School leaders knew that the age of compulsory schooling would increase from 17 to 18. This change was supposed to start from the next academic year, i.e., in the fall of 2026. Surprisingly, it turned out that the change applies already from September 1st of this year.
The chairman of the board of the School Leaders' Association, Urmo Uiboleht, said that in education, there should be no surprises with such major decisions. He added that we must quickly find a solution to why such a situation arose. Communication also needs to be improved to avoid confusion.
One director expelled a high school student in the fall, based on the school's internal rules. The student contested the decision. Then it became clear that compulsory schooling applies until the age of 18, and the school cannot expel the student.
At the end of last year, the parliament approved legislative amendments. According to these, compulsory schooling is extended to the age of 18. Previously, the limit was 17 years. The new rule does not apply to those who graduated from basic school before September 1st of this year or turned 17 before that date.
According to school leaders, the change was supposed to start next fall. They want the old rule to still apply now. This would give them more time to make necessary changes in work organization.
Uiboleht said that they need to change school internal rules and assessment procedures. Solutions must also be found to fill students' learning gaps. New methods require time, cooperation, and good solutions.
According to the Ministry of Education, one legal provision is causing confusion. This provision describes the conditions for expulsion from school. Until now, schools could set additional conditions for expulsion, but now this can only be done for students aged 18 and older.
Ülle Matsin, head of the general education policy department at the Ministry of Education, said that this change was necessary. She added that this legislative amendment cannot be postponed because it was an unlawful situation.
School leaders support the changes, but they were not ready to implement them. They need more time to make plans and find solutions. Uiboleht said that they need to discuss the views of schools, local governments, and the ministry. The responsibility of parents and students must also be considered.
Matsin emphasized that schools are not alone in finding solutions for students. Cooperation is needed. She added that school leaders have been informed about the changes for a long time and have been given recommendations. The main burden is on state schools, where additional study places are planned.
Uiboleht admitted that school leaders might have missed something. He said that there are currently many changes in the education sector. Such major changes require more attention and clearer communication.