Getting education right for long-term growth in the Czech Republic

The Czech education system is performing reasonably well. Secondary-school participation and
completion rates have traditionally been high, and continue to be so. PISA results are above average, with Czech students performing among the best in the OECD in problem-solving abilities, particularly for mathematics and science. Though tertiary attainment is low in the population as a whole, the enrolment rate is increasing rapidly. At just a little below 5% of GDP, total education spending is low compared with other OECD countries.

Many reforms have been introduced to improve the Czech education system since the end of the
1980s. These reforms have often endeavoured to meet the educational needs of a changing labour market and the broader work aspirations of young generations. Nevertheless, there is agreement that further improvements are required, particularly in tertiary-education. Furthermore, secondary education and adult education have considerably more potential than is being realised at present. Improving the education system is a high priority of the government’s Economic Growth Strategy.

Starting with an examination of the organisational structure and performance of Czech education
this paper looks at the main problems with the system and draws recommendations for further reform.