A number of innovations will be introduced in Ukrainian schools

In Ukraine, a large-scale transition to a specialized high school is underway within the framework of the “New Ukrainian School” (NUS) program. The key stage of the reform is scheduled for 2027, but discussions and myths surrounding it are already circulating. Among the most widespread, we can find information about the possible abolition of 10th grades and the elimination of general secondary education.

The current high school model is criticized for excessive academic load: students in grades 10-11 are forced to study more than 15 subjects at once, leading to superficial knowledge assimilation. According to representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science, such a system does not provide the necessary level of specialization, and students often have to study with tutors, since preparation for admission takes place outside the school curriculum.

The main goal of the reform is to change the principles governing the organization of the educational process. From 2027, high school (grades 10-12) will be separated into a distinct level of education with an extended study period of one year. Priority will be given to students’ interests and their professional plans.

After grade 9, students will be offered two equivalent paths to continue their education:

Academic direction – students who choose to study at academic lyceums will be able to prepare for admission to higher educational institutions by choosing a profile (STEM, language and literature, social and humanitarian, and others) and forming an individual educational trajectory with in-depth study of subjects necessary for a future career.

Vocational direction – studying at vocational lyceums or colleges provides an opportunity to obtain a specific specialty and enter the labor market at 18-19, with the possibility of further admission to higher educational institutions.

This reform process aims to adapt the education system to modern needs and conditions, improving its quality and creating a more flexible structure that better meets the needs of young people.