Studying English remained unchanged in comprehensive school education in 2024

Release related to topics:Education and research
release | Subject choices of students 2024

Change

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According to Statistics Finland, the share of those studying English in comprehensive school education remained unchanged in 2024 compared to the previous year. A total of 94 per cent of pupils in grades 1 to 6 studied English. In grades 7 to 9 almost all pupils, 99 per cent, studied English. Eight per cent of pupils in grades 7 to 9 studied German, five per cent Spanish and four per cent French.

Key selections

  • A total of 94 per cent of pupils in grades 1 to 6 studied English in 2024.
  • In grades 7 to 9 almost all pupils, 99 per cent, studied English.
  • Girls studied optional languages more than boys.
  • Seventy-seven per cent of pupils in grades 1 to 6 and 82 per cent of pupils in grades 7 to 9 participated in teaching of Evangelical Lutheran religion.
  • Fifteen per cent of pupils in grades 1 to 6 and 11 per cent of pupils in grades 7 to 9 took part in teaching of worldview studies.

Figures

See key statistical data in the figures.

Comprehensive school pupils having studied optional language studies (B2 language) by language and sex, school year 2024/2025

Database tables

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Updated database tables
Classifications used:
  • Area
  • Grade
  • Language of the institution
  • Gender
  • Studied language
  • Extent of language studied
Reference period cycle:
year
Updating frequency:
year
Updated:
Classifications used:
  • Area
  • Language of the institution
  • Studied language
  • Extent of language studied
  • Gender
Reference period cycle:
year
Updating frequency:
year
Updated:
Classifications used:
  • Grade
  • Number of foreign languages
  • Gender
Reference period cycle:
year
Updating frequency:
year
Updated:
New database tables
Classifications used:
Religion and worldview studies
Reference period cycle:
year
Updating frequency:
year
Updated:
Classifications used:
  • Religion and worldview studies
  • Area
Reference period cycle:
year
Updating frequency:
year
Updated:

Future releases

Documentation

Description of the production, used methods and quality of the statistics.

Go to documentation of the statistics

Referencing instructions

Subject choices of students [online publication].
Reference period: 2024. ISSN=1799-1056. Helsinki: Statistics Finland [Referenced: 15.10.2025].
Access method:

Statistical experts

Inquiries primarily

Vesa Hämäläinen
Senior Statistician
029 551 2594

Head of Department in charge

Harri Lehtinen
Head of Department in charge
029 551 3582

Change

New database tables are published in the statistics on subject choices of students.
Read more about the change