A “new start” awaits high school: what changes await education after grade 9
From September 1, 2027, one of the most anticipated educational reforms will begin in Ukraine: new rules for high school. Students who have completed grade 9 will have the opportunity to independently choose their future path: to continue their studies at an academic lyceum for in-depth analysis of particular subjects or to enter a vocational college, where they can obtain a specialty and simultaneously complete secondary education.
The Ministry of Education notes that teenagers will be able to choose between two directions. The first option is to enter an academic lyceum, where students will determine their study profile (humanities, natural sciences, mathematics, etc.). The second option is a vocational college, where a specialty is obtained in parallel.
There will no longer be a general curriculum in high school. Compulsory subjects will be retained, but students will have the option to choose other disciplines independently. For example, students planning a career in programming can devote more time to mathematics and computer science. At the same time, those interested in languages or history will focus on these subjects.
The structure of educational institutions will also change. Senior classes (10–12) will be formed in separate lyceums, allowing students from different schools to be combined and more study profiles to be opened. Primary and secondary schools (1–9 grades) will continue to operate without changes.
The main goal of this reform is to allow students to consciously choose their field of study and avoid wasting time on unnecessary subjects. This will contribute to better preparation for entering higher education institutions or for work after graduation.
Educators are confident that the new system will help children discover their interests earlier and focus on knowledge that will be useful in the future.
