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Primary and secondary schools in Finland

Compulsory education

Compulsory education in Finland generally begins at the age of seven and ends once a child has either completed all the required courses in the curriculum or has been enrolled for 10 years. Primary school and secondary school consist of classes one through nine for students from the age of seven to sixteen. During the first six years of primary school, the classes are usually taught by a classroom teacher who is responsible for most, if not all, subject instruction.  During the last three years of secondary school (classes 7-9), students are taught by teachers who have specialised in a particular subject.  To ensure that students work in an environment that is conducive to learning, it is the official policy that all children are equal and that they have a right to a safe learning environment. Furthermore, Finnish compulsory schools do not charge tuition fees.

For more information on the Finnish school system, click here.