Ressu Comprehensive School

Finland, Helsinki

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The school at a glance

Instructs in Finnish, English

Fees Fees not listed

Ages 7 - 15 years

Pupil numbers 750

Type Co-educational

Bus Service No

Academic offering

Curriculum Finnish Curriculum, IB (PYP), IB (MYP)

Taught languages English, Spanish, French, Swedish, German, Finnish

Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages

Clubs Arts and Creative, Social and Hobbies, Leadership and Professional

Stages Primary School, Secondary School

Introduction

Ressu Comprehensive School is a municipal public school in Helsinki serving grades 1–9 (ages about 7–15). It sits in Kamppi, with some lower‑secondary activities at Ruoholahdenkatu 23. The school blends the Finnish Curriculum with the International Baccalaureate framework: PYP for grades 1–6 and MYP for grades 7–9, taught primarily in Finnish, with about 80% of the weighted curriculum delivered in English. Language study starts with English A1 in Grade 1, A2 from Grade 3, B1 Swedish from Grade 6, and B2 languages from Grade 8. An English‑language weighted‑curriculum option exists, with English‑language acquisition classes taught fully in English. The school has around 750 pupils and offers facilities including a lower gym and spaces used for hockey, dance, and art clubs. After‑school clubs are organized by the Ressu PTA and partners, and learning projects culminate in the PYP exhibition in Grade 6. The school promotes international-mindedness and inclusion within Helsinki's municipal system.

Lapinlahdenkatu 10, 00180 Helsinki; also uses Ruoholahdenkatu 23, 00180 Helsinki for some lower-secondary activities

Gallery

The school has not added photos

The Essentials

Location

Ressu Comprehensive School operates at Lapinlahdenkatu 10, 00180 Helsinki, with Ruoholahdenkatu 23, 00180 Helsinki also used for some activities and administration. The location is in central Helsinki, near Kamppi and Ruoholahti, with frequent public transport access (trams and buses). The school is accessible from Helsinki city centre.

Stages

Grades 1–9 (primary and lower secondary).

Type

Public (municipal) comprehensive school.

Additional learning support

Special education and pupil welfare services are provided, including special education staff, school nurses, and welfare personnel.

Country affiliation

Finland

School day structure

School starts: 1st grade at 8:30; 2nd–6th grades at 9:00; 7th grade at 9:15; 8th–9th grades at 9:00 (Ruoholahdenkatu 23). The school day ends for all students at 12:15.

Diving Deeper

Governance and Ownership

The school is part of the City of Helsinki's municipal education system and follows the city's curriculum. Ressu offers Primary Years Programme (PYP) for grades 1–6 and Middle Years Programme (MYP) for grades 7–9 under the IB framework. It provides Finnish-language classes, weighted English-language classes and an English-language acquisition track.

Fees

Application fees
- There is no application fee to enrol a child in Ressu Comprehensive School's local classes. Applications for weighted‑curriculum or English‑language places require aptitude or language tests, but no separate application charge is levied.

Tuition fees by year group (Grades 1–9)
- Tuition: No tuition is charged for any year group. Comprehensive education covering Grades 1–9 is provided free of charge. There are no per‑term or per‑year tuition invoices for standard instruction.
- Learning materials: Textbooks and other educational materials selected by the school are provided to pupils free of charge.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Regular tuition billing: Not applicable (no tuition).
- Charges that are billed: Where the City charges for specific services, these are billed according to the City of Helsinki's standard billing procedures. After‑school activity fees (when used) are charged monthly: the monthly fee is EUR 100 for activities ending at 16:00 and EUR 120 for activities ending at 17:00. Parents may apply for a reduction or exemption from these fees based on household income. Places and practical arrangements for after‑school activities are managed through the City's enrolment system (Wilma) and the City's activity administration.

Boarding fees (if applicable)
- Boarding: Not applicable. Ressu Comprehensive School is a municipal day school; no boarding facilities or boarding fees apply.

Other costs or fees
- After‑school activities: These are subject to the monthly fees noted above and include a snack and accident insurance as part of the fee. Fee reduction or exemption may be granted on income grounds.
- Personal equipment and clothing: Families are expected to provide a school backpack and a pencil case. Pupils must supply weather‑appropriate outdoor clothing and personal sports/swimwear and a towel for physical education and swimming lessons; these personal items are the family's responsibility. There is no mandatory school uniform fee.
- School meals: Pupils receive a free, balanced warm meal every school day; no meal charge is made for comprehensive‑school pupils.
- Optional/extra costs: One‑off optional activities that fall outside the scope of free basic education (for example some voluntary trips, paid extracurriculars or special events) may incur separate charges communicated to parents when offered; families on low incomes may be eligible for support or fee reductions for such activities under municipal arrangements.

Refund information
- Tuition refunds: Not applicable, because no tuition is charged for Grades 1–9.
- Refunds for charged services: For services that carry a fee (for example after‑school activities), fee reduction and exemption procedures are available based on income; specific cancellation, refund and billing terms for a charged service are set by the City's administration and are provided at the time of enrolment or when the particular activity is arranged.

Fee payment options
- Tuition payment: Not applicable (no tuition).
- Payment of charged services: Places and payments for chargeable services (for example after‑school activities) are handled through the City's enrolment and billing procedures (applications and place management are made in Wilma). Fees for monthly services are invoiced under municipal billing practice; parents receive billing information as part of the enrolment/administration process and may use the City's standard invoice payment channels. Specific accepted payment methods (invoice, bank transfer, e‑invoice or other City payment channels) are managed through the City's billing services and are communicated with the enrolment and invoicing documentation.

Academics

Curriculum

The teaching language is Finnish. The school teaches grades 1-9 and uses the International Baccalaureate framework with the Primary Years Programme for grades 1-6 and the Middle Years Programme for grades 7-9, including Finnish-speaking classes, weighted English-speaking classes, and a preparatory education class (grades 7-9). A total of 80% of the weighted-curriculum education is in English. Language studies start with English (A1) in Grade 1; A2 languages (Spanish, French) from Grade 3; B1 Swedish from Grade 6; and B2 languages (Spanish, French, German) from Grade 8. Enrolment in English-language acquisition classes is fully English; the school is not bilingual.

Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school emphasizes social‑emotional development through the IB learner profiles and Ressu values, aiming to nurture justice, empathy, respect, perseverance and curiosity. It seeks to ensure everyone in the Ressu community feels safe and valued; the IB learner profiles guide learning (inquirer, knowledgeable, thinker, communicator, principled, open‑minded, helpful, brave, balanced, reflective).

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Learning support is provided early and proactively, with flexible group- and pupil-specific arrangements within the school's curriculum. Morning activities are offered before lessons for first- and second-graders and for special needs pupils in the third and fourth grades. The City of Helsinki also provides weekly native-language classes for pupils whose native language is not Finnish or Swedish, Roma or Sámi, or who are returnees from another country.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Language studies start with English (A1) from Grade 1; A2 languages (Spanish, French) start in Grade 3; B1 (Swedish) starts in Grade 6; B2 (Spanish, French, German) starts in Grade 8. Eighty percent of weighted-curriculum education is in English. English-language education is available through weighted-curriculum English classes (80%) and English-language acquisition classes (fully English, not bilingual).

Mental Wellbeing

The school prioritizes pupil wellbeing; all adults in a school are responsible for pupils' wellbeing, and the aim is to create a safe and valued environment. The IB learner profiles and Ressu values support balanced development and wellbeing.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding and pupil welfare are supported by school social workers and psychologists; they assist pupils in various situations. The page also notes school healthcare as preventive care and anti-bullying activities as part of safeguarding.

Parent Experience

Community

The school aims to nurture justice, empathy, respect, perseverance and curiosity in the Ressu community, and to ensure everyone feels safe and valued. The IB framework includes the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for grades 1–6 and the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for grades 7–9, guiding learning across Finnish- and English-language classes. In the MYP, pupils participate in the pupil body board, help organise community events, boost the school's spirit, and take part in daily activities such as cleaning the cafeteria and kiosk duties.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

There is a parents' association at the school. Home–school collaboration includes parent-teacher conferences and learning discussions, with Wilma used for communication between guardians and teachers.

Facilities

Facilities Overview

Located in Kamppi, Ressu Comprehensive School serves grades 1–9 (primary 1–6 and lower secondary 7–9). The teaching language is Finnish. The school runs the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for grades 1–6 and the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for grades 7–9 within the IB framework. About 750 pupils attend the school, and English-language weighted-curriculum education accounts for about 80% of the weighted curriculum for internationally mobile families. English-language acquisition classes exist with fully English instruction, while Finnish-language classes remain part of the curriculum. Service languages include English, Finnish, and Swedish.

Sports Facilities

A lower gym is used for physical education and indoor hockey. Indoor hockey is offered for grades 3–4 and 5–6, with sessions after school. Coaching for these activities is available in English, with Finnish also possible. The school hosts a range of after-school clubs and activities, including hockey, dance, art, and football, run through Ressu PTA and partner organizations, with some activities located in spaces such as Alasali and Design-tila.

Academic Facilities

Ressu Comprehensive School follows the IB framework with Primary Years Programme (PYP) for grades 1–6 and Middle Years Programme (MYP) for grades 7–9. The curriculum aligns with Helsinki's municipal requirements and the school's Ressu curriculum, with the IB framework providing the learning structure. Pupils receive textbooks and other educational materials free of charge. The language program includes English as A1 from Grade 1, A2 languages (Spanish or French) from Grade 3, B1 Swedish from Grade 6, and B2 languages (Spanish, French, or German) from Grade 8. An English-language weighted-curriculum option exists for internationally mobile families, comprising about 80% of the weighted-curriculum education. English-language acquisition classes offer instruction fully in English, though Finnish classes remain part of the curriculum.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Ressu offers a variety of after-school clubs and hobby activities. Indoor hockey clubs run for grades 3–4 and 5–6 with after-school sessions, and coaching is available in English. The National Organization for Children runs dance clubs for grades 1–2 and art clubs for grades 1–4; a football club operates for grades 1–2. Additional free hobby groups based on the Finnish Model for Leisure Activities run through the school, including a program called Oksa for art and design in designated spaces such as Design-tila and RK-rakennus, with two groups for new and continuing students.

Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

Ressu Comprehensive School teaches pupils from grades 1 to 9 and implements the city's curriculum through IB programmes. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) covers grades 1–6 and the Middle Years Programme (MYP) covers grades 7–9, providing the framework for learning and teaching. In the PYP, learning is inquiry-based and culminates in the PYP exhibition in grade 6, where pupils independently apply what they have learned in a research project. A total of 80% of the weighted-curriculum education is in English.

Social & Hobbies

There are morning activities before classes and after-school activities for Ressu pupils. Morning activities run from 8:15 to 9:50 on school days and are outdoors when the weather permits. After-school activities are available for first- and second-grade pupils and for special needs pupils, and these activities are subject to a charge. Details about these activities and the fees are provided on the City of Helsinki comprehensive education website.

Leadership & Professional

Pupils in all grades elect class representatives for the pupil body from among themselves. Studying at Ressu is based on IB values and the two IB programmes, PYP and MYP, which aim to develop internationally open-minded lifelong learners. The IB learner profiles set expectations for study and personal development, including traits such as inquirer, knowledgeable, thinker, and communicator.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Morning activities before the lessons are offered free of charge and run from 8:15 to 9:50. Pupil welfare and school health care services are provided, with staff including a school nurse, psychologist and social worker. After-school activities are available for younger pupils and are charged. Details about these activities and the fees are provided on the City of Helsinki comprehensive education website.

Languages

Language Provision

Finnish is the teaching language; service languages are English, Finnish and Swedish. Language offerings begin with English from Grade 1 (A1); A2 languages (Spanish and French) begin in Grade 3; B1 Swedish begins in Grade 6; B2 languages (Spanish, French and German) begin in Grade 8. Weighted-curriculum education in English accounts for 80% of instruction for internationally mobile families.

Bilingual Teaching

The teaching language is Finnish. There are Finnish-speaking classes and English-language weighted-curriculum education for internationally mobile families. English-language acquisition classes provide fully English instruction (Finnish lessons remain). The school is not a bilingual school; service languages are English, Finnish and Swedish.

Immersion Programs

Weighted-curriculum education in English accounts for 80% of instruction, intended for internationally mobile families with native-level English skills. The language program starts English in Grade 1 (A1); A2 languages (Spanish, French) start in Grade 3; B1 language Swedish starts in Grade 6; B2 languages (Spanish, French, German) start in Grade 8. English-language acquisition classes offer fully English instruction (aside from required Finnish lessons), and the school's English track is not bilingual.

Admissions

1. English-language instruction (Grade 1) supplementary admission: The application period runs from May 1 to July 26, 2026, for English-language instruction, available only if the family moved to Helsinki after the main enrolment period in January 2026. Applications are submitted via the Wilma electronic form after checking the city's criteria, and a confirmation email is sent after submission. An invitation to a language test is issued by email, and the language test is held on August 4, 2026. Admission decisions are sent by secure email by August 10, 2026; enquiries can be directed to oppilaaksiotto@hel.fi.

School Events

The school has not added events

FAQs

Where is Ressu Comprehensive School located, and what are its main campus areas?

Ressu is located at Lapinlahdenkatu 10, 00180 Helsinki. Ruoholahdenkatu 23 is also used for some activities and administration. The school sits in central Helsinki with easy access to trams and buses, near Kamppi and Ruoholahti.

What grades and age range does Ressu serve?

Ressu teaches Grades 1–9, serving students roughly aged 7 to 15. It combines primary and lower secondary education under one municipal school.

What curriculum and language arrangement does the school use?

Ressu follows the International Baccalaureate framework, with the Primary Years Programme for Grades 1–6 and the Middle Years Programme for Grades 7–9. The teaching language is Finnish, but about 80% of the weighted curriculum is taught in English; the school is not bilingual and offers English-language acquisition classes fully in English.

Is Ressu a boarding school or a day school?

Ressu is a municipal day school; there are no boarding facilities or boarding charges.

Is there any tuition or fees for general education at Ressu?

No tuition is charged for Grades 1–9, and textbooks and other basic learning materials are provided free of charge. Meals are also provided free of charge to pupils.

Are there additional charges for after-school activities?

Yes. After-school activities have monthly fees—EUR 100 for activities ending at 16:00 and EUR 120 for activities ending at 17:00. The fee includes a snack and accident insurance; reductions may apply based on household income, and billing is handled through the City's Wilma system.

What is the admissions process for English-language instruction?

For English-language instruction, the process runs May 1 to July 26, and families may apply via Wilma after meeting city criteria. A language test is scheduled for August 4, and admission decisions are sent by August 10. The process is coordinated with Helsinki city guidelines.

Are there scholarships or waitlists for Ressu?

There is no information provided about scholarships or waitlists for Ressu in the available data.

Which languages are taught and when do students start them?

English (A1) starts in Grade 1; A2 languages (Spanish or French) begin in Grade 3; B1 Swedish starts in Grade 6; B2 languages (Spanish, French, or German) start in Grade 8. About 80% of the weighted curriculum is taught in English.

Does Ressu offer only PYP/MYP or is there a DP option?

Ressu offers the IB framework through the Primary Years Programme (Grades 1–6) and the Middle Years Programme (Grades 7–9). There is no information indicating a Diploma Programme at this school.

What sports facilities and clubs are available?

The campus includes a lower gym used for physical education, and there are indoor hockey sessions for grades 3–4 and 5–6 with after-school coaching available in English. A variety of after-school clubs run through the Ressu PTA and partner organizations, including hockey, dance, art, and football.

What other facilities or spaces support learning and after-school activities?

Textbooks and other materials are provided for free. There are dedicated spaces like Alasali and Design-tila for after-school activities and hobbies, along with RK-rakennus used for various groups.

What morning and after-school activities are available?

Morning activities run from 8:15 to 9:50 before lessons and are outdoors when weather permits. After-school activities are available for younger pupils, with charges applying as described above.

How are students involved in leadership or pupil representation?

All grades elect class representatives for the pupil body, and students participate in activities that support the school community. The IB framework emphasizes learner profiles and international-minded leadership within school life.

What wellbeing and safeguarding support does Ressu provide?

Pupil welfare is supported by a school nurse, psychologist, and social worker. Safeguarding and anti-bullying activities are part of the program, and mental wellbeing is prioritized across the school.

Are there language support options for non-Finnish speakers?

The City of Helsinki provides weekly native-language classes for pupils whose native language isn't Finnish or Swedish. English-language acquisition is fully in English, and there is early, proactive learning support within the school.

Is there a uniform, and how is food arranged at the school?

There is no mandatory school uniform and no uniform fee. Pupils receive a free, balanced warm meal every school day.

How is Ressu governed and integrated with Helsinki's municipal system?

Ressu operates within the City of Helsinki's municipal education system, following the city curriculum and IB framework. Home–school communication is facilitated via Wilma, and there is an active parent association (PTA).

Does Ressu have any accreditations or awards listed?

No accreditations or awards are listed in the provided information.

How can parents get involved and communicate with teachers?

There is a Parents' Association (PTA) and regular parent–teacher conferences. Wilma is used for ongoing communication between guardians and teachers.

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