Literacy has been universal in Iceland since the end of the eighteenth century. In 1907 school attendance was made obligatory for all children aged 10-14. Before the age of ten they were generally taught at home. In 1946 compulsory school attendance was extended, and at present it covers the ages between 7 and 16. Those who wish to continue their education either go to various specialised schools or to secondary schools.
There are number of universities in Iceland. The largest is the University of Iceland with about 8,000 students.
Primary school education is compulsory for Icelandic children aged 6-16. Tuition and textbooks are free of charge. The school year normally comprises 9 months, from the beginning of September to the end of May. Most schools in the urban areas of the country are within walking distance from the children's homes. In the more rural areas the children usually attend boarding schools.
The main primary school subjects are: Icelandic (grammar and literature), Danish, English, Mathematics, History, Social Studies, Science, Handicraft, Home Economics, Music and Sports -- swimming practice is compulsory. For the purposes of overall evaluation and comparison, the students -- at the conclusion of 10th grade -- take standardized tests in Icelandic and Mathematics. The outcome of these tests is also an important factor in the student's application process to the next school level. All other examinations and assessments are the responsibility of the individual schools and their teachers.
Higher Education
There are two types of higher educational institutions in Iceland, universities and colleges. The modern Icelandic system of higher education dates back to the founding of the University of Iceland in 1911. Universities have research responsibilities and offer more than one program of study. Colleges offer specialized training courses at higher education level, but generally do not carry out research. Their teaching is, however, based on the results of university research.
There is no general legislation covering higher education as a whole in Iceland. Constitutionally each higher education institution is directly responsible to the Minister of Culture and Education. The law governing the operation of each institution defines its main role in education and research, the degrees granted and length of the various programs offered, the competent administrative authorities and the form of their control, and structure of their internal organization and administration. Within the framework of the available appropriations, the individual institutions draw up and update their programs, determining their aims, scope and duration, and the form and content courses. Most of the higher educational institutions are run by the State, while three are operated by private parties in cooperation with the State.