The Ministry of Education and Training has proposed a fundamental restructuring of specialized high schools, moving away from subject-specific enrollment toward a three-block system.
Under the third draft of the circular regulating the organization and operation of specialized high schools, students would no longer apply for individual subjects like Math or Physics. Instead, applicants will enter one of three broad academic blocks: Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, or Foreign Languages, according to Vtcnews. This proposal was sent by the Ministry on November 9 to various Departments of Education and Training and several universities to gather feedback.
New entrance exam structures
The shift to block-based enrollment will change how the grade 10 entrance exams are administered. Rather than testing a single specialized subject, candidates will sit for exams tailored to their chosen block, Isocial reported. Currently, specialized classes are organized around nine subjects: Literature, History, Geography, Foreign Languages, Mathematics, Informatics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
The proposed exam components for each block are as follows:
- Natural Sciences block: Advanced Mathematics, Literature, and a Natural Science reading comprehension and competency assessment. For example, a student applying for the Physics specialized block would take advanced Mathematics (coefficient of 2), Literature, and a competency assessment, instead of the current model of standard Mathematics, standard Literature, and specialized Physics (coefficient of 2).
- Social Sciences block: Advanced Literature, Mathematics, and a Social Science reading comprehension and competency assessment.
- Foreign Language block: Mathematics, Literature, and the specific Foreign Language the student registers for.
The proposed grading system assigns a coefficient of 2 to the advanced subject and the foreign language exam, while other subjects carry a coefficient of 1.
Delayed specialization in grade 10
The draft seeks to prevent students from committing to a single subject too early in their education.
At the end of the first semester of grade 10, students will select two subjects to serve as their “in-depth” subjects based on their abilities and university entrance goals. From the second semester onward, they will begin advanced modules in those two chosen subjects. Students may request to change these in-depth subjects at the end of grade 10 or grade 11, Isocial reported.
Academic block subject compositions
The ministry intends to provide a broader knowledge foundation within each field.
| Academic Block | Core/Elective Subject Components |
|---|---|
| Natural Sciences | The block offers four choices for selection: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Informatics. |
| Social Sciences | Includes Geography, Economic and Legal Education, Informatics, and one additional subject from Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or Technology. |
| Foreign Languages | Mathematics, Literature, and the registered Foreign Language. |
Implementation timeline
The ministry is currently seeking third-round feedback from departments of education and training, as well as several universities, regarding the draft. If the proposal is approved, the new enrollment and organizational model is expected to be applied starting from the 2027-2028 school year. Currently, there are 78 specialized high schools in the country, with 71 managed by Departments of Education and Training and 7 managed by universities.