Denmark Overhauls Secondary Education System
The Danish government has launched a major reform of its education system, aiming to establish a new upper secondary education programme (the epx programme) focused on both vocational and academic training for students after completing primary and lower secondary education. The reform is part of a broader transformation plan to restructure the overall Danish education system.
The epx programme will allow students to choose curriculum pathways based on their individual interests and will last for two years. During this time, students will remain in the same class to foster a strong sense of classroom community. At the end of the programme, students will be able to transition into vocational training and academy-level professional programmes. Those who pursue an additional year of study will gain access to all professional bachelor’s programmes, and a broader selection of subjects will open pathways to academic bachelor’s degrees as well.
Additionally, as part of the reform, continuation schools and vocational schools will continue to offer education during a transitional year for students who are not fully ready to begin upper secondary education after ninth grade. The reform aims to support a more flexible, interest-driven, and competency-based educational journey for Denmark’s youth.