Consulting support for communities in implementing specialised secondary education reform continues

In September 2025, the DECIDE Project team of experts held 15 consultations in communities in the Kharkiv and Mykolaiv regions — those that face daily challenges, yet continue to work hard to ensure that education is maintained.

During the public discussions, they explored options for restructuring the network of educational institutions and setting up academic lyceums.

In particular:

• How to create a network of lyceums in conditions of a shortage of school students and teachers?

• How to comply with legislation when making decisions on optimisation and/or transformation?

• What are the benefits for school students, educators, and communities of separating senior secondary schools?

• What would a step-by-step plan for communities to cooperate in forming a joint education network look like?

These and other issues formed the focus of lively discussions with the DECIDE Project experts. Thanks to advisory support, for example, the Slobozhanske community in the Kharkiv region abandoned its previous plans to retain four lyceums. The community now has eight general secondary education institutions, with over 2,000 students in total. Of these, 249 are in Grade 8 and will become 10th graders in two years. In light of these figures, the possibility of establishing a single, high-performing academic lyceum is being explored, as this would optimise resources and provide students with a high-quality specialised education.

The Novyi Buh community in the Mykolaiv region is successfully transitioning to an academic lyceum format. This is a gradual process: enrolment in Grade 5 has already ceased, and the number of 10th-grade students is increasing due to institutions being re-profiled as gymnasiums. As of the consultation date, five general secondary education institutions were operating in the community, with over 1,700 students, including 100 in Grade 8. From September 2027 onwards, the lyceum will also accept students from neighbouring communities.

‘The reform of specialised schools is an important step towards creating quality opportunities for senior school students. Its successful implementation requires the cooperation of all stakeholders, including authorities, educators, parents, and students. We are grateful to the experts for their support, and to all participants for their openness and commitment to improving education in their communities,’ emphasise community representatives.

The Kharkiv and Mykolaiv regions have once again demonstrated that even in the most challenging times, education remains a priority.

The DECIDE project is implemented by NGO DOCCU and PHZH International Projects in Education with the support of the Embassy of Switzerland in Ukraine.

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