This chapter provides an overview of national reforms and policy developments for years 2022, 2023 and 2024. The introduction of the chapter describes the overall education strategy and the key objectives across the whole education system. It also looks at how the education reform process is organised and who are the main actors in the decision-making process. The section on ongoing reforms and policy developments groups reforms in the following broad thematic areas that largely correspond to education levels:
- Early childhood education and care
- School education
- VET and Adult learning
- Higher education
- Transversal skills and Employability
Inside each thematic area, reforms are organised chronologically. The most recent reforms are described first.
Overall national education strategy and key objectives
In Iceland, education is based on a number of fundamental principles including education for all, equal access and lifelong learning. It also includes core values including resilience, courage, knowledge, happiness, and sustainability. The 2030 education policy is built on five pillars: 1. Equity: Ensuring equal opportunities for all learners. 2. Teaching: Enhancing teaching methods and educator training. 3. Skills for the Future: Equipping students with relevant skills for an ever-changing world. 4. Well-being: Prioritizing the mental and physical health of students and educators. 5. Quality Education: Focusing on continuous improvement and excellence. In the governmental platform of 2024, reading skills of all pupils is highlighted. Increased efforts will be made to provide pupils with a migrant background with solid training of the Icelandic language.
Overview of the education reform process and drivers
In general, reforms of the education and training system follow the procedures of all legislation as established by the Constitution of the Republic of Iceland. The legislative procedure involves three readings in Alþingi, the Icelandic parliament. Members of the parliament and Ministers are entitled to introduce bills and parliamentary resolutions. Iceland's overarching policy on education is the Education Policy 2030, a ten-year education strategy document underpinned by the values of resilience, courage, knowledge, and happiness. The strategy document includes five pillars to attain this vision: equity, teaching, skills for the future, well-being, and quality of education - under which further objectives are described. The policy addresses goals and challenges that Icelandic society faces and the policy is also streamlined toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The policy covers all levels of education, including teacher education.
Under Iceland's 2030 Education Policy, an action plan for the period of 2021-2024 is currently in force and the implementation of the second action plan for 2025-2027 is scheduled to start in early 2025.