We, the undersigned, believe our children deserve an education system that prioritizes well-being, equity, creativity, and deep learning—not just test scores. It’s time we look to a proven example: Finland’s world-renowned education system. Let’s adopt its core principles and policies to create a system that supports every child, every teacher, and every community.

Why the Finnish Education System Works:

Equity Over Competition

1. Every child, regardless of background, receives the same quality of education.
2. There is no need for private education, all children are given the same start in life and treated as equals
3. Students with learning difficulties receive early and sustained support.

Highly Trained, Respected Teachers:

1. All Finnish teachers must have a master’s degree (fully subsidized).
2. Teaching is a prestigious, competitive profession—on par with medicine or law.
3. Teachers enjoy autonomy in curriculum design and classroom management.

Less Standardized Testing:

1.Finland eliminated national standardized tests (except for one at the end of high school).
2.Assessment is based on teacher feedback, self-evaluation, and growth, not rigid exams.
This removes unnecessary pressure and allows for more personalized learning.

Play, Creativity, and Student Well-being:

1.Students get 15-minute breaks every 45 minutes—a major boost to attention and mental health.
2.There’s a strong emphasis on arts, crafts, music, and physical education.
3.Finnish students are among the least stressed in the world, yet consistently rank high in literacy, numeracy, and science.

Shorter School Days & Less Homework:

1.School days are shorter and students spend more time learning through projects and discussion.
2.Homework is minimal—students learn how to think, not just memorize.

Focus on Lifelong Learning, Not Just Grades:

1.Finland encourages intrinsic motivation and lifelong curiosity.
2.The system is built to support learning for life, not just college admissions.

Reforming education doesn’t mean copying Finland wholesale—it means adopting key values:

Reduce standardized testing and redirect funds to teacher training and classroom resources.
Ensure equitable funding for all schools, regardless of post code.
Give teachers more autonomy and trust to be professionals.
Incorporate mental health, arts, and physical activity into daily routines.
Focus on individual growth over test scores.

One of the most inspiring aspects of the Finnish education system is its deep commitment to inclusive education. In Finland, every child learns together, regardless of ability level or special need, with the support they need built into the system from day one.

How Finland Supports SEN Students:

Early Intervention: 

Children with learning differences are identified and supported early—often before difficulties become barriers.

Three-Tier Support System:

General Support (for all students),
Intensified Support (for those needing extra help), and
Special Support (for children with diagnosed learning needs).

In-Classroom Support: Most SEN students remain in mainstream classrooms and receive individualized support from trained special educators, reducing isolation and promoting equality.

Smaller Class Sizes & More Adults Per Room:

This ensures more one-on-one attention, making it easier to adapt lessons to individual needs.

Holistic Focus: 

The system looks at emotional, behavioral, and academic development, not just academic outcomes.

No Stigma:

Students with SEN are not separated or tracked into different pathways. This creates an environment of belonging and mutual respect.

Why This Matters:

In many school systems, children with SEN are marginalized, under-resourced, or labeled as problems. The Finnish model proves that inclusion works—not just morally, but academically. When we support every child’s potential, the whole classroom benefits.

We demand that policymakers take urgent steps to reform our schools using these principles. Join us in calling for an education system that truly serves every child’s potential.

Sign this petition if you believe in:

-Equity and fairness in education

-Less testing, more real learning

-Supporting teachers, not micromanaging them

-A childhood free from anxiety and burnout