The Danish Government, the SVM coalition, in collaboration with SF (Socialistisk Folkeparti) and DF (Dansk Folkeparti), has unveiled a comprehensive reform of the nation’s youth education system. The ambitious plan aims to modernize gymnasium education by raising academic standards, introducing a new vocational pathway, and restructuring existing programs—all while addressing regional disparities.
How the Danish education system works
The Danish education system consists of a compulsory primary and lower secondary school (Folkeskole) that lasts ten years, including an optional 10th grade (10. klasse). After completing Folkeskole, students can choose between gymnasium, vocational education and training, or other specialized programs.
Gymnasium prepares students for university, while vocational programs offer practical skills and apprenticeships leading directly to employment. Additionally, students have the option to attend efterskoler, which provide a year of personal and academic development before entering upper secondary education.
What will the reform change?
Raised access requirements for gymnasium (stx and hhx)
Starting with the 2030/2031 school year, students in primary school will need a minimum average grade of 6 to gain admission to the general gymnasium (alment gymnasium, stx) and the commercial gymnasium (handelsgymnasium, hhx). While entrance exams remain an option, their requirements have also been tightened. Students who do not meet the new average may still qualify by achieving a 7 in the legally mandated tests.
Introduction of a new vocational pathway – EPX
A new vocational and professional high school (erhvervs- og professionsrettet gymnasium, epx) will replace the current hf program. Designed as a two-year course—with the possibility of an additional one-year overbygning—epx will combine practical and theoretical education in close cooperation with businesses and public institutions. Admission to epx will require a passed primary school leaving exam, while students with lower grades in other tracks can still have a pathway to further education.
Abolition of 10. klasse
The reform also mandates the abolition of 10. klasse as part of mainstream gymnasium education. However, students will still have the opportunity to attend 10. klasse through efterskoler, preserving an important transitional option for many young people.
Significant investments and funding
The Danish Government is making a major financial commitment to ensure the education reform’s success and long-term viability.
To help gymnasiums adjust to higher academic standards, the Government will allocate 2 billion DKK (~€268 million) annually to enhance resources, improve teaching methods, and support students facing challenges.
The EPX vocational pathway will receive 5 billion DKK (~€670 million) per year once fully implemented, funding curriculum development, hands-on training, and business partnerships to blend theoretical and practical learning.
Additionally, 4.8 billion DKK (~€643 million) is earmarked for one-time infrastructure investments, financing new facilities, modern workshops, and updated classrooms, with construction set between 2027 and 2034.
Overall, the reform will increase annual youth education spending by 2.3 billion DKK (~€308 million), reinforcing Denmark’s commitment to a stronger education system..
Goals behind the reform
Government officials argue that raising academic thresholds will ensure that gymnasium education is both challenging and better aligned with future higher education requirements. They believe that many students entering gymnasium with lower averages are not optimally prepared for subsequent studies, and that the new system will reduce dropout rates and enhance overall educational outcomes.
Education Minister Mattias Tesfaye emphasized the importance of providing robust educational opportunities:
“Very many young people are happy to go to the gymnasium. That opportunity should all young people have.”
A major objective of the reform is to expand educational opportunities in rural areas. The introduction of epx is seen as a game changer for regions where traditional gymnasiums struggle with declining student numbers. Stephanie Lose (V) highlighted this benefit:
“With epx, all young people get the opportunity to choose a youth education, close to where they live.”
By ensuring that modern, practical education is accessible outside major cities, the Government hopes to reverse trends of urban concentration and maintain vibrant local educational communities.
Student perspective on Danish education reform
Students have mixed feelings about the Danish education reform. Many young people welcome the new EPX vocational pathway as an innovative, practice-oriented option within the Danish education system, promising a vibrant and dynamic learning environment. However, there is considerable concern among students regarding the raised grade requirements and the elimination of 10. klasse.
For many, 10. klasse has served as a crucial transitional period that offers a much-needed break for personal reflection and academic reorientation, especially for those from families with limited financial resources. Critics argue that removing this key phase could worsen social inequality and undermine equal educational opportunity in Denmark.
Criticism and concerns from political parties
While several political parties praise the reform for its modernizing vision, critics warn that the changes may exacerbate social inequality and put undue pressure on young students.
Social and Academic Pressure
Enhedslisten argues that abolishing 10. klasse removes a vital period of exploration and reduces a buffer for students before making crucial educational choices. Their spokesperson, Mai Villadsen, stated:
“But I think it is so wrong and a huge shame to do it at the expense of abolishing 10. klasse, and at the same time raising the grade requirements for general gymnasiums.”
She further warned:
“A raised grade requirement will put enormous pressure on young people already struggling in primary school. They are already burdened with immense pressure to succeed in the future. And when you raise the grade requirement further, that pressure will increase.”
Concerns Over Early Decision-Making
Conservative critics, including Lise Berthelsen, have expressed apprehension that the new system forces young people to decide on their educational paths too early.
“The young must simply have the opportunity to have this year where they can choose what it is they truly want,” she explained, adding that accelerating this decision-making process is not beneficial.
Implementation and future prospects
The reforms are scheduled to take effect in the 2030/2031 school year, though several schools and municipalities may begin early implementation (“tyvstarte”). An expert group has been tasked with reviewing the potential integration of htx into stx, as well as advising on the detailed structure and content of the new epx curriculum.
Ultimately, the success of the reform will depend on careful execution, sustained funding, and ongoing dialogue between policymakers, educators, and communities.
