Grading scales in Åland

Åland has its own legislative authority in education and teaching, and the grading scales differ depending on whether the studies are at the level of basic education, upper secondary school or university of applied sciences. Younger pupils receive verbal assessments, while from year 3 onwards, pupils' and students' knowledge is generally assessed using numerical grades. 

For more information on studying in Åland, go to the Guide: Studying in Åland.

In grades 1 and 2, students receive verbal assessments. The assessment describes the pupil's knowledge, skills, development, responsibility and cooperation. At the end of each term, a term report is given detailing the pupil's knowledge and achievements during the term. The annual report summarises performance for the entire academic year. It also states whether the pupil will move up to the next grade. The class teacher signs the report and the guardians confirm that they have read the information.

From grades 3 to 9, knowledge and skills are assessed using a seven-point scale from 4 to 10, where 4 is a fail and 10 is excellent knowledge and skills. At the end of each school year, pupils receive a school year report and at least one intermediate report during the school year. Responsibility and cooperation are still assessed through a verbal assessment. The reports are signed by the principal and the class teacher. Guardians confirm that they have read the assessment.

More information about the assessment system, including for home-schooled pupils, is available on the Läroplan.ax website under Assessment and evaluation. Information on basic education is available on the Info Norden page Basic education in Åland.

Åland Upper Secondary School is the authority responsible for providing upper secondary education in two schools. Ålands Lyceum is responsible for general upper secondary education and Åland Vocational High School for basic vocational education. More information is available on the page Upper secondary school and vocational education in Åland.

Ålands lyceum

At Ålands Lyceum, a grading scale from 4 to 10 is used, where 4 is a fail and 10 is excellent performance. After completing each study section, the student receives a numerical grade or a performance note. The Lyceum’s compulsory and optional study sections, thematic studies and upper secondary school diploma are assessed with numbers or a completed studies note. Read more about grades and assessment on the Åland Lyceum webpage Numerical grades and performance notes.

The matriculation examination is graded using the letters L, E, M, C, B, A and I. Grades L–A are pass grades, and I is fail. More information on matriculation examination grades can be found on the Åland Upper Secondary School website or on the webpage on point limits.

Åland Vocational High School

Åland High School uses a grading scale from 0 to 5. Grade 0 is a fail and 5 is excellent. HUTH (preparation for higher education) study sections are assessed according to Åland Lyceum's criteria and study section descriptions. These study sections are assessed either on a scale of 4 to 10 or with a performance note. More information about assessment and grades can be found on the Åland Upper Secondary School website.

Åland University of Applied Sciences is Åland's only higher education institution. Åland University of Applied Sciences uses a grading scale from 0 to 5, where 0 is fail and 5 is excellent. Some courses may also be graded as either pass or fail. The assessment used is specified in the course description. 

The European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) is also used, and academic performance is assessed using ECTS credits. ECTS makes it easier for students to move between countries and have their foreign courses and degrees recognised. One full-time academic year corresponds to 60 credits or ECTS, which is 40 weeks of full-time study. More information is available on the page Higher education in Åland and on the European Credit Transfer System website.

Anyone who has a school leaving certificate from basic education is entitled to apply with their grades for upper secondary education in Åland. Applications are made under a general quota or an individual quota, depending on educational background. Selection is based on the leaving certificate or equivalent basic education certificate and any additional factors included in the selection process.

The application must be made via the individual quota if the leaving certificate is from a comprehensive school in Åland, Finland, another Nordic country or an EU or EEA country and contains adapted courses based on an individual plan. It is also possible to apply to Åland Upper Secondary School through an entrance examination. Information on the application process and quota-based scoring can be found on the Åland Upper Secondary School website under Application and admission.

It is possible to apply to Åland University of Applied Sciences with matriculation certificates from all countries. Certificates in languages other than Swedish must be accompanied by a translation into Swedish or English when applying. The scoring system at Åland University of Applied Sciences varies between educational programmes. The assessment is based on grades in individual subjects, the average of the matriculation certificate, and work experience or entrance examination. There is no fixed score limit for admission; eligible applicants with the highest scores are admitted. More information about how points are calculated can be found on the university's website under Application.

On the Info Norden website there is information on grading scales in the other Nordic countries, as well as contact details for the authorities that can answer questions.