For most children, pre-primary education starts the year they turn six years old and lasts for one year. The pre-primary education of a child in extended compulsory education can last for two years, and their pre-primary education can start at the age of either five or six. After pre-primary education, the child proceeds to basic education, which consists of grades 1–9. Compulsory education ends when the young person has completed upper secondary education or turns 18.
In pre-primary and basic education, teaching is arranged in a manner that takes into consideration the different needs and capabilities of the learners.
Support for learning is primarily provided as group-specific support. All pupils are entitled to it. In addition to support provided in the group, a pupil can be provided with pupil-specific support measures.
Read more about the changes in support for learning that entered into effect on 1 August 2025
Read more about support for learning and participation in pre-primary education
Read more about support for learning in basic education
Pre-primary education
The purpose of pre-primary education is to support children's learning capabilities and allow them to practise group work and experience the joy of learning. The skills learned in pre-primary education prepare the child for basic education. Pre-primary education can be provided in a daycare centre or school.
Read more about pre-primary education
Starting school
The majority of children start basic education in the autumn of the year in which they turn seven years old. In Helsinki, basic education is provided at approximately 100 City-run comprehensive schools, as well as special education schools and private schools that provide education for pupils with special needs.
Learn more about basic education
Learn more about our comprehensive schools
As your child's guardian, you can apply for permission for your child to start basic education one year later than usual. In this case, your child's pre-primary education will last two years and they will start basic education in the autumn of the year in which they turn eight years old.
Read more about starting school a year later or a year earlier
Travel to pre-primary education and school
Pupils can receive a schoolchild HSL card for travel between home and school if certain conditions are met.
If your child is unable to travel independently to pre-primary education and school, they will be provided with school transport services.
Read more about the arrangement of school transport
Morning and after-school activities
The purpose of morning and after-school activities is to provide your child with stimulating and safe activities before and after the school day. We also organise holiday activities under the Act on Disability Services and Assistance.
Learn more about the City's morning activities