Impacts of the extension of compulsory education
The objectives of the extension of compulsory education have largely been met. Young people's application and access to upper secondary education has been developed and guidance strengthened. Adherence and progress are systematically monitored, and almost all learners of compulsory education age are reached. However, there are differences in participation in education and training between native and foreign speakers.
The goal of the assessment
The primary question of the assessment was whether the objectives of the extension of compulsory education have been met. The assessment examined whether the application and access to education and training of learners of compulsory education age was promoted, and whether the guidance of learners of compulsory education age and their engagement to upper secondary education was strengthened. It also examined whether the monitoring and follow-up of compulsory education was improved and whether the effectiveness of upper secondary education was enhanced. Extended compulsory education entered into force in 2021. With the reform, education is now compulsory until the learner turns 18.
Conclusions
The assessment shows that the objectives of the extension of compulsory education have largely been met. The vast majority of learners of compulsory education age continue their studies in upper secondary education. There are also enough places for young people in Helsinki to study in their home town after basic education. As a result of the reform, almost all learners of compulsory education age are reached, absenteeism is monitored more systematically than before, and education in the transition phase has been reformed. However, there are differences between native and foreign language speakers in terms of their transition into and participation in education following basic education. Guidance and support for learners of compulsory education age has been strengthened, but the support needs of learners have also increased. In Helsinki, hospital school is currently only organised for children in basic education. While there have been positive developments in learners’ mental wellbeing and access to support between 2021 and 2025, it is difficult to assess the impact of the reform. There are gaps in the transfer of information between primary and upper secondary education, but efforts have been made to improve the situation.
Recommendations of the Audit Committee
The Education Division must
- strengthen guidance and support for attachment to post-basic education, especially for those compulsory education attendees with lower-than-average participation in education.
- ensure the transfer of pedagogical and student welfare information between basic and upper secondary education.
- determine whether there is a need for hospital school programmes in upper secondary education.
- develop Finnish and Swedish language teaching so that compulsory education attendees are sufficiently prepared for upper secondary education.