Basic Education

Comprehensive schools consist of grades 1–9. Children attending comprehensive schools are usually between the ages 7 and 16.

In Finland, basic education is all-round education with both an educational and a teaching task. The purpose of education referred to in the Finnish Basic Education Act is to support pupils’ growth into humanity and into ethically responsible membership of society and to provide them with knowledge and skills needed in life. All pupils who have completed the basic education are equally eligible to continue their studies in a higher institution.

All children and young people permanently residing in Finland are to attend compulsory education. This is regulated by the law. The objective of compulsory education is to ensure that all children and young people are able to reach the level of education and competence necessary in life, and to promote their equal possibilities to improve their skills according to their personal abilities and needs.