grunnskóli

Grunnskóli, meaning "basic school" in Icelandic, is the country’s system of compulsory education. It combines what elsewhere might be called primary and lower secondary education and is designed to provide a common educational foundation for all children.

Enrollment is arranged by municipalities. Children typically begin grunnskóli at age six and complete it after ten school years, usually by age 16. Instruction is primarily in Icelandic, and attendance in publicly funded grunnskóli is free of charge. Schools are generally run by municipalities, with national frameworks guiding curriculum and assessment.

The curriculum is set nationally and implemented through the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture and the Directorate of Education. The programme covers core subjects such as Icelandic language and literature, mathematics, science, and social studies, as well as a foreign language (primarily English), physical education, and arts and crafts, music, or technology. Emphasis is placed on inclusive education, with support services available for students with special needs, and on providing equitable access to education across schools.

Grunnskóli concludes with graduation from grade 10. After completing grunnskóli, students may continue their education in framhaldsskóli (upper secondary school) or pursue vocational training, apprenticeships, or other post-secondary options. While the majority of grunnskóli students attend public schools, private or specialized institutions operate under public regulations within the Icelandic system.