Ninth-grade students may, at their own choice, finish their studies at their current school without having to transfer to another educational institution.

This statement was made by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine in response to an appeal from the All-Ukrainian Association of Communities.

As previously reported, the implementation of the New Ukrainian School (NUS) reform is in progress in Ukraine. The third phase of the reform – changes to specialised senior secondary schools – is currently implemented. In line with current legislation, in order to obtain a full general secondary education, these students must continue their studies at institutions which, as of 1 September 2027, will have the status of lyceums. This may necessitate a change of school.

The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine has already put in place various measures to enable these pupils to complete their full secondary education and graduate from Grade 11 smoothly and without hindrance. Particularly, a decision is under consideration that will allow current Grade 9 pupils to complete their studies in Grades 10–11 under the existing system, without being required to transfer to another educational institution. Such approaches are being developed to ensure the smoothest, clearest, and most comfortable transition to the new model of a specialised senior secondary school.

The guiding principle should be to ensure continuity of learning and to provide the best possible educational opportunities for every pupil. This is particularly important given that Grade 11 is traditionally a demanding and stressful period: pupils are preparing for the National Multi-Subject Test, completing their school education, and applying to universities. Maintaining a familiar educational environment can have a positive impact on their psychological well-being and academic performance.

At the same time, it should be emphasised that this option is only available to students who have been studying under previously existing curricula and who might otherwise be forced to change schools in Grade 11.

The NUS reform is not cancelled and remains in place. Students studying under the new standards will move on to specialised senior schools as early as 2027, where they will be able to choose a field of study in line with their own interests and future career.

The education system is currently operating under wartime conditions and is largely supported by international partners. For international partners, the continuation of the NUS reform is a key indicator for further support of Ukrainian education. Abandoning or postponing the reform would risk losing vital international support and opportunities to modernise schools.

Preserving the NUS, particularly during the implementation phase of specialised senior secondary schools, means new educational spaces, bomb shelters, school buses, laboratories, equipment, and modern teaching materials for Ukrainian schools.

Maintaining the continuity of the educational process and supporting quality improvements in schools remain key priorities for the state and communities.