The educational system in Poland was reformed in 1998/1999 and is now compulsory from ages 7 to 18. It consists of pre-school, elementary school from ages 7-12, gymnasium from ages 13-15, and various options for secondary and post-secondary education. Education is free at public schools, which provide standardized curricula, teaching, and qualifications, while non-public schools can be established by other entities but must meet basic standards. The system is overseen by the Ministry of Education and administered locally.