A total of 66,611 children will be first-graders in 2016. Last year, the number was 67,503.
According to data of the regional educational directorates, the number of pupils in grades 1-12 in the new 2016-2017 academic year will be 719,405.
Due to the demographic crisis, 27 schools will be closed down, mostly primary schools. 12 of these will be closed down.