Compared to other EU member states Bulgaria's education system is the most unfair when it comes to equal opportunities for students. In this country, knowledge acquired is very much dependant on the origin of the children. Students from a sound background are no less than three school years ahead of students living in survival mode. The difference in achievements of students from elite schools and those from ordinary schools is staggering. Students in the country are also at a disadvantage compared to those studying in the city. This bleak picture is evident in the latest World Bank report and is based on the country report results from the last international PISA 2012 evaluation. The positive trend is that the number of worst performing children has been declining. However Bulgaria lags behind countries such as Turkey, Serbia and Romania, which have lower costs per student. According to bank experts the main cause of the rift among students and schools is the early selection of children based on their abilities. That is why measures to provide equal opportunities for all students and improve their overall performance recommended. One of them is putting off high school specialization of students, which now takes place after the seventh grade. The curriculum and external evaluation should be improved as should the school facilities. The EC in its latest report on education and training in Europe recommends that Bulgaria should adopt a law on school education and continue the reforms, so that young people may be better prepared to meet the needs of the market and more: 

"The quality of vocational education and training must be improved as well as access to lifelong learning,” says Peter Natsev of the EC Representation in Bulgaria. “In this country less than 2% of people participate in lifelong learning, whereas the average European level stands at 10% and the EU targets are 15%. Bulgaria needs to improve access to quality pre-school and school education for disadvantaged children, in particular Roma, and to apply strict rules, binding payment of child benefits to participation in education." 
 
According to Sofia Mayor Yordanka Fandakova (former school headmaster) reforms in education cannot be postponed any longer and must be based on the adoption of the new law on school and pre-school education. New curricula and programs, electronic textbooks are just part of the emergency measures.  

"The local authorities bear their share of responsibility”, Mrs. Fandakova maintains. “I think that in recent years, investments in facilities, in modernization of schools and kindergartens has been a fact. By the end of this year a total of 19 modern kindergartens will open. Investments are being made in energy efficiency, too. It is very important that each institution knows its responsibilities and works actively but we also need consensus.”

English: Alexander Markov