Estonia Adopts New Learning Environment Rules in 2025 and Moves School Start Times Later in 2026

Starting in September 2026, Estonian schools will move the start of the school day from around 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. This change comes after the government approved a new national regulation on the school learning environment, which combines several previous rules into a single, streamlined framework. The update aims to reduce administrative burdens while placing greater emphasis on students’ health and well-being, given that research shows a later start better aligns with adolescents’ natural sleep cycles and developmental needs, helping to improve concentration and overall academic performance.

Additional Changes Starting Autumn 2025 to Improve School Experience

Ahead of the new school day start time, several other important changes will take effect from autumn 2025:

• Lunch breaks should provide a minimum of 20 uninterrupted minutes for eating, not counting time spent waiting in line or walking to the cafeteria. (Estonian students receive a hot meal at school.)
• Schools are required to schedule at least 20 minutes of outdoor activities each day.
• Safe and weather-resistant storage facilities must be available for bicycles and scooters.
• Classes cannot take place in rooms where the temperature rises above 27°C.
• Beginning September 2026, local authorities are responsible for arranging transportation for students whose routes cross busy roads. (Eurydice)

Schools Retain Flexibility on Start Times

Although the standard start time is shifting to 9 a.m., individual schools retain the flexibility to set alternative or staggered schedules in coordination with school boards and local authorities. This approach helps optimize transportation and reduces congestion during peak traffic hours in urban areas. In fact, numerous schools already begin lessons after 8 a.m., at times like 8:30, 8:45, or 9:00 (Eurydice).

Concerns Raised by School Principals on Overregulation

Before finalizing the new regulations, some school principals expressed concerns about the detailed rules, particularly regarding the costs and practical challenges of implementation. They argued that excessive regulation risked limiting schools’ ability to manage their own facilities effectively and called for granting schools greater autonomy and flexibility. Principals emphasized the importance of balancing safety and quality improvements with practical realities, warning that overly strict rules could create unnecessary administrative burdens and financial strain on schools (ERR).

Modernized Physical Learning Environment Standards

In response to these concerns, the updated regulation modernizes physical learning environment requirements by aligning them with current construction and design standards. Key changes include:

• Simplification of previous rules regarding classroom size and furnishings to reduce complexity and administrative burden.
• Increased responsibility for school owners to ensure safety, including conducting risk assessments.
• A requirement that teachers and support staff have basic first aid training.

These updates aim to balance improved safety and quality with practical feasibility for schools (Eurydice).

Supporting Schools and Students Through Practical, Inclusive Reforms

These reforms highlight Estonia’s dedication to creating a safe, inclusive, and learner-focused school environment. The changes reflect Estonia’s commitment to supporting both educational outcomes and student well-being, while also reducing the administrative burden on schools and responding to the evolving conditions of learning and working environments.