Denmark: a new type of vocational upper secondary school announced

A new vocational gymnasium (EPX)

To balance the upper secondary landscape and offer a clearer differentiation between general and vocational education, ensuring that students’ choices are aligned with both their interests and the needs of the labour market, the Danish government has announced its plan to introduce a new type of gymnasium, the vocational and profession-oriented gymnasium (EPX). The EPX is designed to offer a more direct route into the professions by combining general education with specialised training tailored to specific sectors. EPX graduates, depending on their years of study (2 or 3) will have the right to enrol in academy professional programmes and professional bachelor programmes, according to the legislative framework applicable.
The initiative focuses on improving accessibility, offering diversified education tracks, and strengthening ties between education and professional life, ensuring a more sustainable future for Denmark’s youth.

Economics and implementation

The Danish government is committed to ensuring that these reforms are financially sustainable and implemented effectively. Significant investments will be made in educational infrastructure, teacher training, and the development of new learning resources.

The proposed reform will cost approximately EUR 335 million (DKK 2300 million) annually from 2030 onwards. This corresponds to an increase of approximately 10% compared to today's costs. The government will also allocate a total of EUR 644 million (DKK 4 800 million) over the years 2027-34 to implement the EPX and transform the educational and institutional landscape.

Denmark’s new VET and upper secondary education reform represents a significant shift in how the country prepares its young people for the future. By offering a more diversified range of education pathways, enhancing the VET system and introducing the EPX model, the government aims to create an education system that is better aligned with the needs of the labour market while maintaining high academic standards.

Read more

• Danish Ministry of Children and Education – Proposal for reforming upper secondary education
• Danish Ministry of Children and Education – Overview of the future educational pathways for young people
• Danish Ministry of Children and Education – Financial information on the reform of upper secondary education
• Danish Ministry of Children and Education – Information on the vocational and profession-oriented gymnasium (EPX)

• Danish Ministry of Children and Education – Brief explanation of the vocational and profession-oriented gymnasium (EPX)