🇩🇰 Denmark – Education Focused on Well-being and Equality

1. Historical Overview

The Danish education system traces its roots to the 1814 Education Act, which made 7 years of compulsory schooling free for all children. This reform was influenced by N. F. S. Grundtvig, a philosopher and pastor, who believed that education should develop not only academic skills but also life values, democracy, and community spirit.

Key Figure:

• N. F. S. Grundtvig (1783–1872) – Founder of the « Folk High School » movement, which emphasizes adult education, lifelong learning, and civic engagement.

2. Philosophy & Core Principles

Danish education is known for prioritizing well-being, creativity, and collaboration over strict academic competition. Teachers focus on nurturing curiosity and social skills rather than memorization.

Core elements:

• No formal testing until later grades

• Learning through play in early years

• Emphasis on teamwork and problem-solving

• Strong student–teacher relationships

• Equal opportunities for all, regardless of background

3. Current Structure

• Folkeskole: Primary and lower secondary school (Grades 0–9)

• Optional 10th grade for additional preparation

• Upper Secondary: Gymnasium or vocational education

• Higher Education: Universities and academies, tuition-free for EU/EEA students

4. Strengths & Challenges

✅ Strengths:

• Highly ranked in student happiness and well-being

• Flexible curriculum encouraging creativity

• Strong emphasis on democratic values

⚠️ Challenges:

• Lower PISA performance in math compared to some top-ranking countries

• Adapting to a growing multicultural student population

5. PISA Ranking

• 2022: Mid-to-high performer, above OECD average in reading and science, slightly lower in math compared to top nations.

📚 More Reading on Danish Education:

• Learning for Life: Grundtvig and the Danish Folk School – J. Elias

• Education in Denmark – Ministry of Education

• Democratic Education in Denmark – European Journal of Education

💡 Fun Fact: Danish students often call their teachers by their first names, reflecting the country’s emphasis on equality and informality in education.