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The Danish Education System

Key facts

Funding schools: a state priority

Denmark places a high priority on education and backs this commitment with substantial resources, allocating state expenditures equivalent to 15.4% of the national GDP, which is more than double that of France (6.7%). Schools and teachers benefit from ample funding, and students, even those living with their parents, receive subsidies of nearly 750 euros. For higher education, Denmark adopts an entirely public funding model, offering students the opportunity to secure an 800-euro scholarship from the age of 16. Unlike some other countries, Denmark dedicates significant budgets to research, contributing to the success of its universities and making them highly attractive to international students, with one in ten students in Denmark originating from abroad.

Placing the student at the heart of their learning

The Danish education system places the student at its core,with unique teaching methods far from the traditionnal ones we know. Teachers focus on unlocking each student’s potential, encouraging them to learn at their own pace in a social learning dynamic. Initiatives like “kindness classes” have been in place for three decades to promote optimism and empathy. Furthermore, the daily routine involves practical activities like classroom cleaning, and play areas are considered integral to the educational experience.

No graded assessment before the age of 14

The Danish education system is inspiring for not introducing graded assessments until the age of 14. This approach is designed to reduce academic pressure on students, prevent potential trauma associated with early grading, and motivate a positive learning environment. Instead of grades, teachers provide comprehensive assessments, offering detailed feedback on students’ progress and strengths. The system aims to encourage intrinsic motivation for learning, emphasizing personal growth and the joy of discovery over external validation through grades. This approach aligns with the broader philosophy of the Danish education system, prioritizing student well-being.

Our trip in Denmark

Amager Fælled School is a public school located in Amagerbro, Copenhague which emphasizes social, academic, and digital well-being for students with a city-forest in the core of the schoolyard. Also, it focuses on promoting active inclusivity, and has the specificity to dwell on healthy food at the canteen.

The Høje-Taastrup Gymnasium is a public high school in Høje-Taastrup near Copenhague. Its vision encompasses equal opportunities combined with academic ambition. Its location in a poor neighbourhood made it hold democratic values, and a vibrant and inclusive school culture. 

Read our article about Høje-Taastrup Gymnasium

Ørestad Gymnasium is a public secondary school in  Ørestad, Copenhague. It is distinguished by its innovative architecture, which favours open study environments over traditional classrooms, and by its focus on media, communications and culture. All teaching materials are digital.

Nørrebro Gymnasium is a public secondary school in Nørrebro, Copenhague. Their vision is to create a safe space to develop students’ professional and human skills through co-determination, fostering a strong community that promotes tolerance, respect for differences, and the acceptance of diverse opinion.

Here we are, Denmark

Because sometimes pictures convey more than words can express...

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This country is amazing !

Bikes

Colorful houses

Licorice candies

Cinamon rolls

Our favorite teacher quote

To become a great teacher, I think you have to be very interested in working with people. You have to differentiate a lot. You have to be able as a human to give all students in your classroom the best. And it’s easy as a teacher to see the very bright students who have all the help from home. But you also have to see the quiet student that struggles every day to go to school and maybe doesn’t perform explicitly, but he tries so that every 28 students in your classroom become as much as they can.

Ida Diemar

Head at Høje-Taastrup Gymnasium

 

If you want to learn more about education in Denmark...