When it comes to education systems, Finland is often held up as the gold standard. The country’s schools consistently rank at the top of international education league tables, and Finnish students regularly outperform their peers in global assessments. In contrast, the UK’s education system, while one of the largest and most diverse in the world, is often critiqued for its heavy reliance on exams, long hours, and mounting pressure on students and teachers alike.

1. The Approach to Teaching and Learning

Finland is known for its child-centered, flexible approach to teaching. The focus is on learning through play and exploration in the early years, followed by an emphasis on creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration as students grow older. Finnish teachers are given the freedom to design lessons that foster a love of learning, rather than focusing solely on standardized tests. The curriculum encourages critical thinking, self-directed learning, and the development of social and emotional skills.

In the UK, the approach to teaching is more structured and exam-focused. From an early age, children are subjected to regular testing and assessments, which continue throughout their academic journey, leading to high-stakes exams like GCSEs and A-Levels. While there is an emphasis on literacy and numeracy, the curriculum tends to be more rigid, and there is less room for exploration or creativity in the classroom. Teachers follow a national curriculum and often focus on preparing students for exams, rather than fostering a broader understanding of subjects or developing critical thinking skills.

2. Teacher Training and Professionalism

In Finland, becoming a teacher is highly competitive. Teachers are required to have a master’s degree in education, which includes extensive pedagogical training and research. The focus is on equipping teachers with a deep understanding of child development, psychology, and educational theory, as well as practical classroom management skills. Finnish teachers are also given a great deal of autonomy in how they teach and are trusted to design their own lessons and methods. Teaching is seen as a respected and valued profession, and teachers are not just educators but also lifelong learners, with continuous professional development encouraged.

In contrast, teacher training in the UK is diverse, with routes including university-based training (such as a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, or PGCE) or school-based training programs. While the UK’s teacher training system is robust, there is a greater emphasis on short-term, practical training and less on deep theoretical understanding. Teachers in the UK are also subject to stricter national standards and often face pressure to meet measurable outcomes. As a result, many teachers report feeling constrained by national policies and a heavy focus on exam results.

3. Curriculum Structure and Content

The Finnish curriculum is known for its flexibility and focus on broad, holistic education. The curriculum includes not only academic subjects, such as mathematics, languages, and sciences, but also a strong emphasis on arts, physical education, social studies, and life skills. Finnish students also receive more time for recess and informal learning, which is seen as essential for mental and emotional development.

In the UK, the curriculum is more exam-driven, especially in the later years of school. The emphasis is placed heavily on core academic subjects—English, mathematics, and science—and students are expected to specialize in a narrower set of subjects as they approach GCSEs and A-Levels. This system is highly structured, with fixed exams that determine students' progress and future educational opportunities. While students in the UK do have access to arts and physical education, these are often seen as secondary to the core academic subjects and can be sidelined in favour of exam preparation.

4. Assessment and Exams

One of the most significant differences between the two systems is the approach to assessment. In Finland, there is little emphasis on formal testing until the final years of schooling. Finnish students do not sit exams until they reach the end of upper secondary school (ages 17-18), and even then, the exams are less frequent and less high-stakes than in the UK. Instead of focusing on rote memorization or test-taking, Finnish education encourages ongoing assessment through projects, discussions, and teacher evaluations. The overall goal is to develop a student’s understanding and skills, rather than preparing them solely for exams.

In the UK, exams are a central part of the educational experience from a young age. Students are tested regularly, starting with national curriculum assessments (SATs) in primary school, followed by the more high-stakes GCSEs at age 16 and A-Levels at age 18. These exams determine not only academic achievement but also future opportunities, such as university admissions or entry into the workforce. The heavy reliance on exams has been critiqued for causing stress, anxiety, and a narrow focus on exam technique rather than genuine understanding.

5. Student Well-being and Mental Health

Finnish schools place a strong emphasis on student well-being and mental health. The school day is structured to include plenty of breaks, and students are encouraged to maintain a healthy balance between schoolwork and leisure. Finland also has a system of school-based counseling, with access to mental health services readily available for students who need support. Teachers and school staff are trained to recognize signs of stress or mental health issues, and schools work closely with families to ensure students' emotional and psychological needs are met.

In the UK, student well-being has become an increasing concern, with many students reporting high levels of stress and anxiety, especially as they approach their GCSEs and A-Levels. The intense pressure to perform academically, combined with a culture of over-testing, has contributed to rising mental health issues among young people. While schools in the UK do offer some pastoral support and access to counseling, the focus on academic achievement often means that emotional well-being is sidelined. The increased workload and pressure on teachers also means that mental health support for students can be inconsistent across schools.

6. Equality and Access

Finland has been widely praised for its commitment to educational equality. The Finnish education system is designed to ensure that all students, regardless of their background, have access to the same high-quality education. There are no private schools in Finland, and all schools—whether in urban or rural areas—receive the same level of funding and resources. Special education needs are also well supported, with a focus on integrating students with disabilities into mainstream classrooms.

In the UK, there is a greater divide between different types of schools. While state-funded schools are free, the private sector offers a different level of education, often with smaller class sizes, more resources, and greater opportunities. This creates an inequality in access to education, with students from wealthier families often receiving a better education than those from less affluent backgrounds. While the UK government has introduced initiatives aimed at reducing this gap, such as pupil premium funding for disadvantaged students, the gap between rich and poor schools remains a significant issue.

7. Teacher Autonomy and Professional Respect

In Finland, teachers are highly respected professionals with significant autonomy in the classroom. Finnish educators are trusted to make decisions about how best to teach their students, with little interference from government policies or standardized tests. This trust and respect for teachers contribute to a positive working environment and a higher level of job satisfaction.

In the UK, while teaching is still respected, teachers often feel micromanaged by government policies, standardized tests, and inspection regimes such as Ofsted. The pressure to meet national standards and deliver results in exams can leave little room for creativity or professional freedom. Many teachers report feeling undervalued, and recruitment and retention in the profession have been ongoing concerns.

Conclusion: A Tale of Two Systems

In comparing the UK and Finland’s education systems, it’s clear that both have their strengths and weaknesses. Finland’s system is celebrated for its emphasis on equality, teacher autonomy, and student well-being, while the UK’s system is often criticized for its exam-centric approach and the pressure it places on both students and teachers.

Ultimately, Finland’s approach is less focused on formal assessments and more about fostering creativity, critical thinking, and a holistic education. The UK, on the other hand, places a significant emphasis on measurable academic outcomes and exams, which, while providing clear benchmarks, may sometimes come at the cost of student well-being and a broader educational experience.

Perhaps the key takeaway is that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to education. Both systems offer valuable lessons, and the challenge lies in balancing high academic standards with a supportive, creative, and holistic approach to teaching and learning.

About the Author:

Zara lives in London and works in students' welfare interests while offering tutoring services. Passionate about education, she enjoys exploring how different education systems can inspire change and help students reach their potential. When she’s not tutoring, Zara often gets asked "can I pay someone to do my assignment"—a request she’s always happy to guide students through, helping them develop the skills to succeed in their education.