Who is this guide for?
This guide is for you if a child is starting basic education in Finland, moves to Finland at school age, or the family needs a practical picture of what guardians must do when school starts.
The guide does not describe subjects, grades or school comparisons. It focuses on the administrative path: who organises school, how a nearby school is assigned, what information the family must provide and how support is requested.
What is compulsory education in Finland?
A child permanently residing in Finland must attend compulsory education. Basic education is part of completing compulsory education and usually lasts nine years. Teaching and learning materials are free for pupils, and the school day includes a free meal.
The municipality organises basic education for children living in its area. National authorities guide the system, but the family's practical contact is usually their municipality and the child's school.
Guardian's responsibility
The guardian's task is to make sure compulsory education is completed and that the school receives the necessary information about the child.
When does the child start school?
Basic education usually starts in the year when the child turns seven. Before that, the child attends pre-primary education, which is a separate stage before basic education.
If the child moves to Finland at school age, contact the municipality as soon as possible. The municipality guides how the school place, grade, preparatory education or another start is arranged.
General path to starting school
Step 1
Check the child's age, address and municipality of residence
Check your situation before the next action.
Step 2
Follow municipal communication or contact municipal education services
Follow messages and reply to requests on time.
Step 3
Give the school the necessary child and guardian information
This is the next point in the route.
Step 4
Receive a nearby-school or school-place decision under municipal guidance
Read the decision and check the next action.
Step 5
Agree on the start, communication and possible support with the school
This is the next point in the route.
Step 6
Keep contact details and address up to date
This is the next point in the route.
How is the school determined?
The pupil is usually assigned a nearby school or another suitable school place. The aim is for the school journey to be as safe and short as possible. The municipality or education provider decides on the school place under its own guidance.
In some situations, the family may apply for another school, but restrictions may apply. This is not a school-comparison guide. If you want a school other than the nearby school, check your municipality's guidance.
Nearby school does not always mean the nearest building
The municipality assesses the school place based on its services, admission rules and the school journey.
What guardians need to do
Guardians need to follow municipal guidance, provide correct contact details and tell the school about the child's situation. Important information may include address, guardians, contact method, languages, previous schooling, practical health information and any support needs.
Keep records up to date
If the address, phone number, guardianship or the child's service need changes, report it under municipal or school guidance.
Support for the child at school
If the child needs support for learning, school attendance, language, sign language, interpreting, assistive devices or wellbeing, raise the matter with the school as early as possible.
The details of support are decided through the school's and education provider's processes. Family Guide does not define pedagogical support, but reminds guardians to ask for written guidance and make sure the school understands the child's situation.
Make support visible
If support is agreed, ask for written information: what will be done, who is responsible and when the matter will be reviewed.
If the family moves or changes school
If the family moves within the same municipality, to another municipality or from abroad to Finland, the school place may change. Notify the current school and the new municipality early. Also check that the child's address and municipality of residence are up to date.
When changing school, ask what information is transferred, what the family must provide themselves and when the child starts at the new school. If the child needs support, tell the new school immediately.
Moving affects school
A new address or municipality of residence can change the school place. Check this with the municipality before or immediately after the move.
If you need a sign language interpreter
If a guardian needs a sign language interpreter for the school start discussion, parent meeting or school appointment, arrange interpreting early. Tell the school what communication you need.
If the child uses sign language or needs accessible communication, tell the school and municipality as early as possible. Ask for written information on how communication, support and possible interpreting arrangements will be handled.