Bilingual education in English and Finnish

Bilingual education in English and Finnish is provided at Peipon koulu. The programme began with a group of Year 1 pupils in autumn 2026, and a new Year 1 group will start in the 2027–2028 academic year.

The aim of bilingual education is for pupils to develop good and versatile language skills in both Finnish and English. The two languages are used side by side in different subjects, with approximately 50–75 per cent of teaching provided in English. Finnish language is always taught in Finnish. The content of teaching is the same as in other basic education taught in Finnish.

According to current plans, after Years 1–6 at Peipon koulu, bilingual education will continue at Pääskytien koulu. In lower secondary school, approximately 25–50 per cent of teaching will be in English.

An information session for guardians interested in bilingual education will be held at Peipon koulu on Wednesday 25 November 2026 at 17.30. The session will provide further information about teaching, applications and pupil selection.

An open day for bilingual education will be held on Thursday 3 December 2026 from 9.00 to 13.00. Families are welcome to visit the school and learn more about its activities and teaching.

The pupil admission area for bilingual education covers the whole of Porvoo. Pupils from other municipalities may also apply.

Applications are submitted using the form available in Wilma. If it is not possible to apply through Wilma, the application may also be submitted using a separate application form. The application period is from 25 November 2026 to 22 January 2027.

Pupils are selected on the basis of an entrance exam, which all applicants must take. The exam assesses the child’s linguistic readiness to study in bilingual education. Previous knowledge of English is not required. The entrance exam can be taken in either Finnish or English.

Pupils admitted to bilingual education will receive a decision designating Peipon koulu as their local school. Families may apply for school transport in accordance with the City of Porvoo’s principles for school transport in pre-primary and basic education.

New pupils may also be admitted to the bilingual group that began in autumn 2026, joining Year 2 for the 2027–2028 academic year.

If you are interested in applying for a place for your child in the bilingual Year 2 group starting in autumn 2027, please contact the headteacher of Peipon koulu or the class teacher.

Bilingual education in English and Finnish was launched as a pilot at Peipon koulu in August 2026. The first group consists of 11 Year 1 pupils.