On Lolland, every third student fails in 9th grade Danish or mathematics, which is a significant increase compared to previous years. A new analysis from the Danish Confederation of Trade Unions (AE), which has examined the performances in the national final exams in public schools, reveals this. The analysis reveals that 11.5 percent of students nationwide did not pass Danish or mathematics in 2023. This figure is an increase of 2.9 percentage points compared to the period 2016-2019. According to AE’s chief analyst, Troels Lund Jensen, the coronavirus lockdowns have had a significant impact on students’ performances, reinforcing the existing geographical inequalities in the education system. “Our analysis clearly shows that the socio-economic differences that were present before the pandemic have now become even more pronounced,” explains Troels Lund Jensen. “It is concerning that so many students do not attain the necessary skills in such fundamental subjects as Danish and mathematics.” In the municipalities north of Copenhagen, including Gentofte and Rudersdal, the situation is significantly different. Here, only between 2 and 5 percent of students fail. In comparison, a staggering 34 percent of students in Lolland Municipality do not pass the same exams. AE’s analysis points to the need for targeted efforts in the areas where the issues are greatest. “It is crucial that the resources earmarked for public schools are distributed in a way that benefits the most challenged schools,” says Troels Lund Jensen. This new insight into the performance of public schools calls for political action and a strengthened effort to ensure that all students acquire the necessary skills to succeed further in the education system.

Read the danish version here