There will be just one secondary school left in Bashtanka where pupils can complete their secondary education

A single lyceum for secondary school pupils is to be established in Bashtanka: councillors have approved the school reform. Photo: Bashtanka City Council

The structure of the school network in the Bashtanka community is to be changed. From 2027, secondary school pupils will study at a single lyceum, whilst the current lyceums will gradually become gymnasiums.

The relevant decision was adopted by deputies of the Bashtanka City Council at a session on 1 June, reports NikVesti.

During the session, the head of the education department stated that the draft decision had been prepared taking into account the recommendations of the working group on developing the community’s education development concept for 2025–2030 and the conclusions of the council committees.

According to the document, from 1 September 2027, the «TEMP» lyceum will change its status and become the Bashtanka Lyceum. It will provide specialised secondary education for the community’s senior secondary school pupils.

At the same time, from 1 June 2026, the intake of pupils into Year 10 at Bashtanka Lyceums Nos. 1 and 2, as well as at the Dobren=, Novoiehorivka, Pliushchivka, Khrystoforivka and Yavkyne lyceums — these will lose their status as key institutions and will be reorganised into gymnasiums with primary schools.

Pupils who have completed Year 9 are to be provided with guidance on their further education. School heads have also been instructed to carry out explanatory work with parents, pupils and teachers.

Furthermore, the Novoivanivka and Novoserhiivka branches will operate as separate primary schools once the transformation is complete. At the same time, pupils currently in Years 10 and 11 at the lyceums will be able to complete their full general secondary education at their current institutions.

Particular attention was paid to the material and technical resources of the future lyceum. The session discussed the creation of a modern centre for teaching the subject «Defence of Ukraine». Officials reported that the community has already submitted a project to the state DREAM system to establish such a centre at Bashtanka Lyceum №1. If necessary, pupils of the future academic lyceum will be able to use it.

The issue of pupils currently studying at the «TEMP» Lyceum sparked debate. Some councillors expressed concern about the possible transfer of children to other institutions following the change in school type. At the same time, representatives from the education sector noted that the law guarantees pupils the right to complete their education at the appropriate level.

Plan for the transformation of the network of general secondary education institutions of the Bashtanka City Council for the period 2026–2027. Screenshots

Plan for the transformation of the network of general secondary education institutions of the Bashtanka City Council for the period 2026–2027. Screenshots

What does the upper secondary school reform entail?

The upper secondary school reform is part of the nationwide educational reform ‘New Ukrainian School’. It involves a transition to a 12-year education system and the division of schools into three levels: primary, basic and upper secondary.

Upper secondary school (Years 10–12) is to operate in the form of academic or vocational lyceums. In academic lyceums, pupils will choose study streams — humanities, mathematics, natural sciences, etc. — with in-depth study of specific subjects. At the same time, there are plans to consolidate such institutions, which could lead to the closure of upper-secondary classes in small communities and the need for daily transport for pupils.

The launch of the upper secondary school reform at the national level is scheduled for 2027. It will mark the next stage in the development of the ‘New Ukrainian School’ educational reform. From this point onwards, Year 9 leavers will be able to continue their studies at academic lyceums, choosing specialised streams and subjects in line with their future careers.

The reform is to be implemented in stages:

• A pilot implementation will take place in 2025–2026. Over the course of two academic years, new educational standards, curricula and materials will be tested in selected institutions.
• The transition phase will run from 2027 to 2029. During this period, the upper secondary school model will be gradually rolled out across the country, with simultaneous refinement of teaching approaches and content.
• The final phase of the reform is scheduled for 2029–2033 — by which time the senior secondary education system is expected to be fully operational in all regions of Ukraine.