The first major attempt to organize the entire education system of Bulgaria was the law introduced in 1891 by Minister of Public Instruction Georges Jivkoff. This law was passed by the Sixth Ordinary National Assembly and repealed all previous educational laws and regulations. Remarkably, it remains in force to this day, forming the foundation of the Bulgarian school system.
The law confirmed that the Ministry of Public Instruction would have the supreme control and direction of all schools, as well as institutions aimed at the intellectual and moral development of the country. This centralization ensured that the education system would be uniform and well-coordinated Istanbul City Tour.
Organization of the Ministry
The Ministry of Public Instruction is staffed with professionals responsible for different areas of education:
Chief of Secondary, Special, and Higher Instruction
Chief of Elementary Instruction
Two general inspectors for secondary and special schools
Medical inspector
Six assistant chiefs
Accountant and two assistant accountants
This team ensures the administration, supervision, and financial management of the education system.
Types of Schools
According to the 1891 law, schools are divided into national and private schools:
National schools: Funded by the State, departments, districts, or parishes and teach in Bulgarian.
Private schools: Supported by religious communities, associations, or private individuals.
National schools are further divided into:
Primary schools
Secondary schools
Professional schools
High schools
Primary Education
Primary instruction is provided in primary schools and infant schools.
Infant schools prepare children for primary education.
Children aged 3–5 years join the lower divisions, and those aged 5–6 years join the higher division.
The curriculum focuses on games, songs, drawing, manual work, and simple arithmetic, combining play with early learning to prepare children for formal schooling.
The 1891 law laid the foundation of modern Bulgarian education, creating a clear structure for schools and centralizing control under the Ministry of Public Instruction. By dividing schools into national and private categories and organizing different levels of education, the law helped ensure that every child in Bulgaria could receive a well-structured and consistent education.