What’s so great about Finland’s education system?

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Aug 13

A frequently asked question that people present to us is, what’s so great about Finland’s education system? Finnish education has received its fair share of publicity around the world for being the ‘best’. In recent years, Finland has also made headlines for being the happiest country in the world. Many are left wondering why and how is it the happiest country in the world? We believe it has a lot to do with our education system, and how it embodies our country’s embedded values of being honest, fair, down-to-earth, and trusting others.

The truth is, Finland is not #1 in all PISA (OECD's Programme for International Student Assessment) rankings, but in the latest rankings, Finland is the only country where students have both a high reading proficiency as well as high life satisfaction. This is strongly affected by the fact that Finnish students have a healthy balance between school life and free time, allowing them to engage more in various extra-curricular activities. This balance continues after they finish school, with a healthy work-life balance (report by Kisi, mentioned by Business Finland).

Pasi Sahlberg, professor of education policy, emphasizes that Finland’s education system’s success has come from various factors; it has stemmed from research on and inspiration from other education systems, education policies have been built together with education authorities, teachers, and municipalities together with the voice of parents, researchers, and business leaders, and lastly, the main goal has stayed consistent in that all children are to be provided with equal learning opportunities.

There is no short answer for why the Finnish education system is really so successful, but we gathered a list of nine elements that contribute to Finland’s education system’s success:

1. Equal opportunities ⚖️

The central objective of Finland’s education system is to provide good quality universal education. This means that the same free, inclusive, and comprehensive educational opportunities are provided for all citizens.

2. Learning through play 🚂

At the early years phase, there is a strong emphasis on learning through play, before the children enter schooling. Finnish daycares and preschools follow the national Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) curriculum that strongly believes in letting children be children, by focusing on play, health, and the overall wellbeing of the child. All activities are planned around the holistic wellbeing of the child, supporting their overall development and learning journey. Let kids be kids, empower them to explore their natural creativity!

3. Personalized learning 👣

Schools and their students are not ranked based on exam scores as there are no national standardized exams. Learning is personalized for each student by empowering their strengths and supporting their challenges. Each student’s progress is followed through the national curriculum’s learning outcomes. From the early years onwards, ‘learners have an active role in what and how they learn and truly hold a key to unlocking their own potential’ (Education Finland). Students are encouraged to follow their own personalized learning path through a system that encourages their strengths and supports their challenges - there are no ‘dead-ends’. Their learning path is flexible, as shown below in the education system’s structure.

Fun fact: Finnish children only start their schooling at age 7!

4. Lack of standardized testing 📚

The lack of standardized testing is another aspect that comes as a surprise to many. Students’ learning is assessed through various qualitative methods that focus on the overall development of the student and learning soft skills, rather than their memorization skills and quantitative scores. As Pasi Sahlberg says,

“By rejecting standardized testing and concomitant school and teacher accountability measures, Finland has instead charted its own path by focusing on equity, professionalism, and collaboration. Much as Finland has learned from the United States, Canada, Germany, England, Sweden, and other nations about pedagogy and curricula, Finland may now be looked to for lessons about educational policy."

5. Minimal homework 📝

The typical age to start first grade is when a child is 7-years-old. Especially during these first years of school, homework is minimal, and the school days are short. This leaves more time for after-school play and hobbies and developing soft skills outside of the classroom. This contributes to the student’s level of life satisfaction.

6. Supportive technology 🧑🏻‍💻

A wide range of digital tools and solutions are used with students in order to learn by doing. A big part of Finland’s national curriculum is phenomenal learning and developing unique learning experiences through innovative teaching and technology. However, technology is used in a mindful way that enhances the learning experience, instead of overpowering daily life.

7. Lifelong learning ⏳

The education system promotes lifelong learning. No matter what age and stage of life one is in, they can always continue their education through the flexible system.

8. Inclusive education 🧩

Special needs education is heavily embedded in Finland’s national education system. This means that all students are supported, no matter how much support they require.

9. Autonomous Teachers 🍏

Finnish teachers are highly trained through a mandatory master’s degree. Teachers are motivated through the autonomy given to them to plan their own teaching and resourcing. A big part of each teachers’ education is learning how to tailor teaching to different kinds of learners.

All this sounds pretty good, right?

The reality is that Finnish education cannot be exported as-is. Various elements of Finland’s education system can be implemented in schools abroad, but it requires localization and the right mindset. New Nordic School provides tailored solutions that cover all areas of school improvement to support each school with self-review, collaboration, innovation, and strategic development planning. We help each school transform its teaching and learning, whether it’s happening online or face-to-face.

Learn more about our services for new and existing schools:

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Join our online course on Finland’s Secret to Success

Finland’s education system has received its fair share of publicity around the world for being the ‘best’. In recent years, Finland has also made headlines for being the happiest country in the world. Many are left wondering, how is Finland’s education system so ‘successful’?

This course is available for you to attend at your own pace - anytime and anywhere. Upon course completion, each learner receives a certificate from Finland.

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