87-year-old Józef Peruga fails matura for third time, plans appeal

Third attempt ends in disappointment

Józef Peruga, Poland's oldest matura candidate at 87, sat the exam for the third time in 2026. He took tests in Polish, German, and mathematics, but did not pass any of them. The senior was closest to success in mathematics, though he felt satisfied with his Polish essay on Bolesław Prus's "Lalka" and the works of Władysław Reymont.

I was satisfied with my work, I wrote an essay about 'Lalka' and Reymont.

Peruga had prepared systematically throughout the year, this time with the help of private tutors. He chose a smaller town in Lower Silesia rather than his home city of Kalisz for the exam.

A life marked by hardship

Born in 1939, Peruga was imprisoned as a small child in a German camp in Łódź during the war. After the war his family moved to the so-called Recovered Territories, where they received a house and 9.5 hectares of land. He later settled in Kalisz in 1986. He worked as a locksmith, bus driver, and in carpet production, but education remained a lifelong dream.

For me, education has always been the most important thing. Life is easier with education. I've missed this matura my whole life. I've always dreamed of it.

Appeal and uncertain future

Peruga believes the exam commission treated him unfairly and intends to file an appeal with the Examination Arbitration Board. He has not yet decided whether he will attempt the matura a fourth time if the appeal is unsuccessful.

I've been wronged again, I will appeal.

National matura results

On 8 July, the Central Examination Board (CKE) announced that 81.1 percent of this year's matura takers passed all mandatory exams. To obtain the certificate, a minimum of 30 percent in each compulsory subject is required. About one in five candidates failed, including Peruga.