British and international schools in Denmark: Copenhagen and beyond
English-language schooling in Denmark: international schools in Copenhagen, Aarhus and other cities, how Danish private schools are funded, and choosing a school.
Denmark has a growing international community, driven by life sciences, shipping, energy and tech, and a network of international schools to match. Most are in the Greater Copenhagen area, with others in Aarhus, Odense and Aalborg.
How the Danish system shapes international schools
Denmark has a long tradition of independent private schools (friskoler and privatskoler) that receive substantial public funding. Many international schools fall into this category. The results:
- Fees are often relatively moderate by international standards.
- Schools must meet Danish requirements, including some teaching of Danish.
- Schools vary widely: some follow the IB from primary to Diploma, others the English National Curriculum, others a Danish/international mix.
British-curriculum options
British-curriculum provision is rarer in Denmark than IB. The COBISEC-era directory listed Rygaards International School in Hellerup, north of Copenhagen, one of the country’s long-established English-language schools. Today families typically choose between:
- schools offering a British-style curriculum through primary and lower secondary, often followed by IGCSE and the IB Diploma,
- IB World Schools, which dominate the international sector,
- Danish public schools, free and often welcoming, with reception classes for newcomers.
Practical points
- The Danish school year runs from August to June.
- Waiting lists in Copenhagen can be long, especially for younger year groups. Apply as early as possible.
- Learning Danish makes a real difference to daily life and to longer-term integration.
See also: British vs IB vs American and how to choose a school.
Directory: British schools in Denmark
| School | City | Ages | Curricula |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rygaards International School | Hellerup (Copenhagen) | — | International English Programme |
Frequently asked questions
Why are international school fees in Denmark lower than in other countries?
Many international schools in Denmark are approved private schools that receive public funding, so parents pay only part of the cost. Fees are still charged, but they are often lower than in many other European capitals.
Is school compulsory in Denmark?
Education, rather than school attendance, is compulsory in Denmark for ten years, from the year a child turns six. Most children attend public 'folkeskole', private schools or international schools.