Vantaa launches Finland’s first municipal IB pathway from early childhood education to upper secondary education
In August 2026, Vantaa became the first municipality in Finland to introduce the International Baccalaureate (IB) program in municipal early childhood education and to build a continuous English-language pathway from early childhood education through upper secondary education. The pilot program was launched at Pakkala Y.E.S. Daycare Center.
The IB pilot program brings an international approach to early childhood education to Pakkala Y.E.S. Daycare Centre.
Read the summary
In August 2026, Vantaa became the first municipality in Finland to offer a continuous International Baccalaureate (IB) program starting from early childhood education through to upper secondary education. The pilot program began at Pakkala Y.E.S. Daycare Center, providing an English-language educational pathway.
- The IB program is integrated across municipal early childhood, basic, and upper secondary education.
- The initiative supports English-language learning from an early age, benefiting pupils and families.
- The pilot is based in the Aviapolis major region, focusing on local residents and young people.
- This pathway aims to enhance educational continuity and international-mindedness in Vantaa.
- The program is relevant for residents, families with children, immigrants, and young people seeking comprehensive IB education.
Vantaa is developing its English-language education services to meet the growing demand for international education. The aim is to offer children and the young the possibility to study in English through an uninterrupted educational pathway ranging from early childhood education all the way to upper secondary education.
The trial utilizes educational practices based on the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework. The IB program emphasizes critical thinking, internationality, interdisciplinary learning, and inquiry-based education.
Vantaa began the IB trial in a daycare center
The Y.E.S. daycare center in Pakkala was accepted in 2026 into the candidate phase of the International Baccalaureate Organization’s Primary Years Programme (PYP). The IB pedagogics used in the pilot that began in August is now also evaluated in current groups of children. Approximately 75 percent of the daycare’s activities are conducted in English, and pre-primary education is delivered entirely in English.
Approximately twenty children participate in the first phase of the pilot. The goal is to later increase the number of participants to approximately fifty children per age group and expand the program into pre-primary and basic education.
The goal is a seamless English-language educational pathway
Early childhood education and basic education utilize the Primary Years Programme (PYP) , targeted at children ages three to twelve, as well as the Middle Years Programme (MYP), targeted at children ages thirteen to sixteen. The programs are implemented in accordance with Vantaa Early Childhood Education’s curricula.
Thanks to the unified educational pathway, learners can transfer from one educational level to another without language-related interruptions. The pathway supports both English and Finnish language learning while strengthening international competencies.
Vantaa implements IB programs as early as at the upper secondary level at Tikkurila Upper Secondary School and Vocational College Varia.
Demand for English-language education keeps on growing
According to the survey conducted in 2023, the demand for English-language education in Vantaa continues to grow. In particular, the respondents to the survey consider it important that students can continue their studies in the same language from one educational level to the next.
In 2026, English-language education in accordance with the Finnish curriculum is offered in Rekolanmäki and Kaivoksela schools in grades 1–6. Furthermore, in the International School of Vantaa students can study in English throughout basic education.
The students also study Finnish on all educational levels. Learning the Finnish language supports integration and provides students with the skills needed to participate fully in Finnish society.
The study path continues in upper secondary education
At Aviapolis Upper Secondary School, which began operations in August 2026, an English-language study track is available with thirty annual student intake places. The program is intended for students who have lived in Finland for less than three years and are not yet able to study in Finnish or Swedish.
Students can also complete the IB diploma at the IB track of Tikkurila Upper Secondary School. The diploma provides general eligibility for higher education both in Finland and internationally.
Vantaa Vocational College Varia offers an IB Career-related Programme (IB CP), which combines vocational studies with international IB studies. Varia is building international educational pathways by increasing its provision of English-language qualifications and study options.
Educational services support the city's internationalization
English-language educational services make it easier for international professionals and their families to settle in Vantaa. At the same time, they improve companies’ ability to attract international talent, which strengthens the city’s vitality and competitiveness.
The expansion of educational services increases the need for personnel. Over the next few years, new teachers are expected to be recruited for early childhood and basic education, while new learning environments are being developed in the Aviapolis area.
The solutions launched in Vantaa may in the future bolster the possibilities of international education in other Finnish municipalities as well.
This is how Vantaa’s IB pathway is expanding
2001/2002
Tikkurila Upper Secondary School launches IB Diploma Programme (DP).
2022
The city council ratifies the service-network plan that outlines the expansion of English-language educational pathway and the extension of the IB continuum to basic education and early childhood education.
2023
An investigation of expanding English-language early childhood education, basic education, and upper secondary education begins.
2024
Vantaa Vocational College Varia launches the IB Career-related Programme (CP) that combines vocational education and IB studies.
2025
Preparations for expanding the IB continuum move forward. The goal is to build a unified international educational pathway from early childhood education to upper secondary education.
2026
The IB pedagogics pilot begins at the YES daycare center. At the same time, the introduction of IB into municipal early childhood education begins.
2027
The first pre-primary and first-grade groups operating under the IB program begin their studies.
2029
IB education and the English-language educational pathway move to new premises and expand in stages.
In the 2030s
Vantaa operates Finland’s first municipal IB continuum spanning from early childhood education to upper secondary education.
Who decided on the expansion of the program?
An IB working group has been established within the Education and Learning Department to prepare the project. Progress on the initiative is reviewed in stages by the department’s governing committee.
When did the first IB groups begin their operations?
The pilot took place in the 2026-2027 school year. The goal is for the first official IB groups to begin operations in August 2027.
How much does the program cost?
Additional costs related to the IB program consist of, among others, the annual fees of the international IB organization, employee training, and international partnering. The estimated costs amount to around €20 000 - €40 000 per year, depending on the expansion stage.