Lessons from Finland’s Education Model for Global Teachers

Discover how Finland’s education system inspires better teaching worldwide

By SELIN Club | 09 May 2025, 07:17 AM

The Finland education system is one of a kind. It tops global rankings every year. It has less homework, fewer tests, and happier students. Many ask, “Why is Finland’s education system the best?” The answer is simple. Finnish schools care more about learning than scoring. They care more about children than competition.

This blog takes a close look at the Finnish education system. It shows what teachers and leaders around the world can learn. It also gives practical ideas to improve classrooms.

 

1. Finland Schooling Structure Explained

In Finland’s school system, kids begin school at age seven. This may seem late, but studies show it helps. It gives kids time to grow before formal learning.

Core features of the structure:

• Preschool is play-based, not academic.
   
• School starts at age seven, not five.
   
• Learning is personalised for every child.
   
• There are long breaks between lessons.
   
• School hours are short, usually 4–5 hours.

The classroom environment in Finland is quiet and calm. Students feel no pressure to perform. This helps their mental and emotional growth.

Many experts compare the Finland education system vs the Indian education system. One is focused on tests; the other on learning. Indian teachers can learn a lot from this simple model.

 

2. The Role of Trust in Teaching

The teaching style in Finland is built on trust. Teachers are free to choose how they teach. They are not given fixed lesson plans. They plan their own content and methods.

Why teacher trust matters:

• Teachers feel empowered to innovate.
   
• They use creative ways to teach topics.
   
• They focus more on life skills than exams.
   
• Students respect teachers and build strong bonds.
   

When people ask, “What makes Finland's education system unique?”—this trust is a key answer.

Also, every teacher must have a master’s degree. This shows the high value Finland places on education. This is a great point when exploring the features of the Finnish education system.

 

3. How Students Are Taught in Finland

So, “How are students taught in Finland?” The answer is simple: through fun, discussion, and trust.

Finland classroom practices:

• Teachers use group projects and real-life tasks.
   
• Learning is inquiry-based, not rote-based.
   
• Students explore topics at their own pace.
   
• Teachers ask open-ended questions.
   

These are called sustainable classroom practices. They make learning long-lasting and fun. These practices are why Finland’s system ranks so high.

 

4. Learning Without Exams

One of the most famous parts of the Finnish education system is the lack of exams. This surprises many people. Still, Finland performs better than most countries in global tests.

So, “Why are there no exams in Finland schools?”

• Exams do not show full learning.
   
• They create stress and fear.
   
• Finnish schools use teacher feedback instead.
   
• Teachers track growth through daily work.
   

This shows that education in Finland is more about learning than proving.

 

5. What Makes the Classroom So Unique?

Let’s look deeper into the classroom environment in Finland. Finnish classrooms are student-friendly. They don’t follow strict rules.

Unique classroom features:

• Students sit in groups, not rows.
   
• Teachers move around and talk freely.
   
• Students have a say in classroom design.
   
• Natural light and plants are common.
   

So when you ask, “How is a classroom in Finland different?”—it’s not just the teaching. The design, style, and vibe are all different.

 

6. The Daily Routine in Finnish Schools

Let’s walk through a typical Finnish school day. This will answer, “What age do kids start school in Finland?” and “What is the daily routine?”

A simple daily routine:

• School starts around 9 am.
   
• Each class is 45 minutes long.
   
• Students take a 15-minute break after every lesson.
   
• A hot, free lunch is given to all students.
   
• School ends by 2 pm for most students.
   

The aim is to keep learning fresh. This is a good model for teachers looking to try sustainable classroom practices in their schools.

 

7. What Are the Benefits of Finnish Education?

Let’s sum up the main benefits of the Finnish education system.

• High student happiness and well-being.
   
• Low school stress and burnout.
   
• Strong teacher-student relationships.
   
• Equal chance for every child to succeed.
   
• Real-world skills are taught every day.
   

These are strong points when exploring, “What are the benefits of Finnish education?” and “Why Finland has the best education system in the world?”

 

8. What the World Can Learn from Finland

Educators all over the world ask, “What can the world learn from Finland’s education system?” Here are some great answers:

• Give teachers more training and freedom.
   
• Stop focusing only on test scores.
   
• Make learning joyful and stress-free.
   
• Reduce homework and allow play.
   
• Use more real-life projects and teamwork.
   

This is not just for Finland. These ideas can be applied in many countries with small changes.

 

9. Studying in Finland: A Guide for Teachers

Many Indian teachers want to study this model closely. Good news: there are many ways to study in Finland.

How to study in Finland for free:

• Apply for a master's in education in Finland.
   
• Look for scholarships to study in Finland.
   
• Choose universities offering free schooling in Finland for foreigners.
   
• Use the help from Finland education consultants in India.
   

These programmes are open to global educators. Most are in English. This makes it easier for international students and teachers.

 

10. How to Apply These Ideas in India

You may ask, “How to implement the Finnish education model in other countries?” Here are some simple steps:

• Start with one classroom at a time.
   
• Let students choose how they learn.
   
• Add more group work and less homework.
   
• Train teachers in active learning.
   
• Involve parents in school planning.
   

This is how we can bring education policies that make Finland different into our schools.

 

Conclusion

 

The Finnish education system proves that less can be more. Less homework. Less testing. Less stress. But more learning. More happiness. More life skills.

So let’s stop asking only, “How are exams conducted in Finland schools?” or “What makes Finland rank so high?” Let’s ask instead, “How can we make our classrooms joyful again?”

If you are a teacher or education leader who believes in joyful learning, visit the SELIN Club website. Connect with experts. Share your ideas. Lead change in your school and beyond.

 

FAQ

 

1. Why is the Finland education system considered the best in the world?

The Finland education system is praised for being child-focused and stress-free. Unlike many systems that rely heavily on marks, tests, and homework, Finland believes in joyful learning. Students begin school at age seven. This gives them time to grow emotionally before formal learning starts. There are no national exams until the end of school. Learning is often done through group projects and real-world tasks. This helps children understand, not just memorise. 
 

2. How does the Finnish education system work differently from the Indian education system?

The Finnish education system is very different from India’s. In India, schools often follow a strict timetable, with long hours, regular tests, and lots of homework. But in Finland, children go to school for only a few hours a day. They take breaks after every class. The aim is not just academic success but also mental and emotional health. Teachers are given full freedom to design lessons. While India focuses on competitive exams, Finland focuses on lifelong learning skills. 
 

3. What are the key features of Finnish classrooms that make them so effective?

Classrooms in Finland are built for learning and comfort. Desks are not always arranged in rows. Instead, children sit in small groups or even on soft mats. Teachers walk around the class, talk to students, and guide them closely. There are often plants, colourful walls, and natural light to make learning more peaceful. The classroom is not just a place to study but a space where children feel safe and happy. This supportive classroom environment in Finland is what many countries wish to follow.
 

4. Is it possible for international teachers or students to study education in Finland for free?

Yes, international students and teachers can study in Finland for free or cheaply. Many public universities in Finland offer tuition-free programmes, especially for EU and EEA citizens. However, even non-EU students can apply for full or partial tuition scholarships. Courses in English are widely available, especially for master’s degrees in education. You can search for options like “master's in education in Finland” or “free schooling in Finland for foreigners” to find details. 
 

5. What can other countries learn from the Finnish education system to improve their schools?

Other countries can learn a lot from Finland’s education model. The first lesson is trust—trust teachers to make learning fun and effective. Give them time, freedom, and proper training. The second lesson is to reduce stress. Avoid daily exams and long homework hours. Instead, focus on projects, discussions, and real-life tasks. Third, create calm, happy classrooms. Let students take breaks, move around, and have a say in how they learn. Fourth, keep class sizes small so each child feels seen and heard. Lastly, involve parents and communities in school life.