Inquiry regarding the accessibility of secondary education in Estonia (no. 799)
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary sitting
Date: 2025-09-15 23:26
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 39
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 30m
AI Summaries: 39/39 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The interpellation addressed the accessibility of gymnasium education in Estonia, focusing specifically on the admissions crisis that arose in the spring of 2025. Interpellator Ester Karuse highlighted that hundreds of basic school graduates, including students with excellent grades, were left in limbo and stuck on waiting lists in Tallinn, Harju County, Tartu, and Pärnu. She stressed that while places are scarce in urban areas, the number of gymnasiums in rural regions is simultaneously being cut, creating unhealthy competition. Karuse demanded that the state provide a complete picture and concrete solutions to prevent the same situation from recurring next year.
Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas explained that the stressful situation was caused by a change in admissions regulations, which banned schools from asking applicants for their preferences, thus significantly prolonging the admissions process. She confirmed that by August, many spots were actually still vacant. Kallas stated that the shortage of places is localized (in Tartu, Pärnu, and Tallinn due to student mobility), and not a nationwide issue. To address the problems in Tartu, the number of places will be increased at Tamme State Gymnasium and VOCO, and a new building will be opened. The future of smaller gymnasiums in Harju County and Saaremaa is still being analyzed, but there are no definite investment plans for Harju County included in the State Budget Strategy (RES) yet.
Decisions Made 1
Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas announced that a legislative amendment will be submitted to the Riigikogu this autumn, which will allow schools to once again ask for students' preferences under the Basic School and Upper Secondary School Act, in order to shorten the admission process and reduce stress.
Most Active Speaker
Ester Karuse was the most active speaker as the representative of the interpellation, presenting the issue, asking clarifying questions, and giving the closing statement. Her role was the interpellator (other).
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Arvo Aller announces that we will now proceed to discuss the 11th item on the agenda, which is an interpellation submitted by members of the Riigikogu concerning the accessibility of gymnasium education in Estonia, and asks the submitter of the interpellation, Ester Karuse, to come to the rostrum for her presentation.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Arvo Aller announced that agenda item 11 addresses the interpellation submitted by Ester Karuse and other members of the Riigikogu on 17.06.2025 regarding the accessibility of gymnasium education in Estonia, the presentation for which must be delivered by Ester Karuse.
Ester Karuse
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ester Karuse highlighted the unequal availability of upper secondary school places and the concerns of both urban and rural areas. She emphasized the need for a comprehensive solution that would involve opening new gymnasium classes, expanding existing schools, and improving access to vocational education, all in cooperation with local governments and schools, ensuring that the crisis does not repeat next spring and that young people have fair opportunities.
Ester Karuse
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ester Karuse submitted a query regarding the accessibility of gymnasium education, criticizing the unhealthy competition in major urban centers where hundreds of young people are left uncertain about their study options, while schools in rural areas are simultaneously being closed. She stressed that this is a systemic problem requiring immediate forecasting, planning, and cooperation with local municipalities to ensure fair opportunities for all young people to continue their educational path and prevent the crisis from recurring during the next admissions period.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Arvo Aller thanked the previous speaker and subsequently invited the Minister of Education and Research, Kristina Kallas, to respond to the questions that had been posed.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Arvo Aller called upon the Minister of Education and Research, Kristina Kallas, to answer the questions that had been presented.
Haridus- ja teadusminister Kristina Kallas
AI Summary
Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas stated that while Estonia generally has a surplus of gymnasium places, their distribution is uneven. Consequently, a legal amendment will be adopted this autumn, allowing schools to inquire about students' preferences and conduct interviews only for applications listing the school as the first or second choice. Furthermore, the situation will be improved by increasing the number of available places in Tartu, Pärnu, and Tallinn, and by announcing new state gymnasiums, ensuring young people have the opportunity to attend school in their hometown.
Haridus- ja teadusminister Kristina Kallas
AI Summary
The Minister of Education and Research, Kristina Kallas, explained that the admission process for upper secondary schools stretched out to be extremely long and exhausting this spring because schools were not allowed to ask for students' preferences. Consequently, this right is slated to be restored this autumn via a legislative amendment. She emphasized that although there is an overall surplus of upper secondary school places in Estonia, strong student migration is creating a deficit in Tartu, Pärnu, and Tallinn, while places remain empty in rural areas. She also introduced plans to increase the number of study places, primarily in Tartu and eventually in Tallinn, through the establishment of new state gymnasiums.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Arvo Aller opened the Q&A session, noting that the audience had questions, and subsequently gave the floor to Jaak Aab.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Arvo Aller invites Jaak Aab to ask a question.
AI Summary
Jaak Aab emphasized that the state is now taking responsibility for gymnasium education, noting the previous uncertainty and the difficulties local governments faced in planning investments. He also expressed concern about the insufficient development of the school network in Harju County, adding that he questions whether the plans projected for Harju County are secure given the constraints of the state budget and European Union funding, and whether the plans for state gymnasiums in Tallinn also extend to Harju County.
AI Summary
Jaak Aab commends the state’s decision to assume responsibility for gymnasium education, which should resolve the previous uncertainty local governments faced when planning investments, but highlights the shortage of gymnasium places in Harju County and asks the minister whether the plans for establishing new state gymnasiums in Harju County are definite, given the current state budget situation and funding.
Haridus- ja teadusminister Kristina Kallas
AI Summary
Kristina Kallas stated that the primary option is the transfer of responsibility for secondary education to the state, under which the state would conclude administrative agreements with local governments (and vocational education would also be included if necessary). The shortage of gymnasium places in East and West Harju requires thorough analysis, and during the 2028 funding period, EU funding or CO2 funds will be considered, which may necessitate the demolition of existing schools.
Haridus- ja teadusminister Kristina Kallas
AI Summary
The Minister of Education and Research, Kristina Kallas, introduced the finalized draft intention (VTK) concerning responsibility for secondary education, which offers three variants, prioritizing state responsibility through administrative agreements. She also addressed the shortage of gymnasium places in Harju County (in East and West Harju), emphasizing that the actual need is still under analysis due to the significant educational migration towards Tallinn, and that funding for new schools is uncertain, depending on EU or CO2 funds available after 2028.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller asked Lauri Laats to speak.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats elaborates on Jaak Aab's issue concerning state upper secondary schools versus municipal schools within the context of the local educational network. He also discusses whether state upper secondary schools offer better conditions and greater funding, and how funding from the state and local government is distributed among the schools.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats is raising the issue of comparing the funding of state upper secondary schools and municipal schools, questioning whether the per-capita funding for state schools is genuinely higher to ensure better conditions for personnel and the availability of support specialists, as the word on the street suggests.
Haridus- ja teadusminister Kristina Kallas
AI Summary
He/She stated that they couldn't specify how much local governments allocate to schools because they lack insight into the local budget process. They further explained that the state funds the entire salary pool for school teachers (the minimum rate plus 20%), and additionally finances the salaries of support specialists. Furthermore, by law, the school operator is responsible for covering the salaries of support specialists and other staff.
Haridus- ja teadusminister Kristina Kallas
AI Summary
Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas stressed that the state covers the teachers' wage bill and partially the costs of support specialists, as stipulated by law. However, she admitted that she has absolutely no overview of how much local governments actually contribute to the financing of their schools, because she lacks insight into the local government budget process.
Madis Kallas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Madis Kallas highlighted the high demand for secondary education in Saaremaa and the situation resulting from the island's unique characteristics, emphasizing the vital importance of Orissaare Gymnasium in ensuring local youth receive their education so they wouldn't have to leave for the mainland to study. He also asked the minister to confirm that the state has no reform plans whatsoever concerning this school.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Arvo Aller calls upon Madis Kallas to take the floor.
Madis Kallas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Madis Kallas asked the minister whether the state has any future reform plans concerning Orissaare Gymnasium, emphasizing the specific nature of upper secondary education in Saaremaa and the necessity of retaining young people on the island.
Haridus- ja teadusminister Kristina Kallas
AI Summary
Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas noted that the analysis of the school network is ongoing and a firm position has not yet been reached. However, she highlighted the dilemma between the small student body at Orissaare Gymnasium and the limited capacity of the Saaremaa State Gymnasium, emphasizing that the state taking responsibility for secondary education is a long process requiring thorough planning of the school network's development through 2035.
Haridus- ja teadusminister Kristina Kallas
AI Summary
Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas stated that an analysis of the school network and preparation for the VTK are currently underway, that there are not enough places in the state gymnasium in Saaremaa, and that the future of Orissaare Gymnasium is uncertain due to its small size. She added that the state's responsibility for secondary education and the development of the school network must be thoroughly planned out until 2035.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller invites Ester Karuse to speak.
Ester Karuse
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ester Karuse expresses concern that although new spots are being added in Tartu, they are insufficient for all young people. She then asks for a specific solution: do young people in Tartu have an advantage when continuing their education, and do local youth have priority, or will all young people be equal in the future?
Ester Karuse
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ester Karuse raised concerns about whether the creation of school places in the city of Tartu would be sufficient for all applicants. She demanded clarification on whether local youth—specifically those from Tartu—would be given priority when continuing their education compared to young people from elsewhere, stressing the importance of addressing the issue of equality and priority moving forward.
Haridus- ja teadusminister Kristina Kallas
AI Summary
Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas emphasizes that the admission process for Tartu high schools is overly long and stressful, which resulted in places remaining unfilled by August. As a solution, she proposes abolishing entrance exams (except for specialized tracks) and switching to a system based on basic school final exams and student preferences. She argues that this would speed up admissions, reduce anxiety among children, and allow schools to focus only on serious candidates.
Haridus- ja teadusminister Kristina Kallas
AI Summary
Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas said that there are unfilled gymnasium spots in Tartu, and admissions should be organized based on basic school final exams, the final certificate, and the student’s preferences, while foregoing entrance tests and unnecessary interviews to reduce stress and speed up the process.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Please welcome Lauri Läänemets to the stage.
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Läänemets acknowledges the high standard of state upper secondary schools in county centers, but points out the fact that many young people cannot study there due to a lack of accommodation. Consequently, he is asking the minister about the state's plan to create additional dormitory places, in order to prevent school choices from being made solely based on the availability of housing.
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Riigikogu member Lauri Läänemets emphasized that state upper secondary schools are high quality across Estonia, but accommodation is lacking in rural areas, and young people prefer to study in county centers. Therefore, he asked what the state's plan is for creating additional dormitory places so that school choice does not depend on one's place of residence.
Haridus- ja teadusminister Kristina Kallas
AI Summary
Kristina Kallas stated that the primary concern in the Valga region is the quality of its basic schools and the subsequent movement of county students toward high schools and universities. For this reason, the focus must first be on strengthening Valga's basic schools, rather than attempting to solve the problem through the construction of housing or dormitories.
Haridus- ja teadusminister Kristina Kallas
AI Summary
Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas suggests that the low enrollment at Valga State Gymnasium isn't due to a lack of student housing, arguing that half of the county's students move closer to universities in Tartu or Tallinn regardless. Instead, she identifies the primary issue as the weak mathematics teaching in Valga's basic schools. Consequently, support should be focused specifically on basic schools to guarantee a steady influx of students with strong enough results entering the gymnasium.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
No further questions remain; the Deputy Speaker declares the questioning period closed, opens the debate, and invites Ester Karuse to represent the interpellators.
Ester Karuse
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ester Karuse acknowledges the minister's responses and the negotiations initiated to increase the number of school places in Tartu, but draws attention to the fact that due to the increase in the birth rate (especially the 2010 cohort), the shortage of gymnasium places is a persistent and deepening problem. She emphasizes that statistics make it possible to anticipate and resolve this emotional concern through rapid response, cooperation with local governments, and the opening of new classes, demanding that solutions be found immediately so that similar uncertainty does not arise next year.
Ester Karuse
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ester Karuse thanks the minister and emphasizes the concern arising from the projected increase in the number of basic school graduates next year, based on demographic data. She notes that the problem will persist without action, but believes that cooperation with local governments and schools, along with the opening of new classes, will allow for a rapid response. She expresses hope that a significant portion of this issue will already be resolved by next year.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller announced that, as the Minister had no further remarks, he closed the discussions and thereby declared today's 11th agenda item completed, and the entire agenda concluded.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Arvo Aller announced the conclusion of the negotiations and stated that today’s 11th agenda item has been completed, and the agenda is now closed.