High School Recruitment 2026: Does Average Matter?

Recruitment to secondary schools (high schools and technical schools) in 2026 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 2026 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
Sports achievements:. International championships - 7 points National championships - 5 points
Volunteering:. Certified volunteering (min. 1 year) - 3 points
Artistic achievements:. Competitions, artistic olympiads - same as subject competitions

Points can be summed from different categories, but max 18 points!

Recruitment Schedule 2026

May 2026:. Eighth-grade exam (usually mid-May)
June 2026:. Announcement of exam results Issuance of primary school completion certificates
July 2026:. Application deadline (early July) Publication of admission lists (mid-July)

Exact dates are published by the Education Authority in each province!

What's new in 2026 recruitment?

System remains unchanged - same rules as 2025

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 2026 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

2026 recruitment follows the same rules as 2025

Key is balance - good grades + good exam + additional achievements

Weighted Grade Average