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Finland, Helsinki
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Admission to Grade 1-9 at The English School is carried out through a structured process. Grade 1 entrants are selected mainly from the school's own preschool, with some openings typically remaining. For the 2026-2027 school year, applications are accepted through January 25, 2026; if openings exist, registered applicants are invited to participate in an oral entrance test, and a waiting list is established based on the test results. English language skills must be sufficient to study the elementary curriculum in English, and applicants must have at least a basic level of Finnish (A1.3).
For Grades 2-8, openings are by inquiry with specific deadlines: February 2, 2026 for Grades 7-8 (entrance tests in February) and April 6, 2026 for Grades 2-6 (entrance tests in April). Entrance tests are organized only for grades with available openings and consist of written tests in English and Finnish. Applicants should have English and Finnish language skills enabling study in both languages; Finnish may be studied as a mother tongue or as a second language.
Applications for the 2026-2027 academic year follow a grade-by-birth-year alignment: Grade 1 corresponds to birth year 2019; Grade 2 to 2018; Grade 3 to 2017; Grade 4 to 2016; Grade 5 to 2015; Grade 6 to 2014; Grade 7 to 2013; Grade 8 to 2012.
Grade 9 applications are generally not accepted, but applicants may contact the middle school principal to discuss the matter. Pay a registration fee of 20€. 2. Fill in the online or paper registration form and submit together with the registration fee receipt. 3. If there are no openings and the child's name remains on the applicant register, annual confirmation in writing is required with the child's name, date of birth, address, telephone, and a note confirming registration. Failure to confirm annually will result in withdrawal of the name from the applicant register.
The school operates two campuses: Mäntytie 14 (grades 1-6 and Preschool) and Valimotie 17–19 (grades 7-9 and High School).
A waiting list is established based on entrance test results when openings exist; entrance tests are conducted for grades with available openings, and the waiting list is used to sequence offers.
The English School in Finland is a private bilingual institution offering Finnish-English education from preschool through secondary level to about 700 students (ages 5–18). The curriculum combines the Finnish national framework with strong English instruction, and in the high school there are two study options: the bilingual English–Finnish Language and Culture Program and a General Upper Secondary English program. Both programs culminate in the Finnish Matriculation Examinations, with language of instruction determined by program. The school's ethos is rooted in Christian values and a commitment to global citizenship, cultural understanding, respect for diversity, ecological sustainability and responsible citizenship. Campus facilities include a two-campus layout (Mäntytie for Grades 1–6 and Preschool and Valimotie for Grades 7–12), two gymnasia (one divisible), and a central bilingual library. The school runs exchange links, a debate club with international and national competitions, and clubs organised by The Friends of The English School, alongside after-school care.
