The history of partitions and... harvests
Although many might think that the beginning of the school year on September 1 was the idea of the Second Polish Republic, the truth is slightly different. This custom dates back to the times of the partitions - it was the Russian authorities who introduced this term in their schools. After regaining independence in 1918, Poland kept this date, and the tradition has survived to this day.
It is not only in Poland that children return to schools at the turn of August and September. Many Western European countries also adopted a similar calendar. Reason? For centuries, children helped their parents with field work, and only after the harvest was over could they return to learning. This is a practical solution that has become the norm over time.
Exceptions from the times of the Polish People's Republic
However, it is worth remembering that September 1 was not always the start date of the new school year. In the years 1975–1981, students started their studies on August 20. The authorities at that time explained this change by the need to adapt the school calendar to the country's economic and agricultural plans. However, after a few years, the September date was returned.
School year start date: What is it like today?
Currently, the rules are clear. According to the Education Law of 2016, the school year in Poland always starts on September 1 and ends on August 31 of the following year. This means that the school calendar lasts exactly as long as the calendar year. These regulations apply to all schools and educational institutions in the country.
Let us add that if September 1 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the actual teaching activities and the opening ceremony are moved to the following Monday.
September 1 - a date full of meanings
It is worth remembering that September 1 is not only the beginning of learning, but also an important historical anniversary. It was on this day in 1939 that World War II broke out. For many Poles, it is a day of reflection and contemplation, combining school emotions with the memory of the difficult history of our country.
Do you have to go to the beginning of the school year?
Some people are probably wondering whether they can extend their holidays by at least one day and not go to the beginning of the school year. Officially - yes, you should go. Usually, there is an academy and a meeting with the teacher, during which important organizational information is provided.
If a student cannot appear for an important reason (e.g. illness, important family trip), the absence must later be justified to the class teacher.
When does the school year start in other countries?
The beginning of the school year on September 1 is primarily a tradition typical of Central and Eastern Europe and parts of the Balkans. Outside Poland, this is when students, among others, start their studies. Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Serbia, Montenegro, Moldova and Ukraine. Also in France, the school year starts on September 1.
In Germany, the start date of school depends on the state - the first day of classes falls between August 10 and September 15. In Austria this year, school starts on September 7, 2026 in Vienna, Lower Austria and Burgenland, and on September 14, 2026 in the remaining federal states. In Italy, the date depends on the region and generally falls between September 7 and 16, 2026.
In Spain, the date also depends on the autonomous community - most often, school starts in the first half of September, approximately between 7 and 10 a.m.
In the UK, there is no single date for the whole country: in England and Wales, most schools start classes around September 1-3, 2026, while in Scotland the school year starts in August.
In the US, some students start school as early as mid-August, and in Canada just after Labor Day in early September.
Interestingly, in Japan the school year starts on April 1 (with spring and cherry blossoms). In Australia, the school year starts in late January or early February, just after Australia Day (January 26).
How many days does the 2026/2027 school year have?
Classes in schools will traditionally start this year on September 1, which in 2026 falls on a Tuesday. The school year will last until June 25, 2027, and a day later students will start their holidays, which will last until the end of August.
