Polish school calendar and student holidays spark debate

Discussions regarding the Polish school calendar highlight the impact of scheduled breaks on both students and parents. In the 2026/2027 academic year, students may face a potential extra day off on November 2, known as ‘listopadówka’. While this is not a national statutory holiday, school directors have the authority to designate additional days free from teaching activities—up to eight days in primary schools and ten in high schools and technical schools.

This specific break often coincides with All Saints' Day on November 1, which falls on a Sunday in 2026, potentially facilitating family travel and traditions. However, the frequency of such breaks has sparked debate. Some argue the current calendar disrupts family life due to the mismatch between student holidays and parental leave. Data from the OECD indicates that students spend an average of 186 days in school per year, with cumulative breaks averaging 13 weeks.