Education and Schools in Denmark

Education in Denmark is of an exceedingly high standard. Schools across the country are subsidised by the government and, as a result, have modern facilities and highly qualified staff. There are also a number of excellent private and international schools in Denmark. 

All municipalities in Denmark provide free education for all children. Parents can enrol their child at any municipal school that has space, which can either be in their own neighbourhood or another school in their municipality or a neighbouring municipality.

Not many expat children speak Danish when they arrive in Denmark, but this is not a barrier to enrolment in a municipal school. Non-Danish-speaking children are either placed in a reception class with other non-Danish-speaking pupils or are placed in a regular Danish-speaking class but are given extra support in the language.

Private schools in Denmark

Most parents choose to send their children to their local municipal school, but some choose a private school. Private schools in Denmark are self-governing institutions required to provide education to the standards of the municipal schools. They are partly funded by the government. There are many different types of private schools and some are based on a specific philosophy, pedagogical line or religious belief.

International schools in Denmark

There is a growing number of both public and private international schools in Denmark. International education is recognised as a key factor in attracting and retaining expats. Most international schools in Denmark are in and around Copenhagen, but the rest of the country also has good coverage. Many of these schools have English as their primary language, while others teach primarily in German or French. The International Baccalaureate is the most commonly offered curriculum at these schools.