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The English School - Grades 1–6 and Preschool

Finland, Helsinki

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The school at a glance
Instructs in Finnish, English
Fees €673 - 11,314
Ages 4 - 12 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 1945
Bus Service No
Part of
The English School - Finland
Academic offering
Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE
Taught languages English, Finnish, Swedish, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Italian
Strengths Languages, Academic Enrichment, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary
Introduction

The English School in Finland is a private bilingual institution offering Finnish-English education from preschool through secondary level to about 700 students (ages 5–18). The curriculum combines the Finnish national framework with strong English instruction, and in the high school there are two study options: the bilingual English–Finnish Language and Culture Program and a General Upper Secondary English program. Both programs culminate in the Finnish Matriculation Examinations, with language of instruction determined by program. The school's ethos is rooted in Christian values and a commitment to global citizenship, cultural understanding, respect for diversity, ecological sustainability and responsible citizenship. Campus facilities include a two-campus layout (Mäntytie for Grades 1–6 and Preschool and Valimotie for Grades 7–12), two gymnasia (one divisible), and a central bilingual library. The school runs exchange links, a debate club with international and national competitions, and clubs organised by The Friends of The English School, alongside after-school care.

This campus is part of The English School - Finland

Mäntytie 14, 00270 Helsinki, Finland

The Essentials

The English School - Grades 1–6 and Preschool has instruction in Finnish, English.

Location
The English School has two campuses in Helsinki, Finland. Grades 1–6 and Preschool are at Mäntytie 14, 00270 Helsinki. Grades 7–9 and High School are at Valimotie 17–19, 00380 Helsinki.

Stages
Two-year preschool, elementary school, middle school and high school.

Type
The school is a private bilingual school offering education in Finnish and English.

Country affiliation
Finland

School day structure
Lessons last 75 minutes. The lunch hour lasts 30 minutes. Lunch is served in three groups due to staggered times; High School lunch is from 11:35 to 12:50; the Middle School and High School have partly separate lunchtimes. The School Office at Valimotie is open on weekdays from 9.00–14.00.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The English School uses a dress code rather than a fixed uniform. Pupils must be appropriately dressed for school; outdoor shoes are removed indoors; each pupil must have indoor shoes labelled with their name; PE clothing is required as directed by the gym teachers; dress-up days occur on special occasions.

Food Options
The school's food service is provided by Compass Group and a healthy, balanced lunch is served daily. Lunch menus in English and Finnish can be seen in the cafeteria and on the school's website. For dietary restrictions, a doctor's certificate should be submitted to the homeroom teacher; the lunch program provides substitute foods for dietary restrictions; a vegetarian menu is available only with advance notice.

Governance and Ownership
The English School is governed by a Board of Trustees and a Board of Directors. The director, principals and all permanent staff are appointed by the Board of Trustees.
Fees

Annual tuition at The English School - Grades 1–6 and Preschool ranges from EUR 673 to EUR 11,314 for 2026/27.

Application & entry fees

- Registration fee: EUR 20.00 payable when submitting a registration form. (Applies to Preschool and Grades 1–9).
- Entrance test fee: EUR 60.00 (applies to Preschool and Grades 1–9).
- Administration fee: EUR 50.00 payable when a new student is enrolled.

Tuition fees (all year groups: Preschool – High School)

- Standard tuition fee for students resident in Finland: EUR 673.00 per academic year.
- Term split: Fall term EUR 336.50 and Spring term EUR 336.50 (i.e., the annual EUR 673.00 is billed as EUR 336.50 per term).
- Included in the standard tuition: daily warm lunch.

Tuition fees for upper secondary (high school) students from third countries

- For students who become subject to tuition fees (students from third countries beginning studies in or after August 2026), the tuition fee for the 2026–2027 academic year is EUR 11,314.
- The EUR 11,314 figure is calculated to cover: the average unit price of upper secondary education, learning materials including a computer, meal fees, projected cost increases, and the school's annual fee of EUR 673.00.
- If a student who begins in autumn 2026 completes a typical three-year upper secondary programme, the total tuition over three years would be EUR 33,942.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Standard tuition (EUR 673.00) may be paid in two parts: at the beginning of the Fall semester and at the beginning of the Spring semester (i.e., the two term instalments).
- For upper secondary students from third countries, payment of the tuition fee is a prerequisite for participating in instruction.

Boarding fees

- Boarding accommodation is not offered; boarding fees are not applicable. (No boarding or residential fee schedule is listed for the school.)

Other costs and incidental charges

- School supplies and textbooks: Pupils receive textbooks, workbooks and other materials from the school for their use. Pupils are responsible for their materials; books used for more than one year are returned at the end of the year. Guardians may be required to cover replacement costs for lost or damaged school property. Standard compensation for lost or damaged books is EUR 10.00; replacement library card fee EUR 5.00.
- Camp schools and certain longer trips: The school does not finance camp schools; guardians may jointly collect funds for camp schools and voluntary fundraising may be organised for these activities. Participation in fundraising is voluntary, but camp schools and some longer trips may require additional guardian contributions.
- School attire and equipment: Indoor shoes labelled with the pupil's name and appropriate clothing for physical education are required; special clothing requirements are set by PE teachers. (No separate uniform fee is specified.)

Refund information

- Refunds for upper secondary tuition charged to students from third countries (students who start in or after August 2026) are specified as follows:
- Withdrawal by the last day of the 1st period: 4/5 of the tuition fee refunded.
- Withdrawal by the last day of the 2nd period: 3/5 refunded.
- Withdrawal by the last day of the 3rd period: 2/5 refunded.
- Withdrawal by the last day of the 4th period: 1/5 refunded.
- No separate general refund schedule for the standard EUR 673.00 annual fee is detailed in the published school fee information for regular resident students; the above refund schedule applies to the specified upper secondary tuition for students from third countries.

Fee payment options and invoicing

- The standard tuition is billed per academic year and may be paid in two instalments at the start of each semester. Specific payment instructions and accepted payment methods are provided through the school's finance office and on school invoices. Contact details for the school's finance office are published in school materials.
Academics

The English School - Grades 1–6 and Preschool teaches Bespoke Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE for students aged 4 to 12.

Curriculum
Truly bilingual curriculum across preschool to high school with instruction in Finnish and English. The High School offers two study programs: the bilingual English–Finnish Language and Culture Program, where studies are conducted in both Finnish and English (English taught by native speakers), and a General Upper Secondary English program. Both programs follow the Finnish national curriculum and culminate in the Finnish Matriculation Examinations (in Finnish for the bilingual program; in English for the English-language track). The school's curriculum is anchored in Christian values and emphasizes global citizenship, cultural understanding, respect for diversity, ecological sustainability and responsible citizenship.

Higher Education Progression
Most graduates advance to well-known universities in Finland and abroad. Guidance counselors assist students in planning higher education and studying abroad after high school, if requested.

Gifted and Talented
Gifted pathways include additional diplomas in Music and Visual Arts (Music Diploma and Visual Arts Diploma), with extra music courses and arts opportunities available for dedicated students.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The English School maintains a multi-disciplinary student wellbeing group that focuses on the social and emotional development of pupils. The group includes the principal, school nurse and school doctor, and specialists such as a school social worker, a school psychologist, a special education teacher and a guidance counselor (upper secondary). They work to promote wellbeing, positive development, learning and schoolwork for pupils. They provide support through one-on-one sessions, group work and wellbeing-related lessons with teachers. They also offer confidential guidance for pupils and families and coordinate services with parents and other staff.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The School Wellbeing Group includes a dedicated special education teacher who supports pupils with learning and developmental needs. The school social worker and the school psychologist assist pupils facing learning difficulties, attention issues or emotional problems. The school psychologist provides guidance to teachers, counselling for students and carries out cognitive evaluations when needed. All student welfare matters are handled confidentially in collaboration with parents.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The English School follows the Finnish National Core Curriculum with an emphasis on English and Finnish languages and cultures. English is taught at a native level from preschool through grade 12. The proportion of Finnish and English instruction varies by grade: preschool and grades 1–4 are mainly English with total immersion, while grades 5–9 increase Finnish instruction and continue native-level English. In high school, studies are offered in both languages and students prepare for matriculation in Finnish. The goal is for students to be truly bilingual by the end of ninth grade.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported by the School Wellbeing Group, which focuses on wellbeing alongside learning and schoolwork. The team conducts wellbeing lessons, one-on-one support and group work, and provides confidential guidance to pupils and families. The School Social Worker and School Psychologist offer counselling, strategies for emotional regulation and support for students facing personal or academic challenges. The group collaborates with teachers to promote emotional intelligence and healthy social interaction.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding is embedded in the School Wellbeing Group's work; student welfare matters are handled confidentially in agreement with the pupil and parents. The group develops support structures for the pupil and family and ensures appropriate guidance and privacy in line with school policy.
Parent Experience

History
Catholic Sisters from the Missouri-based Congregation arrived in Helsinki in 1939 to establish The English School. The school opened on October 1, 1945 with eighteen students. A new Mäntytie building was completed in 1952 to accommodate growth and to align with developments around the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. Since 1996 the school has been governed by the Foundation of the English School. The English School now serves more than 700 students across a two-year preschool, a comprehensive school (grades 1–9) and a high school.

Community
We are a traditional and safe school community where students, guardians and staff know one another and collaborate closely. The school is founded on Christian principles and values such as mutual respect, joy of learning, a strong work ethic, honesty, responsibility, forgiveness and service to create a safe environment for human development. Open House events for the high school are held to welcome prospective students, with on-site and online formats. International collaboration and student exchanges with partner schools around the world enrich the school community.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Friends of the English School is the parents' association. It was founded on November 26, 1954, and the funds collected by the Friends are directed entirely back to the school to benefit the students. The Friends are led by a Board of up to 10 members, elected at the Friends' Annual Meeting yearly, with a two-year term for each member. The Board includes roles such as Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Treasurer, Secretary, Event Manager, Communications, Clubs and Fundraising. Reach the Board at friends@engs.fi.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The English School is a bilingual Finnish-English school comprising a two-year preschool, an elementary school, a middle school and a high school, with about 700 students aged 5 to 19. The long-awaited new school building will be the home for the English School for decades to come. The U-shaped building will house the preschool and primary in a separate wing, with the middle and high school located on floors 2–4. The building will have two gymnasiums, one of which can be divided into two with a curtain. A bilingual library sits in the heart of the school. Bright and spacious classrooms with connectivity between primary rooms support flexible learning. The Mäntytie site houses Grades 1–6 and Preschool; the Valimotie site houses Grades 7–12.

Sports Facilities
Two gymnasiums, one divisible into two spaces with a curtain.

Academic Facilities
The bilingual library is located in the heart of the school. Classrooms are bright and spacious, and in the primary school a door can connect adjacent classrooms to form larger spaces. The U-shaped building design places preschool and primary in a separate wing and positions middle and high school on floors 2–4. The Mäntytie site hosts Grades 1–6 and Preschool, while Valimotie hosts Grades 7–12.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Student Exchange links with partner schools worldwide, including Abingdon (England); Mount Clear College (Australia); Quintin and Jean XXIII (France); Taizhou and Tianyi School in China, among others. Debate club participates in international and national competitions with venues in Estonia, Latvia, Romania, Slovenia and other partners.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Field trips enrich learning with visits to museums, theatres and other special exhibits. Once per year a longer day trip may be organized for each class. Camp schools may be included in the curriculum, in cooperation with guardians. These experiences extend classroom learning beyond daily lessons.

Arts & Creative
The afternoon care program includes free play, arts and crafts, and indoor and outdoor activities. Pupils can take part in clubs organized by The Friends of The English School, which meet before or after regular school hours and may include creative activities. Specific information about clubs is provided in September and offerings may vary.

Cultural & Language
The library promotes learning English and Finnish languages and cultures. Lunch menus are available in English and Finnish.

Social & Hobbies
Afternoon Care provides time for free play, arts and crafts, and indoor and outdoor sports, as well as time to complete homework. Clubs meet before or after regular school hours, offering opportunities to pursue interests with peers.

Community & Service
Pupils have the opportunity to participate in clubs organized by The Friends of The English School. Clubs meet before or after regular school hours and information is shared in September. The clubs may vary and may not run throughout the year.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Afternoon care runs after the school day and is available until 5 pm, with opportunities for indoor and outdoor sports and time to do homework. The school is a candy-free and sugar-free environment; candy and soft drinks are not allowed at school.
Languages

Language Provision
The English School teaches English and Finnish. It follows the Finnish National Core Curriculum with emphasis on English and Finnish languages and cultures. English is taught at a native level from preschool to grade 12. The proportion of Finnish and English in instruction varies by grade level, with the goal of achieving true bilingual proficiency by the end of ninth grade.

Bilingual Teaching
The English School follows the Finnish National Core Curriculum with emphasis placed on English and Finnish languages and cultures. English is taught at a native level from preschool to grade 12. Preschool and grades 1–4 have the highest proportion of instruction in English, with total immersion; Finnish is taught at native level or as a second language. In grades 5–9, Finnish instruction increases while English remains at native level, and in high school studies are offered in both Finnish and English, with the bilingual program enabling advanced study in English language and literature while preparing for Finnish matriculation examinations.

Immersion Programs
Total immersion in English is used in Preschool and Grades 1–4. Finnish is taught at native level or as a second language. In Grades 5–9, Finnish instruction increases while English continues to be taught at native level.
Admissions

Waitlist
A waiting list is established based on entrance test results when openings exist; entrance tests are conducted for grades with available openings, and the waiting list is used to sequence offers.
School Events
The school has not added events
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