Estonian schools begin new year amid enrollment growth and policy shifts

As the new school year begins in Estonia, Setomaa schools report a significant increase in student numbers. Setomaa School and Setomaa Gymnasium will host a total of 235 students, a fourfold increase compared to the previous year. The region is also seeing expansion in Obinitsa, where a second school level is being opened to accommodate growing demand.

On a national level, the start of the academic year brings new policy challenges. A new requirement mandates that all basic school graduates continue their education until the age of 18. However, approximately 1,300 young people currently lack confirmed school placements. The Ministry of Education and Research is expected to provide clarity on these placements by September 10.

Additional national concerns include a shortage of teachers and increasing workloads. While some administrative changes, such as later school start times and earlier summer breaks, have been implemented, debates regarding teacher salaries and the ability to support students with special needs in inclusive classrooms remain ongoing.