Copenhagen is a small city and so inevitably has a smaller range of schooling options for international families than some of the larger European capitals, although both IB and British curricula are on offer.
- Education in Copenhagen
- Choosing a school in Copenhagen
- Special education needs in Copenhagen
- Pre-schools, kindergarten and nurseries in Copenhagen
- Best schools in Copenhagen
Education in Copenhagen
A Danish education feels a lot like going back in time 40 years in the UK, when children had less academic pressure and more freedom. This can reduce anxiety in children and boost their confidence, which can be a real gift.
Generally, international schools run two separate schools-within-schools, one international and one Danish. Danes are generally not admitted to the international stream and vice versa except at Copenhagen International School which currently only runs an international stream. This is the option usually chosen by Danes who’ve lived overseas and want an international education for their children.
If you’re settling permanently in Denmark and want your children to speak Danish, a local Danish school could be a good choice. The kommune (borough) where you live will assign your children to a school. All Danish residents are entitled to send their children to local schools and there are classes specifically aimed at getting children up to speed, in Danish, before they transition into local school. You’ll be able to find information on your kommune website.
It’s usually possible to choose to live within biking distance of your school, so with a fabulous cycle-lane network, cycling is a popular choice. Parents with small children might invest in a cargo bike to ferry their offspring to and from school. Older children (from about 7+) tend to cycle by themselves.
There are buses, metros and trains within walking distance of all the international schools, so public transport is also an option. As in the UK, parking around schools is not usually easy, although that doesn’t stop people from driving, particularly in the cold, dark winter. Car-pooling isn’t really a thing, and the majority of schools do not run school buses.
Schools in Copenhagen (both international and local) do not have big playing fields, which means your child won’t be playing rugby or field hockey at school. But there are lots of after-school sports clubs - some of which are school-specific - so if a particular sport is very important to you, you may want to factor in their locations.
Choosing a school in Copenhagen
A couple of the international schools offer IGCSEs. There’s also a school offering the international primary curriculum, and two IB schools. Also available are the European Baccalaureate, the French curriculum, a Danish curriculum taught in English and a mix of Danish and British curricula.
If the school you like is full, join the waiting list, find a space in a school where you can and be prepared to move schools – and possibly even the curriculum - part way through your posting. None of this is unusual in Copenhagen.
The Danish believe primary age children should be learning to cooperate and work together, both in schoolwork and in resolving problems. This means that a lot of time is spent in lightly supervised play. This approach carries through into international schools too, and with schooling beginning a year later in Denmark compared to the UK, you will definitely see a difference in the academic standard in primary schools, with more material covered at a later age in Denmark.
If you know you’ll be returning to a UK primary school or early on in secondary school, consider how best to narrow any gap between content covered in Denmark versus the UK. Some families take the ‘little and often’ approach, using UK curriculum apps to keep maths etc ticking over, whilst some hire a tutor for their last six months or so to give a bespoke gap-filling service.
Special education needs in Copenhagen
Copenhagen International School is the only international school really catering for children with learning differences. There is a fully-staffed department of learning support teachers and children with additional needs are given bespoke learning programmes. Onsite speech therapy and occupational therapy is also available. The Bridges programme at the school caters for children with more significant needs, who cannot manage a mainstream school environment.
Pre-schools, kindergarten and nurseries in Copenhagen
It’s normal in Denmark for both parents to work and so there are many full time nurseries (vuggestue) and pre-schools (bornehave) in Copenhagen. Bornehave take children up to age 6 (school starting age in Denmark), so this can be a great way to get young children learning Danish.
Vuggestue and bornehave children spend the majority of their time outside all year round. Expect a lower staff to child ratio than in the UK and to hear that your infant has been on outings and trips, only after they have taken place. It’s normal to see big pram-loads of toddlers out and about and to see very young children walking for playtime, on the beach or at a local park.
There are plenty of international (ie English speaking) pre-schools too. Pre-school childcare is subsidised by the state but you will need to pay the balance. Because most adults work in Copenhagen, there are often waiting lists for vuggestue and bornehave.
Best schools in Copenhagen
These schools have been brought to our attention, but until we have more reports from parents, we are unable to consider reviewing them.
Bernadotte School – The Little House
Danish curriculum; ages 6-15; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 100 students
Officially called ‘The Little House’, due to its separate building inside the Bernadotte School, they teach the Danish curriculum in English. When the students leave, they usually go on to a Danish gymnasium (efterskole) or to one of the schools offering the IB Diploma. The school is non-selective and very popular, so there is, almost always, a waiting list for every grade.
Birkerod Gymnasium
Danish curriculum/ IB Diploma; ages 14-18; co-ed; day and boarding; independent; private non-profit; 320 students
Originally established in 1868 as a private boarding school for boys, girls were educated here from the beginning of the 20th century but not allowed to board until 1973. Taken over by the state for a period, it became an independent institution in 2007. The school has been appointed the first Red Cross School in Denmark and has offered the International Baccalaureate Diploma since 1991.
Bjorn’s International School
Danish curriculum/ IGCSE; ages 6-16; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 165 students
Over 50 years old, the school offers a programme taught in English, specifically for expats, who are going to be in Denmark for up to a maximum of four years and then continue their education elsewhere. The English students are integrated, as sport, music, field trips and school camps all take place with the Danish students.
Copenhagen International School (CIS)
PYP/ MYP/ IB Diploma; ages 6-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 930 students
Founded in 1963 and deliberately appealing to expats, in particular Americans, who form around 20 per cent of the student population. Very consistent International Baccalaureate Diploma results and students are offered places at leading global universities (mainly UK and US). Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
European School in Copenhagen
European school-developed curriculum/ European Bac; ages 5-18; co-ed; state; 450 students
One of thirteen European schools, this one is jointly authorised by the Danish national government and the European Union. The same curriculum throughout for all students but classes taught in the student’s mother tongue.
Institut Sankt Joseph – Bilingual Department
Danish curriculum/ Cambridge 1, 2/ IGCSE; ages 6-16; day; independent; private non-profit; 555 students
A very long-established private, Catholic school, which opened its doors over 150 years ago. Nowadays, only around 20 per cent of the students are practising Catholics but the school still has a strong humanitarian ethos and actively encourages international cooperation. Conveniently situated for US diplomats as it is directly opposite their embassy.
International School Hellerup
PYP/ MYP/ IB Diploma; ages 6-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 550 students
One of two International Baccalaureate all-through schools in Copenhagen. Founded in 2009 in the Osterbro district of Copenhagen, with the senior students returning there as they have reached capacity in Hellerup. Students from around 70 different nationalities, with Denmark, the UK and India being the largest groups.
Lycée Francais de Copenhagen
French curriculum/ Brevet/ French Bac; ages 3-18; day; state; 800 students
Providing a complete French education from ‘maternelle’ to the French Baccalaureate. Part of the network of the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE), which currently includes over 500 schools in cities all around the world. Accredited by the French Ministry of Education.
North Zealand International School
International Early Years Curriculum/ International Primary Curriculum/ Cambridge 2/ IGCSE; ages 4-16; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 270 students
Part of the largest private school in Denmark (Nordsjaellands Grundskole og Gymnasium) which is located in the northern outskirts of Copenhagen. This is a separate institution, all classes are taught in English and it is the only school in Denmark offering the IPC.
Rygaards International Secondary School
Adapted National Curriculum for England/ Cambridge 2/ IGCSE; ages 11-16; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 250 students
Founded in 1909 by the Sisters of the Assumption and now a private state-subsidised school with two divisions. The international school, founded in 1967, is specifically for families who are in Denmark on a temporary basis. Strong Christian ethos throughout the school.
Viking International School
International Primary Curriculum; ages 2-8; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit
Opened in August 2020, aiming to become a nursery, pre-school and primary teaching an international curriculum in English and Danish.
Waldorf International School Copenhagen (WISC)
Rudolf Steiner; ages 6-11; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit
The international division (teaching in English) of Byens Steinerskole, opened in 2019.
For more information on the schools above, please go to each school’s individual entry on the Good Schools Guide international search.