Recruitment to secondary schools (high schools and technical schools) in 2025 is based on a point system used throughout Poland. The grade average from the primary school completion certificate plays a key role. Learn how the system works and what to pay attention to.
Does grade average count for 2025 recruitment?
YES! Grade average counts very heavily.
In the recruitment system, you can earn a maximum of 200 points:
- 100 points for grades on the primary school completion certificate
- 100 points for the eighth-grade exam result
- Up to 18 additional points for extracurricular achievements
As you can see, grade average is half of the possible points!
How are points for grades calculated?
Points for the certificate are calculated based on grades from selected subjects:
Subjects considered (8 subjects):
- Polish language - always considered
- Mathematics - always considered
- Modern foreign language - always considered
- 5 additional subjects - you choose the best grades
Important information:
- Schools may assign greater weight to selected subjects (e.g., ×2 for math in math-physics class)
- Behavior grades are NOT considered
- The completion certificate counts, not semester grades
Approximate point distribution for average
Example conversion (may vary by school):
- Average 6.0 (all 6s) ≈ 96-100 points
- Average 5.5 (mostly 5s and 6s) ≈ 88-92 points
- Average 5.0 (all 5s) ≈ 80-84 points
- Average 4.5 (5s and 4s) ≈ 72-76 points
- Average 4.0 (all 4s) ≈ 64-68 points
These are approximate values - exact calculation depends on the chosen school!
Is the eighth-grade exam more important than average?
NO - they have equal weight!
Both grade average and exam result give a maximum of 100 points each.
This means:
- You can't neglect schoolwork and only count on the exam
- You also can't neglect the exam while having a good average
- The best candidates have high results in both categories
Strategy: Focus on both improving final grades and preparing for the exam!
Additional points - how to earn them?
You can earn a maximum of 18 additional points for achievements:
Subject competitions:
- National finals - 7 points
- Provincial finals - 5 points
- District/city finals - 3 points
- International championships - 7 points
- National championships - 5 points
- Provincial championships - 3 points
- Certified volunteering (min. 1 year) - 3 points
- Competitions, artistic olympiads - same as subject competitions
Points can be summed from different categories, but max 18 points!
Recruitment Schedule 2025
Eighth-grade exam (usually mid-May)
- Announcement of exam results
- Issuance of primary school completion certificates
- Start of electronic recruitment (late June)
- Application deadline (early July)
- Publication of admission lists (mid-July)
- Confirmation of enrollment (late July)
Exact dates are published by the Education Authority in each province!
What's new in 2025 recruitment?
- System remains unchanged - same rules as 2024
- 100% electronic recruitment (no paper document submission)
- You can apply to maximum 3 schools (or 3 classes within one school)
- Preference order matters - you're considered first at your first choice
- Exam results and certificate are automatically retrieved by the system
Tips for 2025 Candidates
- Check point thresholds from previous years for selected schools
- Choose 3 schools wisely - one ambitious, one realistic, one safe
- Collect achievement certificates throughout the school year
- Try to improve final grades before classification
- Prepare intensively for the exam - it's 50% of points!
- Submit application as early as possible
Summary
- YES - grade average counts heavily (50% of all points)
- Eighth-grade exam has equal weight (another 50%)
- Additional points can tip the scale in tie situations
- 2025 recruitment follows the same rules as 2024
- Key is balance - good grades + good exam + additional achievements