áframhald

Áframhald is an Icelandic noun meaning continuation or progression. In educational usage, it denotes the phase of schooling that follows compulsory education in grunnskóli and is closely associated with framhaldsskóli, the upper secondary education system in Iceland. This phase comprises general and vocational programs designed to prepare students for higher education or for entry into the workforce. Programs typically last two to four years, depending on the track, course load, and prior qualifications. Completion may lead to the stúdentspróf (the matriculation examination) in general tracks or to a vocational qualification in specialized programs. Some programs also provide pathways to further study at universities or polytechnics, while others focus on employment qualifications.

Governance and structure: Framhaldsskóli is usually administered by municipalities, with national standards set by the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture. Schools may offer day, evening, or distance learning formats to accommodate different needs, including adult learners seeking continuing education or retraining.

Etymology and usage: The term áframhald is composed of elements meaning forward continuation. It is used broadly in Icelandic to refer to continuing education beyond the compulsory years and is often linked to the concept of framhaldsskóli as the institutional setting for this phase. In everyday language, it can also appear in phrases describing ongoing or subsequent educational steps.