Civil Közoktatási Platform proposes major Hungarian education reforms

A new educational strategy proposed by the Civil Közoktatási Platform (CKP) suggests a fundamental overhaul of the Hungarian public education system. The proposal, which includes contributions from researcher István Nahalka, aims to move away from decades of failed reforms toward a new pedagogical culture.

Key recommendations include the abolition of six- and eight-grade secondary schools in favor of a unified 10- or 12-year school model. This change is intended to eliminate early student selection, which experts argue currently separates students based on socioeconomic backgrounds as early as ages 10 to 12.

Additionally, the strategy proposes replacing the traditional 1–5 numerical grading system with continuous, qualitative textual feedback. This shift aims to reduce student stress and focus on individual development and competencies rather than quantitative marks. The plan also advocates for reducing rigid national curricula to grant teachers and schools greater autonomy in determining local teaching content and rhythms.