Abstract
Since transitioning to a market-based, parliamentary democracy, Bulgaria has made significant strides in reforming its education and skills systems. Key achievements include expanding compulsory education, raising participation in the early years to OECD levels, modernising curricula across the system, and facilitating access to adult learning. The 2021–2030 Strategic Framework for Education and Training—supported by increased public investment and EU funding—has revitalized efforts to improve the quality and inclusiveness of the education system to equip all learners with the skills needed for a changing economy. These reforms are central to tackling national challenges, such as low productivity, income inequality, and demographic decline, and to unlocking inclusive economic and social development in Bulgaria.
This report assesses Bulgaria’s policies and practices against those of OECD and reference countries in Central and Eastern Europe, covering the full learning lifecycle – from early childhood education and care to lifelong learning. It identifies the system’s major strengths and challenges and explores how Bulgaria can draw on OECD evidence and international experience to advance its education reform agenda. The report will be of interest in Bulgaria, as well as in other countries looking to raise the quality, equity and efficiency of their education systems.