Applications for secondary schools will be allowed to be submitted three times, the CZ government supported
November 13, 2023
Original Article: https://www.novinky.cz/clanek/domaci-prihlasky-na-stredni-skoly-se-budou-moct-podat-tri-podporila-vlada-40445625
The original article requires translation.
Prime Minister Petr Fiala (ODS) announced at a press conference on Wednesday that the government has supported changes in applications to secondary schools. Students would now have the opportunity to submit three applications instead of two, and also electronically. The proposal was submitted by MPs across the political spectrum.
"Even though the proposal was created on my initiative, I am glad that we are submitting it as a parliamentary proposal, because that is the only way to get it done from next year," Minister of Education Mikuláš Bek (STAN) explained at the press conference. He also appreciated that he was in agreement with the opposition.
The legislative process is also speeded up by the fact that the deputies request the adoption of the amendment by the Chamber already in the first round of discussion.
Those interested in studying at secondary school could now have the option of submitting three applications instead of two. Applicants would also be able to specify priority schools in their application based on where they would most like to study. Thanks to the digitization of the admissions process, those who are successful will be placed with regard to their preferred school and results.
Since the changes, politicians promise to speed up the recruitment of secondary schools. "The amendment will fundamentally simplify and clarify the admission process for pupils, parents and the schools themselves," emphasized Fiala.
Bek set himself the goal of introducing a digitized form of admissions to secondary schools when he took office in May. He was thus reacting to the complications caused this year by the current admissions system and at the same time the increased number of applicants for studies.
According to critics, the current admissions process is lengthy, confusing and creates uncertainty for those who are accepted after the replacement deadline and on appeal.
The electronic application information system is to be prepared by the end of the year by Cermat, which canceled the public contract for suppliers. According to the deputies, it should cost four to six million crowns and run up to 1.5 million crowns per year.