Main information
A secondary school student is allowed to interrupt their studies for up to two years.
The principal of the secondary school decides on the possibility of interrupting studies on the basis of the student's application. The pupil is not entitled to this service, except in cases of pregnancy and maternity, if practical training would take place in workplaces or jobs prohibited to pregnant women and mothers until the end of the ninth month after childbirth and if, according to a medical opinion, the training would endanger the pupil's pregnancy.
During the period of interruption of education, the pupil is not a pupil of the school. At the end of the period of interruption, the pupil continues in the year in which their education was interrupted, or, with the consent of the school principal, in a higher year if they demonstrate adequate knowledge. The school principal shall, upon request, terminate the interruption of education before the end of the interruption period, unless compelling reasons prevent this.
This applies to you if
This applies to you if you need to interrupt your secondary school education for any reason. Furthermore, if you are a pregnant student or mother until the ninth month after the birth of the child.
In addition to health problems or pregnancy, a common reason for interrupting education is the possibility of studying at a secondary school abroad.
When to use this service
At any time, according to your needs.
Service settlement
What you need if you are using this service
You can address the service by submitting a request for interruption of education. There is no prescribed form for the application, but a standard form of submission is sufficient, showing the applicant, the matter to which it relates and what is proposed, including identification of the applicant and, where appropriate, the address for service. Alternatively, you can use the form published by the school itself on its website.
Where and how to solve this service
The service is handled at the secondary school you are a student at. You can apply for interruption of education by post or in person at the school.
How much will you pay
None
Additional information
What is the benefit of this service
By taking advantage of the interruption of education at secondary school, you don't lose your relationship with your secondary school, you can deal with health or family problems (e.g. pregnancy or maternity) or take advantage of up to two years of study abroad. You will normally return to the same year of education, but (if you demonstrate adequate knowledge) you may be placed in a higher year at the discretion of the principal, so you will not lose years of study during the interrupted period.
Appeal options
Appeals against a decision not to allow the interruption of education are decided by the regional authority or the Prague City Council competent according to the location of the secondary school. The appeal is submitted through the school principal.
Legislation
Sanctions
None
Frequently asked questions
Who will pay my health, social security and pension insurance for during the interruption of my secondary school education due to studying abroad?
If you (or your parents) do not want to pay this insurance, it is possible to apply to the Ministry of Education and Science for a decision on the status of foreign study on a par with secondary school education in the Czech Republic. To do this, you need to provide the relevant evidence of your studies abroad - https://www.msmt.cz/vzdelavani/skolstvi-v-cr/uznavani-kvalifikaci-studium-v-zahranici. If your application is successful, you will be covered in the same manner as a pupil studying at a secondary school in the Czech Republic.