Purpose – The article’s aim is to identify the differences in the passing of the matura exams in towns and villages of individual provinces, as well as the differences in the educational productivity of general secondary schools and vocational schools. Research method – Using econometric techniques, the variables of the quality of education were assessed in the years 2011–2018. To measure the change in productivity over time and the impact of resources on secondary education in Poland, the Malmquist Total Productivity Index was calculated along with its decomposition. Results – The presented research shows that the analysis of the spatial differentiation of educational achievements can provide important information about the functioning of education, as well as about the connection of education with other cultural processes and socio-economic development. It also indicates the important role of technology in rural education. The influence of technological systems is especially visible in vocational schools in rural areas, where the productivity of education is the highest. Technology played a slightly less important role in high schools in urban areas. Originality /value / implications /recommendations – The results of the research can be helpful as regards the challenge faced by educators of rural areas.