Finnish Education System

The principle goal of Finnish schooling policy is to supply all citizens equal opportunities to obtain education. The structure of the schooling system reflects these principles. The system is extremely permeable, that's, there are no lifeless-ends preventing progression to higher ranges of education.

The focus in education is on learning rather than testing. There are no national tests for pupils in basic education in Finland. Instead, teachers are responsible for assessment in their respective subjects on the basis of the objectives included in the curriculum.

The only national examination, the matriculation examination, is held at the end of general upper secondary education. Commonly admission to higher education is based on the results in the matriculation examination and entrance tests.

Governance has been based on the principle of decentralisation since the early 1990s. Education providers are responsible for practical teaching arrangements as well as the effectiveness and quality of the education provided. Local authorities also determine how much autonomy is passed on to schools. For example budget management, acquisitions and recruitment are often the responsibility of the schools.

Polytechnics and universities enjoy extensive autonomy. The operations of both polytechnics and universities are built on the freedom of education and research. They organise their own administration, decide on student admission and design the contents of degree programmes.

Most education and training is publically funded. There aren't any tuition charges at any stage of education. In primary training also college supplies, school meals and commuting are supplied freed from charge. In upper secondary education students pay for his or her books and transport. In addition, there's a well-developed system of research grants and loans. Monetary aid could be awarded for full-time examine in upper secondary training and in higher education.