Latvia Takes the Lead in European Schools Presidency, Elevating Educational Quality and Inclusion

Latvia has officially assumed the rotating presidency of the European Schools system, marking a major step forward for the country’s education landscape. From August 1, 2025, until the end of the upcoming school year, Latvia will guide one of Europe’s most recognised educational networks, bringing a strong focus on high standards, inclusive practices, teacher well‑being, and shared educational values.

At the heart of this initiative lies a clear vision: combining Latvia’s commitment to quality education with pan‑European cooperation. As president, Latvia will work closely with other member states to bolster the identity and visibility of European Schools, making sure they serve not only as academic engines but also as hubs for innovation, cultural diversity, and multilingual competence.

Key to the agenda is implementation of the renewed “Mission and Vision” framework for European Schools. Latvia aims to organise forums and exchanges of best practice, gathering expertise from different countries. An emphasis will be placed on evidence‑based methods—helping educators make data‑informed decisions and policies. The goal is to empower students to see schools as dynamic places where learning connects with real‑world challenges.

One distinctive feature of Latvia’s presidency is its strong commitment to the emotional and social well‑being of education communities. Building on its own experience, Latvia will introduce support mechanisms for both students and teachers. These include structured programmes that encourage mental health, inclusivity, and supportive learning environments. Officials have pointed out that when school spaces feel safe and teachers are emotionally supported, student learning thrives.

Moreover, Latvia is prioritising active engagement to bring European values to life. Schools across the network will be encouraged to embed democratic principles, freedom, the rule of law, and cooperation within daily curriculum and school life. By presenting education not just as academic training but as a space for modelling civic values, Latvia’s efforts aim to develop more well‑rounded and engaged European citizens.

In addition, there will be focused attention on Accredited European Schools—those schools recognised by national governments and international bodies. Latvia will coordinate workshops, policy reviews, and networking opportunities to build stronger support systems and ensure these schools continue meeting high standards in curricula, infrastructure, staffing, and student support.

Finally, Latvia is giving special emphasis to linguistic diversity—especially the role of the Latvian language. By ensuring that school environments reflect the country’s linguistic heritage, Latvia aims to show how diversity and unity can exist together. The message is clear: every language enriches the learning experience, and multilingual education helps students feel more connected, resilient, and prepared for global opportunities.

In assuming the European Schools Presidency, Latvia sends a strong, positive signal. This isn’t just symbolic: it’s a real opportunity to shape the direction of a major educational network, reinforce inclusive practices, and raise the bar for quality across borders. Latvian education leaders and teachers are already laying the groundwork for impactful programmes, inclusive policies, and engaging exchanges that will benefit students across Europe.

It’s a proud moment for Latvia—one that highlights its strengths in nurturing supportive, high‑quality, values‑based education. As the country steps into this role, the impact will be seen not only in improved academic performance but also in increased collaboration, improved teacher support, and stronger student well‑being. The future of education is looking brighter—and more inclusive—with Latvia at the helm.

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