European Schooling to begin in Helsinki in autumn 2008
On Thursday 13 September 2007, the Finnish Government submitted its proposal for the establishment of European Schooling in Helsinki. It would be a state school comprising a two-year pre-primary school, a five-year primary school and a seven-year secondary school. The European Schooling is projected to start in August 2008. The President of the Republic is also expected to submit her proposal concerning it to Parliament on Thursday. In the two first school years, the School would admit children of the European Chemicals Agency personnel and the School personnel. After that, admission would be open to other children. Instruction would first be offered in the pre-primary and primary schools and in forms 1-5 of the secondary school in language sections to de determined later. The schools would follow the European School curriculum, which would enable the students to take the European Baccalaureate (EB).
In the initial phase, the European Schooling would be entirely financed by Finland. Negotiations are being conducted with the European Commission concerning possible part-financing.
In the agreement concluded between the Finnish Government and the European Chemicals Agency, the Finnish Government undertakes to establish a school accredited by the European Schools system in Helsinki. Accredited schools have been established in cities which host EU agencies. They primarily follow the European School curriculum.
The Government proposal relates to the Finnish budget proposal for 2008 and will be addressed in that connection. The Act on European Schooling is projected to take effect on 1 January 2008.
_ _ _
The European Schools system has been put in place for the education of children of EU personnel. There are 14 European Schools in seven European countries. Alongside these, it is possible to establish accredited schools in places where EU agencies are located. These accredited schools mainly follow the European School curricula. There are accredited schools in Parma, Italy; Dunshauglin, Ireland; and Heraklion, Greece. The accredited schools are administered by national authorities.
_ _ _
Additional information:
- Director Eeva-Riitta Pirhonen, tel. 358-(0)9-160 77268
- Government Counsellor Marja Lahtinen, tel. 358-(0)9-160 77261
- Senior Advisor Satu Heikkinen, tel. 358-(0)9-160 77256