Primary schools in Plzeň: how to choose
In Plzeň parents choose among several schools of their city borough. How to pick the right one of 47 primary schools, what to compare and how enrolment works.
1. The catchment is the whole city borough
Unlike Prague or Brno, Plzeň has no catchment school for each street. The catchment is the whole city borough: a child living in Plzeň 3 has priority in every primary school of Plzeň 3, while they have places. Černice belongs to Plzeň 2; Křimice, Litice, Radčice, Malesice and Lhota to Plzeň 3. The choice is wider, but at popular schools capacity decides.
2. What to compare
- The trip. A first-grader should be able to walk to school safely, ideally without crossing big roads and tram lines. Soon they will walk alone.
- After-school club. Capacity, how late it runs and whether it takes older children too.
- Size of the school and classes. A small school tends to feel like a family, a big one offers more clubs and parallel classes.
- Focus. Extended languages, maths, sport or arts; Montessori or other alternative classes.
- Czech School Inspectorate reports and parents' experience are on each school's page on Městomat.
- Second stage. Thinking of an eight- or six-year gymnasium? Ask how many children leave after the fifth and seventh grade and how the school prepares them.
Primary schools by city district
3. Open days
Most schools hold open days and meetings for pre-schoolers before enrolment. Watch how teachers talk to children, what the after-school club and canteen look like and how the school keeps in touch with parents (app, consultations).
4. Enrolment
First-grade enrolment runs from 15. 1. 2027 to 15. 2. 2027. Each school announces its exact days and how to sign up on its website; some have online pre-registration. You apply at the chosen school and enrolment includes a short talk with the child. You can apply to more than one school.
Where schools are densest
Neighbourhoods ranked by nursery and primary schools per thousand residents:
Plzeň neighbourhoods with the most kindergartens and schools
- 1.3 per 1,000 res. Božkov Plzeň 2-Slovany
- 0.9 per 1,000 res. Doubravka Plzeň 4
- 0.9 per 1,000 res. Doudlevce Plzeň 3
- 0.8 per 1,000 res. Křimice Plzeň 5-Křimice
- 0.8 per 1,000 res. Skvrňany Plzeň 3
- 0.7 per 1,000 res. Újezd Plzeň 4
- 0.7 per 1,000 res. Východní Předměstí Plzeň 2-Slovany
- 0.7 per 1,000 res. Černice Plzeň 2-Slovany
- 0.7 per 1,000 res. Severní Předměstí Plzeň 1
- 0.6 per 1,000 res. Bolevec Plzeň 1
Moving before enrolment?
Priority follows the registered address on the enrolment date. Choosing a flat? Check which city borough the address belongs to and which schools are nearby before you sign.
Which Plzeň neighbourhoods suit families is covered by the guide where to live with children in Plzeň; every school level in one place is in the guide schools and nurseries in Plzeň.
Frequently asked questions
How many primary schools are there in Plzeň?
Plzeň has 47 primary schools. For each one Městomat shows its programme, inspection reports and parents' reviews.
Which school is my catchment school in Plzeň?
Plzeň has no catchment school for each street: the catchment is the whole city borough (Černice belongs to Plzeň 2; Křimice, Litice, Radčice, Malesice and Lhota to Plzeň 3). Every school of the borough must admit children living there first, while it has places.
When is first-grade enrolment in Plzeň?
From 15. 1. 2027 to 15. 2. 2027. Each school announces its exact days and how to sign up on its website; enrolment includes a short talk with the child.
Does my child have to go to a school in our borough?
No. The borough's schools must admit your child first, but you can apply to schools in other boroughs too; they admit if places are left after their own children, by their published criteria.
