At Horsens Statsskole we offer students two- and three-year courses in preparation for a final exam which entitles them to apply for admission to a university or other colleges of further education. The school is called a "gymnasium", which is the equivalent of a Sixth Form College in England.

Gymnasium and HF

The three-year courses build on the last years of secondary school. All students are taught Danish, English, a second foreign language (German, French, Spanish or Italian), History, Social Science, Biology, Mathematics, Physics, Geography, Religious Education, Classical Studies, Art Studies and Physical Education.

During the last two and a half years the students specialize in different subjects of their own choice, for example Biology, Social Science, Mathematics, languages.

The two-year courses (Higher preparatory course called "HF") build on the last year of secondary school or similar qualifications. All students are taught Danish, History, English, Mathematics, Religious Education and Social Studies. Furthermore they can specialise in a number of other subjects.

"Folkeskole"

Compulsory education starts at the age of 6-7. All children have to go to school ("Folkeskole") for 9 years with a possible 10th year. After the 9th year all students must pass a school leaving exam (an equivalent of the GCSE in England) in Danish, Mathematics, English, German/French, and Physics/Chemistry.

In Denmark nearly everyone continues in upper secondary education: roughly two thirds in vocational schools (technical or commercial) and one third in schools (like Horsens Statsskole) providing general upper secondary education, the "Gymnasium" or the "HF-course". Very few leave the education system after the Folkeskole.

Read more about the Danish school system here