Slovakia implements major school reform and benefit changes

Slovakia is implementing a major educational reform starting in September 2026. The new curriculum for all primary schools focuses on the motto “Know, Understand, Use,” emphasizing the practical application of knowledge over rote memorization. Changes include increased flexibility for schools in organizing lessons, potential shifts to block teaching, and a move toward more formative continuous assessment, though traditional grading may still be used.

To support this transition, the Ministry of Education has already secured over 90 percent of orders for new textbooks and educational materials for the 2026/2027 school year, with a total value of approximately 14.6 million euros. Schools can track delivery status via the DigiEDU application.

In parallel, the government is reviewing social policy changes. A proposed amendment to child benefits could extend payments to students up to the age of 26. However, the proposal also includes stricter conditions for foreign workers' children, requiring permanent or temporary residency in Slovakia, and allows for the suspension of benefits in cases of neglected school attendance or parental duties.