In many countries, education is deeply tied to competition. From the first day of school, students are taught to aim higher, score better, and stand out. Honor rolls, class rankings, awards, and public praise for top performers are all part of the system. It's a race, and only a few can win.
But step into a Finnish classroom, and you’ll find a strikingly different story.
There are no honor rolls pinned to the walls. No star students singled out during morning assemblies. No academic rankings posted online for parents to compare. In fact, you won’t even hear much talk about grades until the later years of schooling.
Instead, Finland’s schools focus on something far more powerful: the individual growth of every learner.
The philosophy here is simple but radical, education should serve all students equally, and success shouldn’t come at the cost of someone else’s failure. Rather than turning learning into a race, Finnish schools turn it into a journey, one that’s inclusive, supportive, and deeply human.
In this article, we’ll explore why Finland has intentionally removed student rankings and academic competition from its classrooms. We’ll look at how this non-competitive model fosters stronger motivation, better mental health, and higher educational outcomes. And most importantly, we’ll show why this approach continues to inspire educators around the world.
Whether you’re a teacher, a parent, or a school leader curious about new approaches to learning, this deep dive into the Finnish model will challenge your assumptions, and perhaps change the way you see education.
To truly understand why Finland’s schools have no honor roll or student rankings, we must begin by looking at the deeper values that shape the country’s education system. These values are not just words in a policy document, they are woven into everyday classroom life and practiced in every school, from big cities to small villages.
In Finland, education is not treated as a competition. It’s not something to “win” by outperforming others. Instead, it is viewed as a fundamental human right, a service that should be accessible, fair, and meaningful for everyone.
Every child, no matter their background, family income, learning ability, or native language, is given the same opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. From preschool to university, education is free, including school meals, transportation, and learning materials. The goal is not just access, it’s equal opportunity and equal support.
Importantly, there are no elite schools or gifted programs. Students aren’t grouped by their test scores or labeled as “advanced” or “slow.” Instead, the system is designed to bring everyone forward together, not just the top few.
This approach helps remove the unhealthy pressure to compete. Students don’t feel like they are constantly being measured, compared, or left behind, they feel like they belong, and that their progress matters.
Because there are no public rankings or honor rolls, students in Finnish classrooms don’t feel the need to compete with their classmates. The fear of failure is replaced by a desire to grow.
Instead of asking, “Am I better than others?” students are encouraged to ask, “How can I do better than I did yesterday?”
This small shift changes everything. It creates a learning environment built on cooperation, not competition. Students are more likely to help each other, share knowledge, and work together on projects. Peer learning becomes common, not because it’s required, but because students are not afraid that helping someone else might harm their own position.
It also means students are less likely to feel discouraged. A child who learns at a slower pace isn’t labeled or left out. They’re simply on a different part of the learning path, and that’s okay.
Many education systems talk about equality, but in Finland, it’s a living principle.
Teachers are trained not only to deliver content but also to recognize and support the individual needs of every student. They’re expected to adjust their teaching methods, personalize tasks, and give feedback that helps each learner develop at their own speed.
The goal is not to create a classroom of identical students who all get the same grades, the goal is to help each student reach their full potential in a way that suits their strengths, interests, and pace.
Schools are also structured to reduce differences between communities. Whether you go to school in Helsinki or a rural village in Lapland, you’ll receive the same high-quality education, delivered by equally qualified teachers.
One of the most common questions educators ask when they hear about Finland’s no-ranking policy is this:
“If there are no honor rolls, grades, or student rankings, how do teachers track learning and progress?”
It’s a fair question, and the answer reveals one of the most thoughtful aspects of Finland’s approach to education.
Instead of using scores, charts, or public comparisons, Finnish teachers assess students through meaningful, ongoing, and highly personalized methods.
In Finland, formative assessment is a central part of everyday teaching. Unlike traditional tests that simply check whether a student got the “right” answer, formative assessments aim to understand how a student thinks, learns, and improves over time.
Here are some common ways teachers assess learning in the classroom:
Unlike grade-based systems where students might get a “B” and never understand why, Finnish students receive feedback that helps them answer important questions:
This type of feedback encourages students to become active participants in their own learning journey.
In many countries, children face regular, high-stakes tests from the earliest grades. These tests often lead to anxiety, pressure, and teaching focused on memorization rather than true understanding.
Finland takes a different path.
There are no national standardized tests until students reach the end of upper secondary school, around the age of 18. The only nationwide exam, called the Matriculation Examination, is used for university entrance purposes, not to rank or sort younger children.
This approach gives teachers the freedom to teach creatively and adapt lessons to the needs of their students. At the same time, students enjoy the freedom to learn at their own pace, without the fear of being judged by test scores.
Because there are no grades given in early schooling and very little testing overall, teachers rely on personalized feedback as their primary communication tool.
This feedback is specific, kind, and honest. It’s designed not to judge students, but to help them see their own progress.
Imagine a student working on a creative writing assignment. In a traditional setting, they might receive a score out of 10. But in a Finnish classroom, they might hear something like:
“You used vivid descriptions to create atmosphere in your story. That was powerful! Next time, try organizing your paragraphs more clearly so your ideas flow better.”
This kind of feedback does more than correct errors, it helps the student build confidence, set goals, and reflect on their learning.
Over time, this practice builds a growth mindset, the belief that intelligence and ability are not fixed traits, but skills that can be developed with time, effort, and guidance.
Eliminating student rankings and honor rolls in Finland isn’t just an educational decision, it’s a statement about what really matters in childhood and learning. At the heart of this choice is a powerful belief: well-being is essential for academic success. That’s why the emotional and psychological well-being of students is not treated as a bonus, it’s a central part of the system.
In many countries, children grow up feeling like they are in a race, always trying to be faster, smarter, or better than the person sitting next to them. They worry about falling behind, not making the honor roll, or disappointing their parents. This pressure can lead to anxiety, low self-esteem, and even school avoidance.
But in Finland, the race is taken off the table.
Students are not compared to each other. There’s no “top of the class” or “last place.” Instead, students are taught to focus on their own learning journey. They’re encouraged to ask questions without fear, take their time with difficult topics, and learn from their mistakes without shame.
Balance Between Learning and Life
Another key to student well-being in Finland is the thoughtful balance between school and free time. Unlike in more rigid systems, Finnish schools are designed to protect the natural rhythms of childhood.
Students in Finland:
This balance doesn’t mean students learn less. In fact, they often learn more effectively because they are mentally refreshed, emotionally supported, and physically active.
Teachers receive special training in social-emotional learning (SEL), and they are expected to monitor not just academic performance but also emotional well-being. When a child is struggling, whether with learning, behavior, or mood, support is provided early and with care.
Every school has access to student welfare teams, which may include:
Students also learn to care for each other. With a strong focus on group work, shared responsibility, and mutual respect, Finnish classrooms become places where kindness and cooperation are daily habits, not afterthoughts.
If students aren’t being ranked or rewarded with gold stars and public praise, what keeps them motivated? It’s a fair question, and the answer reveals one of the quiet strengths of Finland’s education system: intrinsic motivation.
Finnish students aren’t driven by competition or the pressure to impress. They’re encouraged to learn because learning itself is valuable. Whether it’s solving a math problem, exploring a historical event, or creating a piece of art, the goal is understanding and discovery, not simply scoring points.
This nurtures a genuine love of learning, one that lasts far beyond school.
"Personal Best" Over "Top of the Class"
Rather than aiming to be better than others, Finnish students are guided to be better than they were yesterday. Teachers work with students to set individual goals based on their strengths, challenges, and interests.
Progress is celebrated not when it surpasses someone else, but when it reflects personal effort and improvement. This creates a learning environment where success feels possible for everyone.
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Without the pressure of ranking students, teachers are free to take on a different role, not as judges, but as mentors and allies.
They support, encourage, and guide each learner, building mutual trust and respect. When students feel seen and supported, they’re more likely to engage, participate, and take ownership of their learning.
One of the cornerstones of Finland’s education system is the role of the teacher. Finnish teachers are not positioned as gatekeepers or judges, ranking students by performance. Instead, they serve as guides, mentors, and facilitators of learning, walking alongside students, not standing above them.
In Finland, teaching is one of the most respected professions. To become a teacher, candidates must complete a master’s degree in education, which includes advanced studies in:
This rigorous preparation equips teachers to:
This level of expertise allows teachers to work proactively, not reactively. They don’t wait for a student to fail a test to know something is wrong, they observe, listen, and adapt continuously.
In many countries, teachers are under pressure from standardized tests, national scoreboards, and rigid evaluation systems. But in Finland, teachers are given what professionals everywhere crave: trust.
They are not micromanaged by frequent inspections or national rankings. Instead, schools and government policies provide the freedom and flexibility for teachers to make informed decisions based on the needs of their students.
This trust allows teachers to:
As a result, teachers feel empowered, and students benefit from an education that is both thoughtful and responsive.
Finnish teachers are not preparing students to simply pass the next test. They are helping them build skills that will serve them for life.
Lessons often focus on:
These are the kinds of skills that go beyond the classroom, into work, relationships, and society.
By guiding students instead of ranking them, Finnish teachers cultivate independent, resilient, and socially aware learners who are equipped not just for exams, but for life.
One of the key reasons Finland’s schools don’t rank students is because ranking goes against the heart of their educational philosophy: inclusion. In Finnish schools, every child belongs in the same classroom, regardless of ability, background, or learning pace.
Rather than sorting students into levels or separating them based on test scores, Finland believes in growing together, and this approach changes everything.
In many education systems, students are divided into groups, “gifted,” “average,” or “behind.” But in Finland, such divisions are avoided. Classrooms are intentionally heterogeneous, meaning students with different abilities and strengths learn side by side.
This diversity isn’t seen as a challenge, it’s viewed as an asset. Students are encouraged to help each other, learn from different perspectives, and build a sense of shared responsibility for learning.
Teachers are trained to adapt instruction for a wide range of learners. Instead of delivering one-size-fits-all lessons, they use flexible methods that meet students where they are.
When a student struggles, they are not labeled or left behind. Instead, the system offers gentle, early intervention.
Special educators often work directly in the classroom, side-by-side with general teachers, offering extra help without removing the student from their peers. This keeps learning integrated and stigma-free.
The idea is simple: catch learning difficulties early, support them with skill, and keep the student connected to their learning community.
Individual Learning Plans
If a student needs more personalized support, they may receive an individual learning plan, a tailored roadmap designed with the student’s pace, strengths, and goals in mind.
These plans aren’t seen as a sign of weakness. In fact, they reflect Finland’s deep respect for personalized learning. The goal isn’t for all students to do the same thing at the same time, it’s for each student to grow meaningfully on their own terms.
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In Finnish classrooms, differences are normal. Whether a student has a learning disability, is new to the Finnish language, comes from a migrant background, or simply learns differently, they are welcomed, supported, and valued.
This strong sense of belonging boosts confidence, improves academic outcomes, and creates a more empathetic school culture.
It’s a question many educators and parents ask when they first hear about Finland’s non-competitive approach:
“If there are no rankings or academic pressure, do students still achieve excellence?”
The answer is yes, absolutely. But in Finland, excellence looks different.
Finnish students regularly perform well in global education rankings, including the highly respected PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment). What makes this even more remarkable is that they achieve these results without constant testing, ranking, or pressure to compete.
The secret lies in what Finland values and how it defines success. Finnish education isn’t focused on racing ahead or outperforming others. Instead, it emphasizes depth, understanding, and long-term mastery.
Here’s what sets their approach apart:
This approach leads to students who are more confident, more capable, and more curious, qualities that are often lost in pressure-filled systems.
In Finland, excellence isn’t about selecting the top 5% and leaving the rest behind. It’s about lifting the entire class, making sure that every student has the chance to thrive. There’s a national commitment to ensuring equity in education, from equal funding for schools to individual support for learners who need extra help. The belief is simple: if we support everyone, everyone rises.
Finland’s education system offers a powerful reminder: great learning doesn’t have to come from competition, pressure, or constant testing. It shows us that when schools prioritize equity, well-being, and trust, students can thrive, and so can society.
Here are a few key lessons that educators and policymakers around the world can take from the Finnish model:
In many systems, competition is used as a tool to push students, to drive motivation through rankings, awards, or punishments. Finland proves that this isn’t necessary.
When students feel safe, supported, and respected, they are naturally motivated to learn. They don’t need to compete with each other to try hard, they do it because they feel ownership and pride in their learning journey.
There’s a common myth that focusing on equity means lowering standards. Finland turns this myth on its head.
By investing in equal access, early support, and inclusive practices, Finland ensures that no student is left behind, and in doing so, raises the overall performance of all students.
In Finland, teachers are seen as experts, not just employees. They receive high-quality training and are trusted to make the best decisions for their students.
Without constant testing and rigid oversight, teachers can focus on creative teaching, meaningful feedback, and real connection with learners. This level of autonomy empowers them to create flexible, responsive, and inspiring classrooms.
The result? Better teaching, better learning.
When students are calm, confident, and emotionally balanced, they are more likely to engage, persist, and succeed.
Finland’s model prioritizes mental health, social-emotional learning, and a healthy school-life balance. This makes schools not just places of achievement, but places where students feel they truly belong.
Academic performance improves naturally when students feel good about themselves and their learning environment.
TechClass offers guided school visits in Finland, giving you a chance to:
Whether you’re a school principal, teacher, policymaker, or education enthusiast, visiting Finland’s schools will inspire and inform your work.