Finland is well known as the “gold standard” in global education. In various international reports, such as the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), the country consistently ranks among the top in literacy, mathematics, and science. But, interestingly, this achievement was achieved without national exams, excessive homework, or extreme competition.
So, what’s the secret? And most importantly: what can we learn and adopt from their education system? Let’s dissect it together.
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A Child-Centered Philosophy, Not a Race
In Finland, education is considered a fundamental right for every child, not a competition to know who’s the best. Their philosophy is simple: every child is unique, and the education system should help them achieve their fullest potential – not force them to conform to a narrow set of standards.
In their education system, there are no privileged classes or favorite schools. All schools are designed to be of equal quality. This means Finnish children can receive a high-quality education without the need for expensive tuition or tutoring.
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No National Exams, No Problem
Unlike other countries, Finland does not have national exams to determine students’ eligibility to graduate. Hence, there is no pressure for both the students and teachers at the end of each year.
Evaluation is formative – focusing on student development, not just grades, which makes students focus on learning to understand rather than just memorize the materials. The only mandatory standardized exam held in Finland is at the end of high school, when students are around 18–19 years old.
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Teachers Are Trusted and Elite
Becoming a teacher in Finland is as prestigious as becoming a doctor or engineer. All teachers are required to have at least a master’s degree, and the selection process is rigorous. However, once they get accepted, they will be given complete trust to design their teaching methods.
This means there is no rigid curriculum or excessive administrative pressure for teachers. They have more time to innovate, engage in dialogue with students, and build strong emotional connections in the classroom.
This system is in line with their fundamental principle, “We trust the teachers,” and it is evident in their educational outcomes.
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Play Comes Before Pressure
Kids in Finland only start going to school once they reach 7 years old, when they are considered emotionally and cognitively ready. Before that, children are encouraged to play, socialize, and develop basic skills without academic pressure.
Even in elementary school, the approach remains fun and exploratory. There’s plenty of time for breaks, lessons aren’t overly packed, and outdoor activities are considered necessary.
Meanwhile, in other countries, children are encouraged to attend tutoring or read fluently as early as 4-5 years old.
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Less Time in Class, Better Results
School hours in Finland are shorter than in many other countries, averaging only 4 to 5 hours per day for elementary school students. However, the results are still remarkable because their system focuses on effectiveness, not quantity.
Each lesson is delivered with a clear objective, interspersed with adequate breaks, and encourages active student participation. They also don’t assign much homework, so students will have enough time to play, read, or simply relax at home.
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Mental Health Is a Core Focus
One of the keys behind the success of the Finnish education system is its focus on students’ mental and emotional health. Every school has psychologists and counselors available to help students navigate personal and academic challenges.
This makes the students feel more comfortable, calmer, and more confident in the classroom. They change the stereotype from a place of fear to a haven for growth.
What Can We Adopt From Them?
Of course, not everything can be copied slavishly. But there are many Finnish principles we can start adopting for a better education system:
- Reduce Exam Pressure Early
We can start by reducing the burden of excessive exams and homework, especially for elementary students. Instead, focus on enjoyable and meaningful learning.
- Empower & Respect Teachers
Providing intensive training and improving teacher welfare are essential steps. Teachers who are appreciated will be more enthusiastic about teaching.
- Put Mental Health First
Providing counseling services and a safe space for students to express themselves is crucial, as a healthy emotional environment will directly impact learning outcomes.
- Let Kids Rest, Play, and Explore
Remember, students are not robots; rest and play are also part of their learning process.
The Finnish education system isn’t just about methods, but also about mindset. They believe that education should support a person’s full potential—not just to produce top students. They believe in teachers, in children, and the natural learning process.
