A master’s degree is no longer required for candidates applying for headteacher and deputy headteacher positions in primary schools with up to 400 pupils and in kindergartens. Amendments to the regulations governing recruitment competitions have come into force. They also reduce the number of selection panel members and allow parents to participate as observers, IPN reports.

According to the Ministry of Education and Research, candidates with a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification may also apply for leadership positions in combined primary school–kindergarten and lower secondary school–kindergarten institutions, as well as in special education and extracurricular education institutions. However, a master’s degree remains mandatory for principals of primary schools with more than 400 pupils, upper secondary schools, and combined upper secondary school–kindergarten institutions.

The requirements for lower secondary school principals vary depending on the type of institution. A bachelor’s degree is sufficient for deputy principal positions, except at upper secondary schools and combined upper secondary school–kindergarten institutions. At these institutions, candidates must hold either a master’s degree or a bachelor’s degree with at least five years of management experience in education.

The Ministry of Education and Research (MEC) says the requirement to hold a master’s degree was dropped to broaden the pool of eligible candidates, particularly for small institutions and those in rural areas. Previously, this requirement meant that recruitment competitions had to be extended or rerun, leaving some institutions with acting directors for prolonged periods.

At the same time, selection panels will have five members, down from the current seven or eight. Parents will be able to attend the selection process as observers, and panel members will be required to undergo training.