Denmark sees 51,164 children starting school today amid calls for smoother transitions

Today marks the first day of school for many children across the country, a day often met with both excitement and a hint of anxiety. For the youngest students, this is their inaugural encounter with school life, leaving them feeling a mix of anticipation and nervousness, impacting both children and parents alike.

In 2023, statistics indicated that 51,164 children began their schooling in Denmark’s primary schools. When including alternative educational institutions, a total of 63,169 children started school. In various municipalities, students experience different schedules, with some beginning preschool in the spring while others start in August.

The president of the Danish School Students organization is calling for a smoother transition from preschool to primary school to ease the adjustment for new students nationwide. Caroline Helene Hermansen emphasized the need for new students to interact earlier with their teachers and classmates to alleviate the sense of unfamiliarity that accompanies their first school day.

Research from 2019 showed that nearly 40% of new students felt insecure about starting school, highlighting the necessity for improved support systems to ensure a smooth introduction to school life. Education expert Ane Qvortrup noted that a favorable start significantly shapes children’s long-term experiences in school.

Additionally, there is a push for greater efforts to ensure a supportive environment on the first day of school. Lone Smidt from the organization Children’s Rights advocates for an effective transition that aids children from preschool to school, arguing that if handled poorly, it could lead to a loss of motivation for attending school.

Municipalities acknowledge the critical nature of this transition but advocate for local flexibility in how best to implement successful start strategies.