Yleiskokoulu

Yleiskokoulu, a Finnish term, translates to "comprehensive school" in English. It refers to the Finnish public education system that was established and has been progressively developed since the 1970s. The core principle of the comprehensive school system is to provide equal educational opportunities for all children, regardless of their socioeconomic background or geographical location. This means that all students attend the same type of school for the first nine years of compulsory education, typically from ages 7 to 16.

The system aims to foster a strong foundation in basic academic skills while also promoting holistic development. Students in comprehensive schools study a broad curriculum that includes subjects such as mother tongue, mathematics, foreign languages, science, social studies, arts, music, physical education, and crafts. The emphasis is on learning rather than on selection or streaming, with individual support provided to students who need it. Teachers are highly trained and are given significant autonomy in their classrooms.

A key feature of the Finnish comprehensive school is its focus on equity and inclusivity. There are no private or fee-paying schools at the basic education level, and the quality of education is intended to be consistent across the country. The system has been widely praised for its success in achieving high levels of educational attainment and equity, contributing to Finland's reputation for strong academic performance on international assessments. The comprehensive school structure forms the bedrock of Finland's educational philosophy.