Reform in preschool and school education and lifelong learning

The objective of this reform is to increase quality and access to education and training.

For this purpose, Bulgaria introduced amendments to the Preschool and School Education Act and to secondary legislation, which include:

the update of the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) core curricula and syllabus, through introduction of new IT skills (encoding) in classes five-seven; increase in mathematics hours in classes five-seven; increase in geography and economics hours in class six;
additional distance learning opportunities, including hybrid forms of learning combining in presence and online learning;
the inclusion of four-year-olds in the mandatory preschool programme, and the provision for a gradual phase-in of the mandatory inclusion of four-years-old in preschool education.

Bulgaria also made amendments to the Employment Promotion Act, which expands the eligibility for the participation in training and introduces new options for trainings and for the validation of competencies.

An Action plan for the implementation of the Strategic Framework for the Development of Education, Training and Learning in the Republic of Bulgaria (2021-2030), adopted as part of the reform, formulates measures and actions, including their timeline, to address the objectives of the Strategic Framework.

As a final step in the reform, Bulgaria is expected to amend the Law on Vocational Education and Training with a view to bring it in line with the needs of professional competences, including in the green and digital sectors.

This includes:

updating the list of professions for VET and state educational standards, plans and programmes for acquiring professional qualification;
updating the learning content and training programmes, including by introducing training systems in cooperation with employers (such as, Work-based Learning) and Dual VET;
introducing flexible training offers, including online training offers.

Additional links:

Reference: C1.R1
Project locations: Bulgaria

Project website: mon.bg/bg/57