Romania’s Education at a Crossroads: Insights from the Latest OECD Report

Romania’s education system is undergoing its most significant transformation in decades, according to the latest OECD report, “Education and Skills in Romania,” published in May 2025. This comprehensive international assessment highlights both the progress made and the persistent challenges facing the country, offering a detailed roadmap for future reform.

A New Era of Reform

The OECD report commends Romania for its ambitious education reforms, which have been supported by new legislation and record levels of national and European Union funding. These initiatives aim to modernise the education system, expand access, and equip learners with the skills required for a rapidly changing economy. The reforms are particularly focused on closing the gap between urban and rural schools, ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to succeed.

Despite strong economic growth in recent years, Romania continues to face significant challenges. Urban-rural disparities persist, with rural schools frequently lacking resources, qualified teachers, and access to extracurricular activities. Meanwhile, urban centres like Bucharest benefit from better infrastructure and more opportunities for students.

Persistent Challenges: Equity and Quality

The OECD report highlights that, although progress has been made, significant work remains to ensure that all students receive a high-quality education. International assessments indicate that a substantial proportion of Romanian students continue to struggle with fundamental skills in mathematics, reading, and science. Early school leaving rates remain among the highest in the European Union, and the gap between rural and urban schools is widening.

Socio-economic inequalities further complicate the situation. Children from disadvantaged backgrounds are less likely to complete secondary education or pursue higher studies, perpetuating cycles of poverty and limiting social mobility. The report stresses that addressing these equity gaps is essential for Romania’s long-term development.

Vocational Education and Lifelong Learning

One of the bright spots highlighted by the OECD is Romania’s vocational education system. Increasingly, students are opting for vocational pathways, and graduates from these programs often enjoy more favourable employment prospects than their peers in traditional education. The report also emphasises the growing importance of lifelong learning, noting that new national strategies have been introduced to support adult education and continuous professional development.

The OECD report supports ongoing efforts to update curricula, teaching methods, and textbooks in high schools. It recommends that standardised assessments in the early grades should be less complicated and more focused on providing feedback for personalised education. The current 8th-grade assessment system, which is restrictive and focuses on just two subjects, is seen as needing reform to reflect the broader achievements of students better and reduce pressure on young learners.

Building a Stronger System

The report advocates for a comprehensive approach to reform, emphasising the improvement of learning outcomes, the closure of equity gaps, and the utilisation of data to inform policy decisions. Strengthening the teaching profession, investing in school leadership, and increasing resources for disadvantaged schools are all seen as crucial steps. The OECD also highlights the importance of inclusive, multi-stakeholder engagement to ensure that reforms are effective and sustainable.

The latest OECD report on education in Romania provides a clear vision for the future. By building on its strengths and addressing persistent challenges, Romania has the opportunity to create an education system that delivers excellence and opportunity for all. The report’s recommendations, combined with continued investment and stakeholder collaboration, can help ensure that no child or young person is left behind.