President signs law to curb school entry deferrals

President Petr Pavel has signed an amendment to the law limiting deferrals of compulsory school attendance. From now on, deferrals will be granted only in justified cases, such as serious health issues. The law also introduces descriptive grading for beginners and abolishes preparatory classes. The legal amendment responds to concerns over the high number of Czech children starting school at age seven, among the highest rates in Europe.