ESC: Vandel Efterskole

Vandel Efterskole is a self-governing boarding school (Efterskole) offering formal secondary education for 9th-10th grade students (app. 14-17 years of age). ‘The Efterskole’ is a unique schooling concept found only in Denmark. Broadly speaking, the Efterskole is a private boarding school with government grants that provides Secondary School education for young people, predominately between the ages of 14-17. As the school is privately run, there is an annual fee for parents to send their child/children to the school, but families may apply for government funding depending on their financial status. Each ‘Efterskole’ chooses its own profile and an area on which it will focus its teaching in addition to the compulsory subjects. The profile of Vandel Efterskole is built upon Grundtvig social-cultural values, whose general principles are general education, co-existence and enlightenment for life, with emphasis on putting historical, political and cultural issues into context. Pupils’ participation in the cultural debate is also seen as an important part of the individual’s personal development. Vandel Efterskole is known for its high educational standards and pedagogical practices, but also the proven ability to develop our students both socially and academically. The majority of students continue into higher education. The foundations of the community at the school are built upon openness, friendliness, tolerance and shared responsibility. Participation in this mini-society aims to build relationships as well as further awareness and understanding of others. Vandel puts emphasis on quality education. Everybody should be able to acquire new skills and develop academically within a challenging learning environment.