Folkeskolen

Folkeskolen, often translated as the public or people’s school, is Denmark’s state-funded system for primary and lower secondary education. It provides mandatory education for children from about age six to sixteen. The typical structure covers the first nine school years (1st through 9th grade), with an optional 10th grade offered in many municipalities to prepare students for higher education or vocational programs. The system is financed by public funds and administered by municipalities under national guidelines set by the Ministry of Education.

Curriculum and assessment are organized around a national framework. Core subjects commonly include Danish, mathematics, English, science, social studies, and physical education, complemented by history, geography, arts, music, and foreign languages. Emphasis is placed on literacy, numeracy, digital competencies, and student welfare. Teaching is carried out in schools by teachers with subject-specific training, and learning is assessed through ongoing evaluation and periodic tests. At the end of the main cycle, pupils receive certificates, with the option to continue to upper secondary education or vocational programs.

Governance and reform have emphasized inclusivity, equality, and upward mobility. The Folkeskole Act and national guidelines set the legal basis for compulsory schooling, curriculum goals, and local governance, while municipalities manage daily operations, staffing, and school facilities. Over time, reforms have sought to modernize pedagogy, integrate technology, and strengthen transition pathways to secondary education and the labor market.

In the Danish education landscape, Folkeskolen forms the foundational layer of lifelong learning, aligning with broader national goals for knowledge, skills, and citizenship.