Primary and lower secondary education

The public system

The public municipal school, the Folkeskole, is a comprehensive school in the sense that it includes both primary and lower secondary education, and that there is limited streaming. The Folkeskole is free of charge.

Approximately 88% of a year group attend public schools. Apart from the compulsory forms 1 to 9, the Folkeskole comprises a voluntary pre-school year and an optional 10th year. Approximately 98% of all children attend the pre-school year, and approximately 63% attend the 10th year (2001).

The average class size is 20 (2002). School usually starts at 8 a.m. The younger pupils finish at around noon and older pupils finish around 2 or 3 p.m. Pupils can spend their leisure time in municipal school care (Skolefritidsordning, SFO).

The curriculum

According to the Folkeskole Act, schools must provide pupils with both subject-specific qualifications and prepare them broadly for their role as citizens in a democratic society. The Folkeskole builds on the principle of differentiated teaching. Teaching is organised in such a way that it strengthens and develops the individual pupil's interests, qualifications and needs. At the same time, it aims to develop the pupils' cooperative skills.

The curriculum consists of a number of compulsory subjects, and in the higher forms also optional subjects. Teaching is divided in subjects and lessons at all forms. English is compulsory from the 4th to the 9th form, and a second foreign language (German or French) is offered from the 7th to the 9th form.

Pupils are continuously assessed, and teachers write progress reports twice a year. Progression to the next form is automatic. Examinations are limited to forms 9 and 10. The examinations are not compulsory, however, the majority sit for the exams.

School starts in early August and ends in late June. 

Private schools

Parents may choose a private school for their children. Private schools are self-governing institutions, and they are required to measure up to the standards of the municipal schools. 

The majority of private schools are non-boarding schools offering education on the basis of a range of different philosophies and ideologies, be they religious, pedagogical, or political. The schools are normally smaller than public schools.

The private independent schools (frie grundskoler) play an important role in Danish education. There are around 430 private schools situated all over the country, and approx. 11% of a cohort go to private schools for primary and lower secondary education.

Continuation schools (efterskole) are private schools offering education specifically for the 8th to the 10th form. In addition to the compulsory subjects, a variety of activities in sport, music, art, etc. are offered. Most of these schools are boarding schools, and they are very popular among young people.

Primary and lower secondary education for foreigners

A few private, international schools offer education in foreign languages – mostly in English, but a few also in French and German. Some private schools offer education in the Arabic languages. 

The international schools are located in Copenhagen and the big cities, except for one boarding school located in the southern part of Zealand. You can find more information on privateschool.about.com.

Non-Danish speaking children may also attend primary and lower secondary education in the Danish folkeskole. Some municipalities may offer an introductory programme which includes Danish language instruction as well as subject-related mother tongue lessons.

Admission requirements

There are no admission requirements for the public schools. Each school is responsible for admitting children to the appropriate form depending on age and school competencies. The private schools have their own sets of rules.

The registration of children in primary and lower secondary education takes place in the municipality where the family resides. A family with children aged 6 to 16 will automatically receive information on schools and education when they register as residents in the municipality.

Tuition and ownership

Primary and lower secondary education is free of charge at municipal public schools. The private schools charge a fee, and the average for non-boarding schools is DKK 13,000 per year. Both the government and the municipality contribute considerably to the cost of operating the recognised private schools.

Primary and lower secondary education is governed at municipal level, and it is the obligation of the municipality to ensure that all children receive education.

Both private schools and continuation schools receive a substantial state subsidy.