MES introduces new quality system in schools and kindergartens

In its quest to raise educational standards in the country, the Ministry of Education and Science (MES) has published a draft Regulation on Quality Management in Preschool and School Education Institutions for public discussion. The document, which is expected to come into force from the 2026/2027 school year, foretells a significant change in the approach to assessing the educational process.

The new regulation, which complements the existing external inspection that takes place once every five years, for the first time regulates in detail the creation of internal quality management systems in every educational institution. This is a key step towards achieving sustainable development and continuous improvement of the learning environment.

Complex evaluation criteria

According to the draft, the main criteria for the quality of education will include the individual development of each child, the effectiveness of teaching, the motivation and engagement of teachers and students, as well as providing an inclusive and safe environment and equal access for all. All these aspects are embedded in the draft, which emphasizes a holistic approach to education.

The internal quality management systems will be a cyclical process that begins with an analysis of the needs and expectations of all stakeholders – children, students, parents, and teachers. This is followed by the formulation of clear goals, planning of activities, their implementation, and tracking of results. Ultimately, based on the collected data, concrete measures for improvement will be taken to ensure that the educational environment meets high standards.

The role of the quality committee

It is envisaged that the director of each educational institution will establish a special quality management committee. This committee, composed of pedagogical specialists from the respective educational institution, will be the main driver of the self-assessment process. It will be responsible for collecting and analyzing data, as well as proposing measures for improvement. These proposals will be subject to discussion by the pedagogical council, which will ensure broad consensus and collective responsibility for achieving the set goals.

Specific highlights for schools and kindergartens

The draft differentiates the evaluation criteria depending on the educational level. For kindergartens, the emphasis is placed on the individual development of the child, creating an inclusive and safe environment, using play as the main learning method, and the high qualification of pedagogical specialists.

In schools, the evaluation will be divided into three main areas: the educational process, school management, and the institutional environment. This approach will allow for a detailed tracking of students' progress and results, the effectiveness of teaching, and the individualized approach. Quality will also be measured through equal access to education, the transparency and effectiveness of management processes. The results of students from external assessments and competitions, their motivation and engagement in school life, the satisfaction of parents and teachers, and cooperation with local communities and external partners will serve as quality indicators.

Expectations and future perspectives

The MES expresses confidence that the new system, which allows educational institutions to conduct an annual self-assessment, will lead to a significant increase in the quality of education. The expectations are for higher student results, the individual progress of each child, and the more sustainable development of educational institutions. The implementation of this regulation is seen as a key step towards modern and responsible management of the educational system in Bulgaria.

/TS/