School Holidays in Finland 2024-2025

Understanding the school year and holiday schedule in Finland is essential for parents, students, and even educators, especially for those considering the Finnish education system. With its unique approach to education and emphasis on work-life balance, Finland has specific holidays that shape the academic year. This blog post will guide you through the school holidays in Finland for the 2024-2025 academic year, providing insights into the school year, public holidays, school holidays, term breaks, and engaging activities to make the most of these days off.

Overview of School Holidays in Finland 2024-2025

The academic year in Finland typically begins in mid-August and ends in late May or early June. The school year is divided into two terms, the Spring term and the Autumn term, each punctuated by holidays that allow students to recharge. Key holidays occur during specific weeks, such as week 42 for the autumn holiday and week 8 for the winter holiday.

Public holidays, which influence school holidays, are consistent throughout Finland, ensuring that all schools observe the same breaks for major holidays like Christmas and Easter. Term breaks, on the other hand, are typically standardised, but the specific dates can vary slightly between municipalities. Finally, international schools in Finland may have different academic calendars that reflect their curricula, potentially leading to variations in holiday schedules compared to public schools.

Overall, while the framework for school holidays is similar nationwide, it’s always advisable for parents and students to check with their specific school or municipality for any localised adjustments.

Public Holidays in Finland 2024-2025

In Finland, public holidays are determined by national legislation, primarily governed by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. These holidays impact both the education system and the business sector, as most businesses close, allowing families to spend quality time together. Key public holidays for 2024-2025 include:

These public holidays are generally the same across the country, ensuring all Finns observe the same important dates. On these holidays, most schools and businesses will be closed, allowing everyone to participate in various cultural and family activities.

For the official release, please visit the government website.

Public and Private School Term Breaks in Finland 2024-2025

Both public and private schools in Finland generally observe similar term breaks, namely, autumn holidays, Christmas holidays and winter holidays. However, the specific dates may vary depending on the type of school and the municipality.

Public School Holidays in Finland 2024-2025

In the academic year 2024-2025, the key dates of school breaks for Comprehensive schools and general upper secondary schools in Helsinki, the capital and most populous city in Finland, are:

Autumn Term: August 8, 2024 (Thursday) – December 20, 2024 (Friday)

• Autumn Holiday: October 14, 2024 (Monday) – October 18, 2024 (Friday)
• Christmas Holiday: December 21, 2024 (Saturday) – January 6, 2025 (Monday)

Spring Term: January 7, 2025 (Tuesday) – May 31, 2025 (Saturday)

• Winter Holiday: February 17, 2025 (Monday) – February 21, 2025 (Friday)

Pre-primary education follows the same term dates and holidays, but the school year ends on May 30, 2025 (Friday).

For adult schools, the dates are slightly varied. For details, please check out the government release. For vocational schools, each unit decides on the term dates and holidays independently.

Private School Holidays in Finland 2024-2025

Most private schools in Finland align their academic year with public schools, typically starting in mid-August and ending in late May or early June. However, an IB tutor in Finland states that private schools have more flexibility to offer unique breaks or modify the school year based on their educational philosophy or specific needs. While most private schools follow the traditional two-term system, some may implement a trimester or continuous assessment model, resulting in different term lengths. Therefore, it is better to check with your specific institution to confirm the exact school holiday dates.

School Holiday Activities Ideas

With Finland's long school breaks, parents might be wondering how to help their children spend a productive holiday. Check out these ideas:

• Learning Enhancement: For those children struggling with intense courses such as the IB, parents can use the holiday breaks to enhance your child's learning private tutoring. With the availability of IB tutor in Finland and, particularly in large cities, IB tutor in Helsinki, it has never been easier to seek help for school children on subjects they may find challenging.
• Outdoor Adventures: Explore Finland’s stunning nature by hiking in national parks or visiting the numerous lakes. These activities promote physical health and create unforgettable family memories.
• Cultural Experiences: Visit local museums or attend cultural festivals that showcase Finland's rich heritage. Engaging in these activities fosters a sense of community and helps children learn about their country's history.
• Creative Workshops: Enrol your child in art or music workshops to stimulate their creativity. Many local community centres offer holiday classes that cater to various interests.

Conclusion

Understanding the school holidays in Finland for the 2024-2025 academic year provides valuable insight for families planning their schedules. With a mix of public holidays, term breaks, and exciting activities, Finnish students can enjoy their time off while continuing to learn and grow.