Education from preschool to university is free to all, with no tuition fees and with free meals available. Achieving an advanced level of education for all has been a priority and the Finns have done this by avoiding the use of streaming in their classrooms.
Teachers follow a state defined curriculum but have autonomy to choose their own teaching methods. There is an emphasis on small class teaching and tailoring the class room experience to particular children’s needs.
After nine years of basic education, students choose to go down either the academic or the vocational route. The university system is divided into universities and polytechnics. Only universities offer higher degrees, although the Bologna process standardising education across Europe means that students with degrees from a polytechnic can now go on to do postgraduate work.
