School

In Denmark, education is mandatory for children aged 6-16. Education is free at state or public schools (Folkeskole). It is also possible for your child to attend private schools, which costs a monthly fee. Children begin school in August the year they turn six years old.

The primary and lower secondary education consists of a one-year pre-school class, nine years of primary and lower secondary education and an optional tenth form. Following primary school, which is completed at the age of 16 or 17, nearly all Danish students proceed to some form of upper secondary education.

 

During the year a child turns six years old, the parents will automatically receive a letter from the local public school asking to enrol the child in pre-school. Non-Danish speaking children between the ages 5-16 can get introduction to the Danish language and school system by starting in a reception class.

In the City of Copenhagen the placement of children in public schools are divided in districts. Your child is automatically assigned to a local school determined by your child’s address. Please visit www.kk.dk/borger/pasning-og-skole (in Danish) and enter your child’s address to find your local school.

If you wish to enrol your child in school outside the regular enrolment period (usually in Autumn) you have to contact your district school. If you do not live in the City of Copenhagen, please contact your local municipality for more information about your school options.

 

 

Most international schools in Copenhagen are private; however there are one public international school in Copenhagen: European School Copenhagen. To get an overview of international schools in Denmark, please refer to the Ministry of Education website:

For information on enrolment procedures you have to contact the international schools in question. If your child is enrolled in a international/private school, you must notify your Municipality.

 

 

Many children in Denmark attend after-school centres before and after school. The centres are often located near or at the same premises at the school. The child is usually enrolled in the after-school centre (SFO) at the same time as they are enrolled in the local school.

 

 

There are different types of special education and special needs assistance.