1. Name of  Association

FGF

2. Country

Denmark

3. Year

2005 November

4. Prepared by

PK

5. New national legislation for independent schools:

Please describe new laws which are in force or are being prepared.

A new law has been adopted by the Parliament. The law involves further supervision of the independent schools.

The regulation on supervision has been further tightened up, as the schools now are forced to indicated whether the follow the general objectives of the state school or they develop objectives of their own. In case of the latter, the schools are obliged to publish these on the homepage of the school.

   The Financial Act of 2006 includes an abolition of the transport subsidy for pupils attending independent schools. The reason being, that pupils in the state schools are not granted this subsidy in case they do not attend the local school but choose another school within the municipality – a possibility now legal be new laws

6. National discussions:

Discussions about the situation of the independent schools.

Do the discussions take place in the media, if yes, which questions are raised.

The independent school is subject to a very intense debate. The schools are accused of not taking “social responsibility” and of not being active in the process of integration of children of immigrants.

A reform of the local government in which the numbers of municipalities are decreased through merging is likely to result in closing of many minor state schools. As a result of this, parents are expected to take over the school and turn it into an independent “protest school” e.g. a school not based on ideas but only established in protest to the local authorities.

It can be described as a “democratic dilemma” as the closing down of minor state school is based of the assumption that larger units will create a better educational offer to the public.

7. Situation of the Association:

Progress, stagnation, decline.

Problems, challenges for the Association.

The independent schools are popular and experience an increasing attendance of pupils. For the time being 13% of all pupils.

8. Independent schools in general.

Growth or decline?

The schools’ financial situation?

The growth is slow but stable.

9. Special initiatives:

Has the Association during the past year made any particular initiatives in order to promote the work in the independent schools?

The association has done a lot to avoid general cuts instate funding. Especially in the case of abolition of the transport subsidy for pupils, by personal contact to parliamentarians. For the time being it seems that we will succeed.

10. Other relevant information.