1. Educational system Bulgaria

2. Pre-primary education gradeLevel of schoolAge 0 gradenursery school0-3 0 gradekindergarten3-6 0 gradePre-primary school6-7 In Bulgaria kindergartens and schools are public, municipal or private, depending on the type of their funding.

3. GradeType of school AgeDuration 1st to 4th grade Primary school 7-104 years 5th to 8thLower secondary 11-144 years Basic school Compulsory education refers to all children aged between 7 to 16.

4. Upper secondary education GradeType of schoolAgeDuration 9-12non- specialized schools 15-184 8/9-12specialized schools 15-184-5 8/9-12Vocational schools 15-184-5 Pupils may enter specialized schools and vocational upper secondary schools by taking entrance examinations, which correspond to the specialization of the respective school (Bulgarian language and Literature, Maths and etc.)

5. Changes in the structure of education Completion of basic education after the 7th grade instead of 8 th grade The 8th grade – a year of intensive foreign language and computer and/or vocational training for all pupils. Division of the upper secondary level into two stages: o First upper secondary stage (8th – 10th grade): the end of this stage will mark the completion of compulsory education. o Second upper secondary stage (11th – 12th grade): At the end of this stage they will sit national matriculation exams in order to complete their secondary education.

6. Changes in Vocational education According to the new Law ofeducation/training establishments are: state and municipal training centres, company training centres, vocational schools and vocational colleges Company training centres will organize training as : 3 years after grade 6 (13 years) 2 years after grade 7 (14 years) and up to 4 year-courses after grade 8 (15 years). Students end the schools with different levels of vocational qualification at the level of basic education don't earn another educational level but only different vocational skills. Vocational colleges will organize vocational training with duration up to 2 years after completion of secondary education

7. Penalties at school If pupils fail to perform their obligations, established by the Regulations on the Implementation of the Public Education Act and the school activities regulations, they are penalized by: reprimand; work at school; warning for transfer to another school; transfer to another school; moving from daytime to independent form of instruction – for pupils aged 16 and above.

8. competences Level 1 Utilization of professional competence to practice involving routine activities in the alter conditions; 7 th grade Level 2 Professional competence to practice, including of complex activities performed in changing conditions After 7 th grade or upper secondary education Level 3 Professional competence to practice, including of complex activities performed in changing conditions and take responsibility for the work of others After 7 th grade or upper secondary education Level 4 Professional competence to practice, including of complex activities performed in changing conditions and the assumption of managerial responsibilities and allocating resources Qualifiacation framework