In September, the Ministry of Education received many letters from schools. They have many questions about the new rules for completing basic school.
Angela Taggo, the head of studies at Paikuse School, said that the information so far has been contradictory. According to the national curriculum, a student can complete basic school with up to two poor grades if a parent submits a written application and the school board agrees. However, it is unclear what happens if the parent does not submit the application. Will the student then fail to graduate?
EHIS (Estonian Education Information System) does not allow the issuance of a diploma if, for example, a student has poor grades in two subjects and also scores below 50% in the math exam. In such a case, does the student graduate with a blank certificate and move on? Or do they have to repeat the grade? What decision should the school board make? These are some of the questions that arise.
Lorina Kukk, a teacher at Paide Hammerbecki Basic School, said that a problem arises if a student is ill on the day of the final exam or cannot attend the exam. Retakes are no longer conducted. Therefore, it is unclear how such a student will complete basic school.
Sirle Võtti, the head of studies at Türi Basic School, said there is a contradiction. During an information session, it was said that retakes are not necessary. However, the 2026 differentiation document still includes retakes. At the same time, the national curriculum states that exams must be at least 50%, and basic school can be completed based on a parent's application with up to two poor grades. But if a student has two poor grades and exams below 50%, will they still graduate?
A separate problem exists in places where the local government does not have a school offering secondary or vocational education. For example, in Rakvere. Jane Palu, the chief specialist of Rakvere Education, said that the state cannot force schools to accept students who have completed basic education but have not advanced to the next educational level. There is also the question of how to ensure the fulfillment of the learning obligation for young people who have dropped out of school. In Lääne-Virumaa, there is no opportunity to receive non-stationary education for people who have not completed the seventh grade.
Lea Vendik, the director of Viljandi Central School, said that until now, those who have turned 17 and have been directed to study have dropped out of school. Today, no school accepts students without a basic school diploma. Usually, one needs to be 18 years old. How this will work now is still unclear.
A representative of the Ministry of Education visited the Viljandi city government to introduce the new law but was unable to answer critical questions. The law has been issued, but no one knows exactly how it will work.
Angela Taggo, the head of studies at Paikuse School, asked the Ministry of Education to provide clear rules next spring. Without clear guidelines, it is difficult for both schools and parents.
The Ministry of Education also lacks clarity. Elo Eesmäe, the advisor to the Ministry's communication department, said that draft regulations concerning the changes are still being prepared. The conditions for completing basic school depend on the processing of these draft regulations.
The changes are based on the coalition agreement between the Reform Party and Eesti 200. It shows that all young people must have the opportunity to acquire vocational or secondary education after basic education. Starting in spring 2026, schools will no longer be required to conduct retakes. If a student does not participate in the national exam for a valid reason, they must take a school exam.
Valdek Rohtma, the advisor to the Ministry of Education's curriculum and assets department, said that the school exam remains. Students who miss the national exam for a valid reason must have this opportunity. The school exam is also for students on a simplified curriculum.
Previously, compulsory education lasted until the child turned 17 or completed basic education. Last year, the compulsory education age was raised to 18.