Finnish children start comprehensive school at the age of seven. This instruction, which is free of charge for the entire age group, takes nine years. Every Finn is covered by compulsory education up to the age of 17 or completion of comprehensive school. Comprehensive school education is provided by the child’s home municipality, and the network of primary-level schools is dense. All basic education materials are free of charge for the children, and services include a free hot meal every day, school health care and free transport to school for children who live too far from the school to walk or use public transport.

For some years now, preparatory pre-school instruction has been provided for six-year-olds, covering most of the age group.

Finland is a bilingual country, and instruction is provided equally in Finnish and in Swedish. Major cities have schools providing instruction in other languages, too, accessible to both Finnish and immigrant children.

It is also the duty of local authorities to provide instruction for young people and children who are unable to participate in ordinary comprehensive school instruction through illness or disability. Practically every Finnish child goes to school.
Upper secondary schools and basic vocational education

Approximately 50% of each age group continue to upper secondary schools. Municipally provided upper secondary level instruction is also free of charge and includes a hot meal every school day. The course-based curriculum covering a great many optional subjects takes an average of three years and ends with the national matriculation exam. Matriculation provides a foundation for continuation of studies in institutions of higher education or vocational training institutes.