There is a well-developed state-run education system throughout the country, and 99% of Polish children attend state schools. Children in Poland attend primary school from age 6 to 13, lower secondary school (Gimnasium) from 13 to 16 and various forms of upper secondary school from 16 to 18 onwards, depending on level of academic ability and preferred choice of school.

Between the ages of 3 and 6 children can attend pre-primary education, including a year of pre-school preparation at a pre-school or a nursery class of a primary school

The children of foreign nationals living in Poland are entitled to attend Polish schools free of charge, but since all teaching in state school is in Polish most expatriates choose to send their children to international schools. There are several international schools in Warsaw and Krakow, mostly following either the British or American educational systems.

Poland has around 400 state and non-state universities.