The free school reform (Friskolereformen)

The 1992 reform that granted the right to start independent schools with public funding. Introduced free school choice.

The free school reform (friskolereformen) was carried out in 1992 and granted private actors the right to start schools with public funding (school vouchers). At the same time, free school choice was introduced — the right to choose a school regardless of place of residence.

Effects

The reform led to a rapid growth of independent schools. Today, approximately 17% of compulsory school pupils and 28% of upper secondary pupils attend independent schools. The reform has been the subject of intense debate about quality, equity, and profit-taking from education.

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