New Czech education plan: Schools can teach languages before English

Under a new educational framework, primary schools in the Czech Republic will still need to teach English from the first grade if they don’t offer any other foreign languages. However, schools that focus on languages like German, French, or Spanish can start English lessons as late as the fourth grade, as long as they introduce another foreign language from the first grade.

The agreement allows schools with a focus on other world languages—such as German, French, Spanish, or Italian—to begin English instruction no later than the fourth grade if they introduce another language from the first grade. The goal remains for students to achieve a B1 level of English proficiency by the end of ninth grade.

“We are giving schools the freedom to choose so that they can better reflect their focus and at the same time strengthen the teaching of other world languages, without weakening the role of English,” said Bek in an Education Ministry press release.

The changes will not require a full revision of the country’s Framework Educational Program (RVP). Instead, they will be implemented through a ministerial measure, adding clarifying sentences to the curriculum guidelines. 

Currently, students begin their first foreign language in third grade. Under the new RVP approved late last year, English will become mandatory from first grade, and schools must introduce a second foreign language by seventh grade (the full introduction of this should be no later than 2036). The target level for English has been raised from A2 to B1.

Starting in September 2027, the revised program will be compulsory for first and sixth grades. This will expand to all grades from 2031. Schools may opt in as early as September 2025. The updated curriculum offers more flexibility, defining only the total number of hours for each education level rather than specifying hours per subject.

Schools will be able to use available hours—typically allocated for optional subjects or individual development—to implement the dual-language model. This structure aims to ensure students reach B1 proficiency in both English and another foreign language. Schools can use the additional hours, for example, for elective subjects that will complete their focus.

The Ministry of Education emphasized that schools will continue to design their own curriculum plans while adhering to the revised national standards.