The European School System

The European School System offers a multilingual and multicultural education from early years up to the European Baccalaureate, preparing students to live, study and work in an increasingly international world.

About the European Schools

The European Schools were founded in the 1950s on the initiative of the European Coal and Steel Community. Over the decades, the network has expanded to include 13 original European Schools, mostly located in cities with major EU institutions. These schools are governed directly by the Board of Governors, which brings together representatives from all 27 EU member states and the European Commission.

Accredited European Schools

To make this education more accessible across Europe, the system has grown to include 24 accredited European Schools in various countries. These schools are national or regional institutions that have been formally accredited to deliver the European School curriculum and, in many cases, the European Baccalaureate. Accredited schools work closely with the original schools and undergo regular audits.

European School Copenhagen is an accredited European School. Accredited schools are integrated into their national education systems but must adhere to the same standards and undergo a thorough accreditation and audit process every three years to uphold the accreditation agreement.

Curriculum and European values

The European School system has a common curriculum across all original and accredited schools. Students are taught in language sections and learn at least two, often more, languages throughout their schooling.

At the heart of the European School System is a commitment to the core values of Europe. The curriculum and school culture promote human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, rule of law, respect for human rights, inclusiveness, equity, and sustainability. Students are encouraged to recognise both their own national identity and their responsibility as European and global citizens.