How the Czech School System Works
The Czech education system is publicly funded and well respected. Children can start from age three in nursery and kindergarten, before moving on to primary school at six and to secondary school at fifteen. Teaching is mainly in Czech, so if your child is new to the language, it may take some time for them to settle in comfortably.
Czech public schools follow the Czech national curriculum, which differs significantly from the British, American or International Baccalaureate programmes that many internationally mobile families are used to. If your child has been studying under a different system, transferring directly into a Czech public school can present challenges in adjusting to a new learning style or overcoming academic gaps.
Most international families moving to Prague choose an international school so their children can continue learning in their own language and under a familiar curriculum.
What Are Your School Options in Prague?
Prague has a range of schooling options for international families. Here is an overview of the main choices.
Czech Public Schools
Public schools in Prague are free to attend and widely available across the city. Teaching is in Czech, so they work best for families who plan to stay long-term and integrate fully into Czech society. If your child is not familiar with Czech, they will need language support in the early stages.
International Schools
International schools in Prague offer programmes in English, with curricula including the British National Curriculum, the International Baccalaureate (IB), and the American system. They are the most popular choice for expat and internationally mobile families because they provide continuity of education, English-language teaching and globally recognised qualifications. Prague British International School (PBIS), offers a British-based education from Early Years through to Secondary School. With three campuses across the city, strong academic results and a rich co-curricular programme, it is one of the most established international schools in Prague.
Private Czech Schools
Some private Czech schools offer bilingual programmes, usually in Czech and English. These can be a good middle ground for families who want their children to develop Czech language skills alongside English. However, their curriculum often does not align with internationally recognised qualifications, so such schools may not be the best choice for children who will ultimately continue their education abroad.
One option that sits between local Czech schools and fully international education is the Czech British Primary School (ČBZŠ). This pathway is designed for Czech citizens and combines the Czech national curriculum with a British-style international approach. Children develop English naturally throughout the school day while continuing to meet Czech academic requirements, offering a balance between local integration and global learning.
How to Choose the Right International School in Prague
Every family has different priorities. To find the best learning environment for your child, you may want to consider the following factors:
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Curriculum continuity. If your child has been studying under the British system, moving to a British international school in Prague makes the transition much smoother.
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Language of instruction. Almost all international schools in Prague teach in English, but levels of
English as an Additional Language (EAL) support vary.
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Age range and campus location. Some schools cover Early Years (2 years old) through to age 18. Others focus on early years, primary, or secondary only.
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Extracurricular activities and wellbeing. Academic results matter, but so does your child's happiness. Look for schools with a strong co-curricular offer and a genuine focus on student wellbeing.
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University preparation. If your child is approaching secondary school, check what qualifications the school offers and how well students perform in university applications.
Understanding the Admissions Process
Most international schools in Prague accept applications throughout the year, not just at the start of the academic year. At PBIS, the admissions team works closely with families from the very first enquiry. You can book a school tour, meet the academic team, and get a clear picture of what to expect before your child starts.
International families often choose PBIS for our inclusive community as well as our strong academic reputation and emphasis on student wellbeing. If you are looking for a welcoming learning environment where your child can thrive in Prague, our team would be happy to discuss your child’s individual needs.
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