First-Grade Enrolment in 2026 – Key Information for Parents

The Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports has prepared updated information leaflets that clearly explain how first-grade enrolment works and how to proceed if parents are considering deferring compulsory schooling. This information is based on the rules applicable to the 2026/2027 school year.

What you need to know about the enrolment:

• The enrolment takes place from 15 January to 15 February, 2026. Each school publishes the exact date on their website.
• Children may apply to more than one school. The catchment school is the primary school designated according to the child’s permanent address. This school is obliged to accept the child on a priority basis if the parents choose this school.
• Applications can be submitted via data box, e-mail with an electronic signature, by post, or in person.
• Schools will publish the results under registration numbers. If a child is not accepted, parents may file an appeal.
• If the catchment school does not accept the child, the municipality must provide a place at another school.

Deferral of Compulsory Schooling – Important Changes

Parents may consider deferring compulsory schooling only if the child is not physically or mentally ready to start school for serious reasons.

Lack of knowledge of Czech, a different cultural background, or being a child of foreign nationals is not a reason to defer the start of compulsory schooling.
These situations are usually addressed through support provided at school (for example, language support), not by postponing school attendance.

Applications for deferral of compulsory school attendance must be submitted no later than 31 May 2026. It is recommended to start addressing a possible deferral well in advance, as waiting times for appointments at educational and psychological counselling centres may be longer.

How to Support Your Child Before They Start School

• Ask the kindergarten teachers about your child’s school readiness and for their recommendations.
• Review the documents of the selected school, in particular:
  • The school education programme (‘ŠVP’) describing what and how children learn at school.
  • School regulations – the rules governing the operation of the school.
• Before the start of the school year, gradually practise the daily routine (waking up, leaving home), the journey to school, and your child’s independence in everyday situations.

Information line for parents (in Czech): 770 389 441, operation hours: Mon–Fri, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Further information is available in Czech on the website of the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports.