Home education in Czechia (2026)
Last reviewed: 30 October 2026
In short: In Czechia compulsory schooling lasts nine school years. Individual (home) education needs the written authorisation of the head of the school where the child was admitted, who grants it on serious reasons and adequate conditions, and the child is examined at that school each half-year.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Legal status of home educationChildren of compulsory school age | Permitted with prior authorisation [1] |
| Nature of the parental dutyChildren of compulsory school age | Duty to attend or be enrolled at school [1] |
| Approval or notification neededChildren of compulsory school age | The legal guardian applies in writing to the head of the school where the child was admitted, with the reasons, a description of the premises and health protection, the teacher's qualifications, the textbooks and a statement from a school counselling facility. The head grants it only if there are serious reasons, adequate conditions, a qualified teaching person and suitable textbooks. The child sits an exam on each half-year's material at that school, and the head ends the arrangement if conditions are not met or the child fails at the end of a half-year. [1] |
| Compulsory schooling ageChildren of compulsory school age | Schooling is compulsory for nine school years, but no longer than to the end of the school year in which the child turns 17. It starts at the beginning of the school year after the child turns six, unless deferred. [1] |
Notes
- The head of the school where the child has been admitted for compulsory attendance decides on written request from the legal guardian, and grants it if there are serious reasons, adequate conditions, a suitably qualified teaching person and suitable textbooks.
- Qualification: at least secondary education with a school-leaving exam; for the second stage of primary school a university degree.
- Applies to Czech citizens and EU citizens who stay in Czechia for more than 90 days, and to other foreigners entitled to stay for more than 90 days.
Sources
- Zákony pro lidi (AION CS), consolidated text of the Collection of Laws: Zákon č. 561/2004 Sb., o předškolním, základním, středním, vyšším odborném a jiném vzdělávání (školský zákon), aktuální znění 1. 9. 2026 - 31. 10. 2026 (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.