Czech primary school enrollment for 2020/2021 will take place remotely

The Czech Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports has announced new enrollment procedures for the 2020/2021 school year in accordance with the current coronavirus state of emergency.

Due to the current closures and restrictions put in place by Czech officials as part of large-scale measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, this year’s enrollment of primary school students to Czech schools will take place online or via post.

Following the announcement of emergency measures by the ministry, however, this year’s enrollment will take place without the need for children to be at school.

According to information released on the ministry’s website this week, the period for applications will still be springtime: April 1 to April 30, 2020. Schools must allow applications to be submitted in electronic form to the school data box, by e-mail with a recognized signature, or by post.

As part of the updated amendment, the ministry recommends a school visit after the emergency measures have been completed, in order for families to become acquainted with the school environment, educational program, teachers and school premises.

The ministry says schools must continue to proceed according to “pre-established and published formal criteria” which means giving preference to children from the schools catchment area. In the event that these criteria are not sufficient, a draw, which is carried out transparently, should take place.

Due to the coronavirus situation, schools have been closed since Wednesday, March 11 until further notice.