Most children, that is to say 89%, attend the public education system for their basic nine – year learning span with an optional 10th year, refferrend to as the primary and lower secondary age range – we call this the “Folkeskole” (primary and lower secondary education).
Persons, who have custody of children of school age, shall see to it that the children meet the compulsory education requirement and must not obstruct this. It is the responsibility of the headteacher to make sure that the children attend school. An attendance register is kept on a daily basis, in which absences, if any, are recorded. If a child fails to attend school, the parents shall – personally or in writing - inform the school of the couse of the child absence.
According to the Danish Constitution, all children of compulsory education age have a right to free education in the Folkeskole.
In 1994, a new Act on the Folkeskole came into effect,which contains innovations in a number of fields. Fundamentally, the ‘Folkeskole’ must have room for all, and all pupils have the rights for instruction and showing their abilities in the broadest sence of the word.
Recent years have seen comprehensive reforms in the entire education system.
Through decentralisation and increased local autonomy, the decision – making is now largely left to the schools in co – operation with the local community. The central administration of the ‘Folkeskole’ is in the hands of a Departmant in the Ministry of Education. Danish Parliament makes the decisions governing the overall aims of the education, and the Minister of Education sets the targets for each subject. But local authorities and schools decide how to reach those targets.…
