What Grade Average is Needed for High School? Point Threshold 2026
Check what certificate average is required for high school admission in 2026.
High school admission is based on a point system where grade average plays a key role. Learn how many points you can get for your average and what thresholds apply to the most popular high schools in Poland.
How does the point system work for high school admission?
A uniform point system applies throughout Poland for secondary school admission.
You can earn a maximum of 200 points, which consist of:
- 1 100 points - for the school part of the certificate (including grades)
- 2 100 points - for the eighth-grade exam result
- 3 Up to 18 additional points - for achievements (included in the 100 points for the certificate)
Points for the certificate are as important as exam results!
Which grades count for high school?
For high school admission, grades from 4 subjects are considered:
Always required: Polish language, mathematics
Chosen by the school: two subjects indicated by the high school for a given class profile (e.g., biology, geography, history)
Points per grade: 6=18 pts, 5=17 pts, 4=14 pts, 3=8 pts, 2=2 pts
Additionally: Honors certificate (red stripe): 7 pts
How to calculate certificate points?
Total points (max 100 pts) consist of:
- Points for 4 grades: up to 72 pts (4 × 18 pts)
- Honors certificate: 7 pts
- Volunteering: 3 pts
- Other achievements (competitions, sports): up to 18 pts
- Total for certificate: max 100 pts
Note: The grade average itself (e.g., 5.0) does not translate directly into points - specific grades in 4 subjects count!
Point Thresholds for Most Popular High Schools (historical data)
Approximate point thresholds from previous years (e.g., 2024/2025):
- Warsaw: XIV LO Staszic - around 195-200 pts, XXI LO Żoliborz - around 190-195 pts
- Krakow: I LO Bartłomieja Nowodworskiego - around 190-195 pts, V LO Witkowski - around 185-190 pts
- Wrocław: XIV LO Wrocław - around 185-190 pts
- Poznań: I LO Karola Marcinkowskiego - around 185-190 pts
Thresholds may change each year depending on the number of candidates!
What average gives a chance for a good high school?
Remember! The eighth-grade exam is equally important - even with a lower average, you can make up points with a good exam result.
How to increase your chances of getting into your dream high school?
- Improve final grades - focus on subjects with the lowest grades
- Prepare for the eighth-grade exam - it's half the points!
- Collect additional points - subject competitions, sports, volunteering
- Choose subjects strategically - pick those where you have the highest grades
- Apply to several schools - don't put all your eggs in one basket
- Check thresholds from previous years - find out what the realistic chances are
Important 2026 Recruitment Dates
- 1 May 2026: Eighth-grade exam
- 2 June 2026: Issuance of primary school completion certificates
- 3 Late June 2026: Submitting recruitment applications (online)
- 4 July 2026: Publication of admission lists
- 5 Late July 2026: Confirmation of enrollment
Exact dates are published by the Education Authority in each province.
Summary
- Certificate points account for 50% of recruitment (max 100 pts)
- TOP high schools require high points from both certificate and exam
- Eighth-grade exam is equally important!
- You can earn up to 18 additional points for achievements
- Check point thresholds for specific schools on their websites