Understanding Estonia’s education system

How does Estonia’s education system work? Kai Koort, Education Estonia Project Manager at the Education and Youth Board, gives a clear overview—from early childhood education to upper secondary school

Estonia’s students consistently rank among the best in the world, but what’s behind this success? Kai Koort, project manager at the Estonian Education and Youth Board, explores the key factors that shape Estonia’s education system—from a strong teaching profession and early childhood education to digital innovation and a culture that values learning.

Liina Põld, Deputy Secretary General at the Estonian Ministry of Education and Research (2021-2025), explains how responsibilities in Estonia’s education system are shared between the state, local governments, and schools, and how strategic planning and data-driven decisions help maintain quality and adaptability.

Estonia’s education system has been a success story, but like any country, we face real challenges. Kai Koort, project manager at the Estonian Education and Youth Board, takes a look at the key issues in our schools today and the concrete steps being taken to solve them.

How do Estonian students get to school? What subjects do they study, and how is their day structured? Filmed on a winter day in 2025, this video follows a student from morning to evening—starting with the journey to school, moving through lessons and lunch, and ending the day back at home.
The student featured in this video is Maria Margaret Loo from Vääna Mõisakool.

PISA is the world’s most influential education study, but what does it really measure, and why does it matter? Gunda Tire, Head of International Assessments at the Education and Youth Board, has coordinated Estonia’s participation in PISA for years. In this session, she explains how the test evaluates 15-year-olds' skills and what insights PISA provides about education systems worldwide.

What does PISA reveal about Estonia’s students and their performance? Gunda Tire, Head of International Assessments at the Education and Youth Board, explores Estonia’s position in the PISA rankings, the factors behind its results, and the challenges the country faces in education today. Discover Estonia’s strengths in subjects like math and science, as well as the impact of COVID-19 and the importance of equity in education.

What does a typical day look like for a teacher in Estonia? This video takes you inside the workday of an Estonian teacher—from preparing for lessons and collaborating with colleagues to using digital tools and supporting students. Discover how outdoor learning, teacher autonomy, and ongoing professional development shape the role of an Estonian teacher, set against the backdrop of an Estonian winter in 2025.

The teacher featured in this video is Evely Vahtramäe from Vääna Mõisakool.

Kadi Georg, Junior Lecturer of School Pedagogy at Tallinn University, provides an overview of the key facts about Estonian teachers. Discover important statistics, such as the average age of teachers and their qualifications, as well as the professional standards required to ensure high-quality education.

In this lecture, Kadi Georg, Junior Lecturer of School Pedagogy at Tallinn University, explores the diverse role of an Estonian teacher. From preparing lessons and providing feedback to collaborating with colleagues, learn how Estonian teachers manage their time and responsibilities. Discover how digital tools are integrated into the learning process and the emphasis on teamwork in Estonian schools.

How are teachers trained in Estonia? What does it take to become an educator in Estonia’s education system? Kadi Georg, Junior Lecturer at Tallinn University, explains the key components of Estonian teacher education, highlighting how teachers are prepared for the classroom. The lecture also covers alternative pathways to teaching and the efforts Estonia is making to attract and retain teachers, including initiatives to popularize the teaching profession.

Kadi Georg, Junior Lecturer at Tallinn University, outlines Estonia's strategies to address teacher shortages.

What does a typical day look like for a school leader in Estonia? This video takes you through the daily routine of a school principal. Discover how Estonian school leaders balance their leadership roles with teaching, mentoring, and staying connected to the school community.
The headmaster featured in this video is Henrik Salum from Gustav Adolf Grammar School.
(Filmed in Winter 2025)

In this video, Mari Roostik, Principal of Jaan Poska Gymnasium, explains how autonomy shapes her role as a school leader in Estonia. From curriculum design to managing the budget and leading the team, discover how freedom and responsibility are balanced in her everyday decisions.

Estonia’s national curriculum sets clear learning goals but gives schools the freedom to adapt to their students’ needs. Marika Peekmann, Chief Expert in General Education at the Estonian Ministry of Education and Research, explains how the curriculum is structured, how students can combine core subjects with electives, and how education differs at different school levels. She also explores how key skills like critical thinking, communication, and digital literacy are built into learning at every stage.

Estonia’s national curriculum combines academic subjects with practical and creative skills to give students a well-rounded education. Marika Peekmann, Chief Expert in General Education at the Estonian Ministry of Education and Research, explains how subjects like science, technology, and languages are balanced with arts, physical education, and hands-on learning.

Estonia connects learning to real life by making practical projects part of graduation requirements. Kai Koort, Education Estonia Project Manager at the Education and Youth Board, explains how students gain teamwork and problem-solving skills through hands-on projects in school.

How does Estonia ensure inclusive education for all? In this video, Triin Oldekop, Counselling Services Manager at the Education and Youth Board, explains how Estonia’s education system supports students with diverse needs. Learn about the early intervention strategies and the crucial role teachers and parents play in creating an inclusive learning environment.

How does Estonia use data to improve its education system? Sandra Fomotškin, Chief Analyst at the Ministry of Education and Research, explains how data from various sources helps guide decisions in the education sector. Discover how Estonia uses real-time data to respond to challenges, track student progress, and plan for the future, all while ensuring privacy and security.

Estonia's approach to student assessments focuses on continuous feedback and guiding learning, rather than high-stakes exams. Nele Toime, Head of Language Assessments at the Education and Youth Board, breaks down how testing begins early in education, with digital tools in kindergarten and progressing through national proficiency tests in primary and secondary school, all aimed at improving educational outcomes.

Nele Toime, Head of Language Assessments at the Education and Youth Board, discusses Estonia’s use of digital testing. Learn how the Exam Information System (EIS) is used for both assessments and tracking performance, helping to improve teaching and support student learning.

How does Estonia use feedback to shape its education system? Merit Kangro, Head of Data Analysis at the Education and Youth Board, explains how regular well-being surveys collect valuable data from students, teachers, and parents. Learn how this data is used to monitor satisfaction, improve the learning environment, and guide decision-making across educational institutions.

In this video, Mart Laanpere, Professor of Mathematics and Computing Education at Tallinn University, shares the story of how the Tiger Leap programme transformed Estonia’s education system. Mart Laanpere reflects on the programme’s evolution, from its initial stages, exploring how each phase brought Estonia closer to integrating technology into schools.

This video explains how Estonia integrates technology into education to equip students with essential digital skills. Riin Saadjärv, Advisor for Digital Education at the Ministry of Education and Research, discusses how Estonia’s curriculum supports digital learning at all education levels and the resources available to help both teachers and students succeed in a technology-driven world.

Riin Saadjärv, Advisor for Digital Education at the Ministry of Education and Research, explains how digital devices are used in Estonian schools and the role of digital tools in everyday learning.

Ingrid Maadvere, Educational Technologist at Gustav Adolf Grammar School, explains the role of educational technologists in enhancing learning through technology. Discover how Ingrid integrates tools like robots, virtual reality, and digital software into the classroom to support teachers in using technology effectively. Learn about her work in developing digital literacy, exploring new teaching tools, and continuously adapting to meet the evolving needs of education, especially in times of change like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ivo Visak, CEO of the AI Leap Foundation, explains how Estonia is introducing generative AI into education, supporting teachers and students while keeping learning ethical, resilient, and focused on independent thinking.

How can AI transform education? Merike Saar, Educational Technologist at Tallinn French School, discusses how AI is being integrated into Estonian classrooms, supporting diverse learners, and enhancing lessons.

Riin Saadjärv, Advisor for Digital Education at the Ministry of Education and Research, sheds light on Estonia's approach to integrating new technologies in education, focusing on empowerment and support rather than regulation.

Brief written summary of the key topics on the Estonian education system covered in this course. You can download the PDF version from the supplemental materials.