# Slovenian education system reform

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/slovenian-education-system-reform
> Updated: 2026-09-08T12:59:57.000Z. Sources: 22. Developments: 2.

Slovenian Minister of Education, Science and Youth Borut Rončević has announced a comprehensive reform of the national education system. The proposal follows PISA 2025 results that indicated a significant decline in reading, mathematical, and scientific literacy among Slovenian 15-year-olds, a trend Rončević described as “catastrophic.”

A central element of the reform is the transition from a nine-year primary school model to a modern eight-year system, projected to begin in the 2028/29 school year. Under this proposal, the current first grade of primary school would be converted into a mandatory kindergarten period to provide earlier literacy support.

Further details of the plan include introducing stricter grading criteria, strengthening work ethics, and providing more support for gifted students. The reform also aims to revise curricula to include digital literacy, AI, and financial literacy, reform national knowledge testing and the matura exam, and restore authority to teachers. The decline in PISA scores, which fell below the OECD average, has been attributed to factors such as the excessive use of digital devices, classroom distractions, and decreased concentration levels. The government intends to reduce curriculum overload by shifting the focus toward fundamental understanding rather than rote memorization.

The announcement has drawn mixed reactions. The teachers' union, SVIZ, has expressed concerns regarding the proposed changes, while educators and parents have debated the implications of starting school at an earlier age. A strategic council is expected to be established by the end of September to prepare the legislative changes required for the transition.

## Claims

- The PISA 2025 results showed a significant decline in the knowledge levels of Slovenian 15-year-olds. (corroborated by 12 sources)
- Slovenian Minister of Education Borut Rončević described the current state of education as very bad and the trend as catastrophic. (corroborated by 11 sources)
- Slovenia plans to abolish the nine-year primary school model in favor of a reformed eight-year model. (corroborated by 11 sources)
- Under the proposed reform, the current first grade of primary school would become a mandatory kindergarten. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- The reform includes updating curricula, reforming national testing and the matura, and strengthening teacher authority. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- A strategic council will be established by the end of September to prepare for the reform. (corroborated by 7 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-08: Slovenia to reform primary education following PISA decline

Slovenia will replace its nine-year primary school model with an eight-year system starting in 2028/2029 following a significant decline in PISA 2025 test scores.

18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/slovenia-to-reform-education-system-and-abolish-nine-year-schooling

### 2026-08-27: Slovak Ministry of Education proposes mathematics curriculum reform

Slovakia's Ministry of Education proposes a mathematics reform for secondary schools, prioritizing conceptual understanding and data literacy over mechanical calculation through a two-tier learning system.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/slovak-ministry-of-education-proposes-mathematics-curriculum-reform

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Cite as: Slovenian education system reform. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/slovenian-education-system-reform