Official structure of pre-school class, grades 1 to 9 and optional grade 10.
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Education in Denmark
DATABasic-school pupils: 2025
Basic-school pupils: 2025 路 Statistics updated: January 2026
Denmark's public Folkeskole covers pre-school class through lower secondary education. Education is compulsory from age six until compulsory education is completed, usually at age 16, although families may meet the requirement through public, private or home education. The Folkeskole includes pre-school class, grades 1 to 9 and an optional grade 10. Other approved forms of education can also meet the compulsory requirement. Statistics Denmark reports 670,009 pupils in primary and lower secondary education in 2025.
Denmark education snapshot
Denmark's current profile combines the Folkeskole legal structure with Statistics Denmark's 2025 basic-school pupil total and average class size.
Compulsory grades
1 to 9
Basic-school pupils
670,009*
Average class size
20*
Optional continuation
Grade 10
* Reference years and benchmark targets are labelled with the figures.
How the education pathway works
A pre-school class precedes nine compulsory grade levels in the Folkeskole. Grade 10 is an optional continuation rather than another compulsory year.
| Stage | When | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-school class | Before grade 1 | The Folkeskole includes one year of pre-school class, commonly called grade 0. |
| Compulsory education | Grades 1 to 9 | Nine grade levels form the compulsory part of the Folkeskole pathway. |
| Grade 10 | Optional | Students may take an optional tenth grade after completing the compulsory stage. |
| Upper secondary and vocational routes | After basic school | Students can continue to general upper-secondary or vocational education and later to higher education. |
Key evidence
The Ministry explains the legal structure, while Statistics Denmark supplies the current pupil total and average class size.
| Indicator or rule | Value | Reference | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils in primary and lower secondary education | 670,009 | 2025 | Statistics Denmark |
| Average pupils per class | 20 | 2025 | Statistics Denmark |
| Folkeskole compulsory grades | Grades 1 to 9 | Current system | Danish Ministry of Education |
| Optional continuation | Grade 10 | Current system | Danish Ministry of Education |
* Reference years and benchmark targets are labelled with the figures.
The distinction between compulsory education and compulsory school matters
Denmark requires children to receive education, but it does not require every child to attend a municipal Folkeskole. Public schools, private schools and home education can satisfy the statutory requirement when the relevant standards are met.
Within the basic-school statistics, 670,009 pupils were recorded in 2025 from pre-school class through grade 10, with an average of 20 pupils per class. These figures describe participation across the whole statistical scope, not only the nine compulsory grade levels.
Frequently asked questions
What grades are compulsory in Denmark's Folkeskole?
The Folkeskole includes nine years of compulsory education in grades 1 to 9, preceded by a pre-school class.
Is grade 10 compulsory in Denmark?
No. Grade 10 is an optional additional year.
How many pupils were in Denmark's primary and lower secondary education statistics in 2025?
Statistics Denmark reported 670,009 pupils.
Is attendance at a public school compulsory in Denmark?
No. Education is compulsory, but approved private schooling or home education can also meet the requirement.
Sources and methodology
The Ministry defines the Folkeskole pathway and compulsory-education rule; Statistics Denmark provides the current pupil and class-size statistics.
2025 pupil total and average class size, updated in January 2026.
Methodology: The 670,009 figure covers the statistical scope from pre-school class through grade 10, so it is not described as a count of only the nine compulsory grades.