False information is spreading on social networks and in the media about the alleged mandatory reduction of summer vacations in 2025. The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine provides clarification and assures: the government has not made any decisions to reduce vacations - this issue falls within the competence of schools.
What is defined in regulatory documents:
According to Resolutions of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine from July 23, 2024, the 2024/2025 academic year lasts from September 2, 2024 to June 30, 2025. However, this date is a limit, not a mandatory date for the completion of classes. This date, as well as the structure of the academic year, vacation dates, etc., are determined not by the government, but by the schools themselves. This is not an innovation: such flexibility has been provided for by current legislation for many years in a row, even before the full-scale war.
Who decides on the actual dates of training?
Schools have autonomy. The decision on the date of completion of studies, the last bell, holidays, and possible educational activities in June is made by the pedagogical council of each educational institution.
They take into account:
- total workload;
- the security situation in the region;
- individual needs of students;
- readiness of teachers.
The government is not obliging schools to hold classes until June 30th - this is only a deadline by which schools can complete the educational process.
Possibility of holding classes in June
June is not a mandatory school month, but an opportunity for schools to organize the educational process in a flexible format.
For example:
- standard training or additional consultations;
- educational excursions;
- summer school camps;
- project work;
- individual lessons, etc.
Such formats are primarily designed to support children in overcoming educational losses caused by the war. However, each school's pedagogical council makes decisions independently, taking into account the local context and the needs of students.
What is important for parents, teachers and students to know:
- there are no regulations that would shorten summer vacations;
- pedagogical councils make decisions taking into account the security situation, workload, and needs of students;
- Using June for educational activities is an opportunity, not an obligation, for educational institutions.
The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine calls on everyone to check information in official sources and trust the decisions of pedagogical councils of educational institutions, which take into account specific learning conditions, the security situation, and the educational needs of students.