The Government will invest in the learning of basic skills especially in primary level (ISCED 1). The aim is to provide pupils and teachers with conditions to focus on learning and teaching, to have more time and space to work without disruptions.

One measure to achieve this aim is to increase the minimum number of compulsory lesson hours for reading, writing and numeracy. This will involve adding 2 weekly lesson hours for Finnish or Swedish language and literature at year grades 1-2, and 1 lesson for mathematics at year grades 3-6.  The decision on how to implement additional lessons in practical schoolwork will be left to be taken at the local level.

The curriculum, however, will not expand following this reform as only the number of teaching hours will increase, thus, leaving more time for pupils to learn and for teachers to cover the curriculum content.

The Government will invest EUR 200 million in this reform which will be introduced in schools as of August 2025.  

In addition, the legislation on learning support will be reformed in its entirety, aiming to reduce the administrative work for teachers and to make sure adequate support measures are available across the country. Every pupil and student must have equal opportunities to receive learning support. Various types of support will be harmonised and clarified nationally, with the goal of ensuring that sufficient resources and competences will be made available to implement support measures in schools. 

Source: Eurydice Unit Finland