perusopetukseen

Perusopetus, commonly referred to as basic education in Finland, is the nine-year compulsory education system for children typically aged seven to sixteen. It covers grades 1 through 9 and is primarily delivered in municipalities through local schools. The aim is to provide a uniform, high-quality education that supports each student's development, literacy, numeracy, civic skills, and well-being, while recognizing diversity and the need for inclusive education.

Legally, basic education is defined by the Basic Education Act and the perusopetuksen opetussuunnitelman perusteet (POPS) issued by the Finnish National Agency for Education. The POPS set aims, criteria, and subject areas; municipalities develop local curricula based on this framework in consultation with schools and educational staff. Education is free of charge, and support services are provided to students who need them to participate.

Structure and instruction are organized to include core subjects such as mother tongue and literature, a second national language, a foreign language, mathematics, environmental and natural sciences, humanities, arts, crafts, and physical education. The system emphasizes inclusive education, special education when needed, and early intervention and support services. Assessment is ongoing and focuses on learning progress; at the end of grade 9 students receive a peruskoulun päättötodistus (certificate of completion) that is used to apply to upper secondary education or to further studies.

After completing perusopetukseen, most students continue to upper secondary education (lukio) or vocational education and training (ammatillinen koulutus). The basic education system is funded and organized to ensure equal access regardless of place of residence, language, or background.