site.btaEducation Minister Valchev Plans Combined Exams in Mathematics and National Sciences, New Ethics Course for Next School Year

Combined examinations in mathematics and natural sciences may be introduced from the next academic year, Education Minister Krasimir Valchev said on Sunday.

Valchev explained that the test for fourth graders is expected to remain largely unchanged, but argued that the national external assessments after the seventh and tenth grades should feature more practical tasks that test the application of knowledge. 

The proposed integrated exams would measure pupils’ competences in the natural and social sciences and include mathematical problems linked to environmental protection and health education. Valchev said the natural sciences have been neglected in the curriculum and warned that society cannot progress unless teaching and learning in mathematics and science improve.

Valchev said student results after the seventh grade remain consistently low, similar to previous years, revealing a systemic difficulty in solving practical problems and applying knowledge. Mathematics scores are the lowest and most worrying, while results for the natural sciences, based on a recent pilot assessment, are even lower.

He added that pupils in schools with a high share of Roma children or limited exposure to Bulgarian perform poorly in Bulgarian language and literature. These language deficits, he said, weaken performance across all subjects, particularly mathematics.

Valchev outlined plans to streamline the curriculum, give teachers and pupils more time and shift from rote learning to functional skills and socio-emotional education. The ministry has already published a concept for textbook reform that aims to lighten the load in specialised subjects from the 2026/2027 academic year.

Valchev confirmed that religious education will remain optional and that a new subject, Virtues and Ethics, will be available from the new school year. Pupils who wish to study religion may do so, but none will be obliged; the alternative course will focus on positive values and socio-emotional learning.

Parents will be informed of the options before the school year begins, Valchev said. He noted that religious study is already available in Bulgaria, as in most European countries, and does not undermine the secular nature of schooling. In May, the ministry presented a concept for teaching virtues and religions in Bulgarian schools.