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:
- 100 points - for grades on the primary school completion certificate
- 100 points - for the eighth-grade exam result
- Up to 18 additional points - for achievements (competitions, sports, volunteering)
Points for average are as important as exam results!
How is grade average converted to points?
Points for certificate grades are calculated according to the formula:
Points = sum of grades from selected subjects × coefficient
Grades considered:
- Polish language
- Mathematics
- Modern foreign language
- Elective subject (e.g., biology, physics, history, geography)
- Elective subject
- Elective subject
- Elective subject
- Elective subject
Important:
- Some subjects may have ×2 weight (e.g., math in math-physics class)
- Exact rules are provided by each school in their recruitment regulations
Conversion Table: Average → Points
Approximate number of points for average (with 8 subjects):
- Average 6.0 = 96-100 points
- Average 5.7 = 91-95 points
- Average 5.5 = 88-90 points
- Average 5.3 = 85-87 points
- Average 5.0 = 80-84 points
- Average 4.7 = 75-79 points
- Average 4.5 = 72-74 points
- Average 4.0 = 64-67 points
- Average 3.5 = 56-59 points
These are approximate values - exact number depends on subject selection and weights.
Point Thresholds for Most Popular High Schools in 2025
Approximate point thresholds (data from 2024 recruitment):
Warsaw:
- XIV LO Staszic - approximately 195-200 pts
- XXI LO Żoliborz - approximately 190-195 pts
- V LO Batory - approximately 185-190 pts
Krakow:
- I LO Bartłomieja Nowodworskiego - approximately 190-195 pts
- V LO Witkowski - approximately 185-190 pts
Wrocław:
- XIV LO Wrocław - approximately 185-190 pts
Poznań:
- I LO Karola Marcinkowskiego - approximately 185-190 pts
Thresholds may change each year depending on the number of candidates!
What average gives a chance for a good high school?
- Safe average for TOP high schools: 5.5 - 6.0
- Good average for good high schools: 5.0 - 5.5
- Acceptable average: 4.5 - 5.0
- Average below 4.5: recruitment to less popular schools or technical schools
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 2025 Recruitment Dates
- May 2025: Eighth-grade exam
- June 2025: Issuance of primary school completion certificates
- Late June 2025: Submitting recruitment applications (online)
- July 2025: Publication of admission lists
- Late July 2025: Confirmation of enrollment
Exact dates are published by the Education Authority in each province.
Summary
- Grade average is 50% of points in recruitment (max 100 pts)
- For TOP high schools, average of 5.5-6.0 is needed
- Eighth-grade exam is equally important!
- You can earn up to 18 additional points
- Check point thresholds at specific schools on their websites