lower secondary schools were introduced to the Polish educational system in 1999. Earlier, the provisions of the act, which assumed realization of compulsory education in 8-year primary school, were in force. After completing elementary school, students could study: in 2-year and 3-year vocational schools or agricultural training schools, or in a secondary school (4-year general or vocational secondary school, or 5-year technical school). Graduates of vocational schools could take the high school diploma after completing three years of high school.