Legislation in force Icelandic legislation 1 January 2014 — Edition No 143a

Compulsory School Act
2008 No 91 12 June

Entry into force 1 July 2008 Amended by Act No 34/2009 (entry into force 8 April 2009), Act No 35/2009(entry into force 8 April 2009), Act No 38/2009 (entry into force 8 April 2009), Act No 91/2011 (entry into force
1 July 2011), Act No 126/2011 (entry into force 30 September 2011) and Act No 180/2011 (entry into force
30 December 2011).

Any reference in this Act to “the Minister” or “the Ministry” not accompanied by express
mention of or reference to a specific field of responsibility shall be understood as being areference to the Minister of Education, Science and Culture or to the Ministry of Education,
Science and Culture as responsible for the implementation of this Act.

Section I Scope; role of compulsory schools; compulsory schooling
Article 1 Scope
This Act shall apply to compulsory schools run by municipalities, to privately-run
compulsory schools that have been accredited pursuant to this Act, and to other types ofrecognised education at the compulsory level. All schools offering education at thecompulsory level are referred to as compulsory schools.
Article 2 Objective
The role of compulsory schools is to cooperate with homes in promoting the all-rounddevelopment of all pupils and their participation in a democratic society in constantdevelopment. The manner of operation of compulsory schools shall be characterised bytolerance and charity, guided by the Christian heritage of Icelandic culture and marked byequality, democratic cooperation, responsibility, consideration, forgiveness and respect forhuman worth. Compulsory schools shall also seek to organise their work in a way that
corresponds as fully as possible with the circumstances and needs of pupils, and to promote
the all-round development, well-being and education of each individual.
Compulsory schools shall promote open-mindedness among pupils and strengthen theirproficiency in the Icelandic language and their understanding of Icelandic society, its history
and specificities, people’s living conditions, and the individual’s duties to the community, theenvironment and the world. Pupils shall be given the opportunity to show creativity and toacquire knowledge and skills in the constant pursuit of education and maturity. Schoolingshall provide the foundations necessary for pupils to show initiative and independent thinking,and enhance their cooperation skills.
Compulsory schools shall promote close cooperation between the home and the school witha view to ensuring successful schooling and the general welfare and safety of pupils.
Article 3 Compulsory schooling
The duration of compulsory schooling shall generally be ten years, but may be shortened inaccordance with Article 32. School attendance is mandatory for all children, in general
between the ages of 6 and 16.
Parents shall safeguard the interests of their children of compulsory school age. For thepurposes of this Act, a parent is any individual who has custody of a child within the meaningof the Act in Respect of Children.
Section II Governance of compulsory schools
Article 4 General administration
The [Minister] shall assume responsibility for the general administration of any matter
governed by this Act; issue the National Curriculum Guide for Compulsory Schools; provide
learning materials to compulsory schools; oversee quality assurance in schools; collect,analyse and disseminate information; support developmental work in schools; and rule on any
disputes that may arise in accordance with the provisions of this Act. The [Ministry] shallensure that municipalities meet their obligations pursuant to this Act, any regulations or rules
issued on the basis thereof, and the National Curriculum Guide for Compulsory Schools. The
Minister shall every three years report to the Althing on the implementation of compulsory
education in Iceland, based amongst other things on reports on the operation of schools
submitted by municipalities pursuant to Article 37.
(1)

(1)

(1)

Act No 91/2011, Article 1.

Article 5 Municipalities
The operation of regular compulsory schools and the related costs shall be the responsibilityof each municipality. Municipalities shall be responsible for the general organisation ofschooling in their compulsory schools; the development of individual schools; the premises
and equipment provided to compulsory schools; special classes in compulsory schools;
specialist services; evaluation and quality assurance measures; the collection anddissemination of information; and the implementation of compulsory schooling in themunicipality. Municipalities shall establish a general policy on compulsory schooling andmake it known to their inhabitants. The Municipal Council shall instigate cooperation
between preschools and compulsory schools, as well as between compulsory schools andupper secondary schools.
Municipalities shall be responsible for any cooperation taking place between compulsory
schools and third parties.
Municipalities have the obligation to ensure that children of compulsory school age within
the meaning of Article 3 who are legal residents of the municipality, as well as children who
have been placed in the care of foster parents residing in the municipality, attend acompulsory school according to the further provisions of this Act. [Prior to placing a child infoster care, the relevant child protection committee shall investigate the circumstances of thecase in consultation with the local school authorities and assess the potential of thecompulsory school concerned to meet the needs of the child.]
If the legal residence of the child has not been determined by competent authorities, theMunicipal Council shall decide upon the child’s compulsory schooling, provided that thechild resides in the municipality and that a request for its admission to school has been
submitted pursuant to Article 19. The refusal of the Municipal Council to admit a child issubject to appeal under Article 47. The [Ministry] may issue a ruling requiring the local
authorities to admit a child to a compulsory school in the municipality.
The Municipal Council of the municipality where a child has legal residence may conclude
an agreement with another municipality to admit the child to a compulsory school, in whichcase the receiving municipality shall have the same obligations in relation to the child’s
schooling as if had been a legal resident in that municipality.
[The Minister shall, in consultation with the Association of Local Authorities, theGovernment Agency for Child Protection and other public authorities, issue a Regulation on
the implementation of this Article, including provisions on the schooling of foster children,
both on the professional and financial aspects thereof and on the cooperation of the parties
(1)

(2)

(3)

concerned. A complaints board composed of representatives of the Ministry, the Associationof Local Authorities and the Government Agency for Child Protection shall rule on any
disputes that may arise.]
(1)

(1)

Act No 91/2011, Article 2. Act No 126/2011, Article 492. Regulation No 547/2012.
(1)

(3)

Article 6 School boards
In each municipality, a School Board operating on behalf of the Municipal Council shall becharged with compulsory school affairs pursuant to applicable laws and regulations and as
determined by the Municipal Council(s) concerned.
The main tasks of the School Board shall be as follows:a. To ensure that all children of compulsory school age who have the right to attend schoolin the municipality receive legally mandated compulsory education;b. To approve the annual operating plan and the school curriculum guide of each individual
school;c. To oversee the implementation of education and teaching in the municipality and thedevelopment of school curriculum guides, and to make proposals to the headteacher and/or
the Municipal Council regarding improvement in schooling;d. To oversee and promote the access by pupils and schools to specialist services;e. To ensure at all times the existence of appropriate premises for teaching and otherfacilities, including an outdoor area and playground for pupils;
f. To monitor compliance with the provisions of laws and regulations and make proposals to
the Municipal Council on possible improvements;
g. To promote contacts and cooperation between preschools and compulsory schools andbetween compulsory schools and upper secondary schools.
The School Board shall be elected by the relevant Municipal Council at the start of eachelective term. Elections to the School Board and its manner of operation shall be governed by
the provisions of the Local Government Act and by the ordinances of the municipality
concerned. Alternate board members shall be of the same number as principal members andelected in the same way.
Headteachers, compulsory school teachers and parents in each municipality shall each electone principal and one alternate representative to attend School Board meetings with the rightto speak and propose motions.
Appeals to the School Board pursuant to this Act shall be dealt with in accordance with therules of the Administrative Procedures Act. As regards limitations on the eligibility of board
members and other representatives with a right to attend board meetings, the provisions of the
Local Government Act shall apply.
Article 7 Headteachers
Every compulsory school shall be led by a headteacher who has the direction of the school,provides professional leadership and assumes responsibility for the school’s work vis-à-vis theMunicipal Council. The headteacher shall promote cooperation between all members of theschool community. The headteacher shall call teachers’ meetings as often as required during
the operating period of the compulsory school. Teachers’ meetings shall be attended byteachers and other staff with specialist training. The headteacher shall call staff meetings asoften as required.
The headteacher shall make proposals to the Municipal Council regarding the administrative
organisation of the compulsory school, taking into account the needs of the school concerned.
The headteacher shall decide on the tasks of the other administrators of the school, one ofwhich shall serve as deputy headteacher.
Where a compulsory school has fewer than 60 pupils and no other administrators, theheadteacher shall decide at the beginning of each school year which of the school’s permanentteachers shall assume the role of headteacher in case of the headteacher’s absence.

Article 8 School councils
Each compulsory school shall operate a School Council which shall serve as a forum for
consultation between the headteacher and the school community regarding the operation of
the school. The School Council shall participate in setting the school’s strategic direction andin developing its specific character. The School Council shall discuss the school curriculum
guide, the school’s annual operating plan, its financial plan and any other plans relating to theoperation of the school. The School Council shall be invited to comment on any plans
involving major changes to the operation and work of the school before a final decision isreached. The School Council shall maintain general supervision of the safety, welfare andgeneral well-being of pupils. Subject to the consent of the Municipal Council, the School
Board established pursuant to Article 6 may assign specific additional tasks to the School
Councils of individual schools.
Each School Council shall be composed of nine members, appointed for a period of two
years at a time, including two teachers’ representatives, one representative of other staff at theschool concerned, two pupils’ representatives and two parents’ representatives, in addition to
the headteacher who shall chair the Council and be responsible for its establishment.
Additionally, the School Council shall select as one of its members either a representative ofthe local community or an additional representative from among parents. Moreover, theheadteacher shall summon once a year a joint meeting of the School Council and the board of
the pupils’ association. [A temporary exemption from the provisions of this paragraph may berequested through an application addressed to the Ministry and accompanied by a reasonedstatement. The statement must make clear how the tasks of the School Council will be carriedout. Any exemption must be justified by objective reasons, such as a small student populationor special circumstances.]
The Minister shall issue a Regulation on the operation of School Councils in consultation
with local authorities’, teachers’ and parents’ associations.
(1)

(2)

(1)

Act No 91/2011, Article 3. Regulation No 1157/2008.
(2)

Article 9 Parents’ associations
A parents’ association shall be operated at every compulsory school. The headteacher shallbe responsible for the establishment of the association and ensure that it receives any
necessary support. The role of the parents’ association is to support the school’s work,
promote the welfare of pupils and strengthen the relations between the home and the school.
The parents’ association of each school shall set its own rules, including on elections to its
board and the election of representatives to the School Council.
Article 10 Pupils’ associations
A pupils’ association shall be operated at every compulsory school; the headteacher shall be
responsible for its establishment. The responsibilities of the pupils’ association shall include
the management of pupils’ social activities, their general interests and their welfare; theheadteacher shall ensure that the association receives any necessary support.
The pupils’ association of each school shall set its own rules, including on elections to its
board and the election of representatives to the School Council pursuant to Article 8, second
paragraph.
Section III Staff of compulsory schools
Article 11 Recruitment
The recruitment of headteachers and other staff of compulsory schools shall be governed by
the provisions of the Local Government Act and further provisions contained in the ordinanceon the government of the municipality as applicable.
[Recruitment requirements for headteachers, teachers and school counsellors (eductionaland career counsellor) of compulsory schools shall be as determined in applicablelegislation.]
Persons having been convicted for violating the provisions of Section XXII of the General
Penal Code must not be hired as compulsory school employees. Prospective employees shallpresent their criminal records or authorise the headteacher to obtain the record from the penal
register.
(1)(1)

Act No 35/2009, Article 9.

Article 12 Staff
All staff of compulsory schools shall in their work show proof of professionalism,
commitment and conscientiousness. Staff must exercise courtesy, consideration and tact intheir relations with children, their parents, and co-workers.
All staff of compulsory schools shall observe the utmost confidentiality with regard to
information on the personal situation of children and their parents of which they gain
knowledge in their work and which are covered by a secrecy requirement according to law,
the orders of superiors, or by the nature of the case. The obligation of confidentiality shallcontinue to apply even after the employment of person in question ends. The obligation ofconfidentiality of compulsory school staff shall not extend to information on incidents that are
subject to statutory reporting requirements. The headteacher shall remind staff of theexistence of the above obligations, in particular the statutory reporting requirement of theChild Protection Act.
At the headteacher’s initiative, each school shall elaborate a plan on how to organise
lifelong learning for its staff so as to achieve the best alignment with the priorities laid downby the school and the municipality and in the National Curriculum Guide.
Headteachers and teachers of compulsory schools shall have the possibility to participate inlifelong learning on a regular basis in order to enhance their professional competence. They
shall also have the possibility to take study leave.
Section IV Pupils
Article 13 Pupils’ rights
Compulsory schools are the workplace of pupils. All pupils in compulsory schools shall beentitled to receive suitable instruction within an encouraging study environment and in
appropriate premises adapted to their needs and general well-being. Each compulsory school
shall in all respects organise its work so as to allow pupils to feel safe and develop theirabilities. Pupils have the right to enjoy the benefit of their childhood in all school work. Careshall be taken to maintain a reasonable workload so as to ensure sufficient rest for pupils fromorganised activities within the school day and over the school year, including by organisingcontinuous breaks over Christmas and Easter. Pupils shall have the right to express theirviews on the study environment, learning arrangements, the organisation of schooling, andany other decision concerning them. These views shall be taken into account where possible.
Every pupil shall have a class teacher. Class teachers shall closely monitor the schooling of
their pupils, their development, well-being and general welfare, guide them in their studies
and school work, assist and advise them regarding personal matters, and work to strengthen
the cooperation between the school and the home.
[Pupils in compulsory schools shall be entitled to school counselling by persons meeting therequirements of the Act on school counsellors.]
1)

1)

Act No 35/2009, Article 9.

Article 14 Pupils’ responsibilities
Pupils shall be responsible for their own learning, their behaviour and their social
interactions, taking into account their age and level of maturity.
Pupils must follow the instructions of teachers and compulsory school staff regarding any
school-related matter, obey school rules, and respect general rules of conduct in theirinteractions with school staff and fellow pupils.
In the case of highly inappropriate behaviour by a pupil, the pupil’s teacher shall attempt todetermine the causes of the behaviour and seek ways to improve it, including throughconversations with the pupil and her/his parents. If the situation nevertheless does not
improve, the teacher shall solicit the help of the headteacher and experts from among theschool’s counsellors, who shall then seek appropriate remedies, taking due account, whereapplicable, of the role of child protection authorities.
While a case pursuant to the third paragraph remains unresolved, the headteacher may
suspend or permanently dismiss the pupil, provided that any such decision is reported
immediately to the pupil’s parents and to the School Board. Decisions to this effect shall begoverned by the provisions of the Administrative Procedures Act. The School Board shallhave an obligation to ensure, within reasonable time limits, that a suspended pupil receives
suitable instruction.
Decisions pursuant to the fourth paragraph are subject to appeal under Article 47. If themunicipality fails to ensure instruction for the pupil, the Ministry may issue a ruling requiring
the municipality to provide the pupil with further specified instruction within a certain time
limit.
The Minister shall issue a Regulation containing more detailed provisions on theimplementation of this Article.
1)

1)Regulation No 1040/2011.

Article 15 Compulsory schooling
Pupils are obliged to attend compulsory school pursuant to Article 3. Compulsory schooling
may be provided by compulsory schools run by municipalities, by privately run compulsory
schools or by other recognised means in accordance with this Act.
A child’s compulsory schooling normally starts at the beginning of the school year on thecalendar year in which the child turns six years old. Parents may request or consent to an
earlier or later start to their child’s schooling. The headteacher may authorise this, after
obtaining the opinion of the specialist services.
The headteacher may exempt a pupil from compulsory schooling in a particular subject if
this can be objectively justified. The headteacher may furthermore recognise studies outside
the compulsory school system as equivalent to compulsory school studies.
Where the parents of a child of compulsory school age request that the child be temporarily
exempted from attending a particular subject or from school attendance in general, theheadteacher may grant such an exemption if this is considered to be objectively justified. Insuch cases, the parents shall ensure that the pupil catches up any school work missed while
the exemption lasts.
Decisions to grant or refuse exemptions pursuant to the third and fourth paragraphs shall begoverned by the provisions of the Administrative Procedures Act. Any such decision is
subject to appeal under Article 47. The Minister may issue a ruling providing for a full or
partial exemption to be granted, even when a request to this effect has not been agreed to by
the municipality.
Guidelines on the granting of exemptions pursuant to this Article shall be issued as part of
the National Curriculum Guide for Compulsory Schools.
Article 16 Reception plans; pupils whose native language is not Icelandic
The language of instruction in compulsory schools shall be Icelandic. Other languages than
Icelandic may be used for instruction whenever this is required by the nature of the matter orby the National Curriculum Guide.
Compulsory schools shall adhere to the reception plan of the relevant school or municipality
when receiving children who are starting school, transferring between schools or who havenot attended school previously in Iceland. At that point, parents shall be provided with

information about their child’s schooling and the operation of the school in general, andparents whose native language is not Icelandic and deaf parents shall be informed of theirright to interpretation services.
Reception plans for pupils whose native language is not Icelandic shall take into
consideration the pupils’ background, their language skills and their competence in othersubject areas. Schools shall ensure that the pupils and their parents receive counselling andaccess to information about compulsory schooling.
Pupils whose native language is not Icelandic shall be entitled to training in Icelandic as asecond language. The aim of the training shall be for the pupils to become actively bilingualand capable of studying at compulsory schools and becoming active participants in Icelandic
society. Compulsory schools may validate the native language skills of pupils whose native
language is not Icelandic as part of their compulsory schooling, replacing compulsory
schooling in another foreign language.
Article 17 Pupils with special needs
Pupils shall have the right to have their needs for education met in a regular, inclusive
compulsory school, regardless of their physical or mental abilities.
Pupils whose learning difficulties are caused by specific learning disabilities, emotional orsocial difficulties and/or disabilities, within the meaning of Article 2 of the Act on the Affairsof Disabled People, as well as pupils with dyslexia, suffering from long-term illnesses or withhealth-related special needs, shall be entitled to special learning support based on anassessment of their special needs.
Pupils who because of an accident or long-term illness are unfit to attend school, as
determined by a physician, shall be entitled to receive instruction for medical reasons either athome or at a medical facility. The municipality concerned shall be responsible for
implementing instruction for medical reasons.
If in the opinion of the a child’s parents, headteachers, teachers or other specialists, the childwill not be able to receive suitable instruction at a regular compulsory school, the parents can
ask for their child to be admitted to a special class in a compulsory school or to a specialised
school.
Disputes concerning a pupil’s schooling shall be resolved with due regard to the provisionsof the Administrative Procedures Act. A decision shall be reached after taking into
consideration the opinion of experts and the need to protect the overall interests of the child.
Any such decision is subject to appeal under Article 47.
The Minister shall issue a Regulation containing further provisions on the implementationof this Article and the procedure to be followed. When the Ministry rules on cases referred toit on the basis of this Article, it may issue further instructions on the organisation of thepupil’s schooling and the municipality’s obligations in relation thereto.
(1)

(1)

Regulation No 585/2010.

Section V Parents
Article 18 Parents; treatment of data
Parents shall safeguard the interests of their children of compulsory school age. Parents
shall have the right to choose a compulsory school for their children within their municipality
according to the municipality’s rules. They shall also be entitled to receive information about
the operation of each school and the schooling of their children.
Parents have an obligation to provide the compulsory school with any information regarding
their child that is necessary for the operation of the school and in relation to the child’s
welfare. Personal data acquired in this way or accompanying a child from preschool shall be
subject to a strict requirement of confidentiality and to procedures in accordance with thecurrently applicable Act on the Protection of Privacy as regards the Processing of Personal

Data. Parents shall be provided with access to any such data. The treatment of data shall be
the responsibility of the headteacher or of other specialists of the municipality according to its
further decision. The Minister shall issue a Regulation on the treatment, deletion anddissemination of data and the right of parents to access data about their children. [The right ofa parent not having custody of a child to data about the child pursuant to this Act shall begoverned by the provisions of Article 52 of the Act in Respect of Children, No 76/2003.]
Parents shall consult with the compulsory school regarding their children’s schooling,
monitor and support their education and study progress, and make efforts to ensure that thechildren come to school rested and that they obey school rules. Parents shall have theopportunity to participate in their child’s education and in the work of the school in general.
In the case of parents who are not native speakers of Icelandic or who communicate in sign
language, the school shall seek to ensure interpretation of all information necessary forcommunication between parents and the school pursuant to this Article.
(1)

(2)

(1)

Regulation No 897/2009, cf. No 657/2011. Act No 38/2009, Article 2.
(2)

Article 19 Parents’ responsibilities
Parents are responsible for their children’s studies and shall monitor their progress incooperation with the children themselves and their teachers. The parents of a child ofcompulsory school age are responsible for enrolling the child in school when it reaches thatage and for its school attendance. In the case of failure by a child of compulsory school age toattend school, and where this is not due to illness or other objective reasons, the headteacher
shall seek solutions and decide on remedial measures. Moreover, the headteacher shall report
the case to the relevant child protection authorities. The headteacher shall handle the case inaccordance with the provisions of the Administrative Procedures Act. Any decision is subject
to appeal under Article 47.
The [Ministry] may issue a ruling requiring a municipality to provide specified instruction
to a particular pupil, including by admitting the pupil to a particular school within themunicipality.
(1)

(1)

Act No 91/2011, Article 1.

Section VI Buildings and facilities of compulsory schools
Article 20 [School buildings]
The Municipal Council shall prepare the construction of school buildings in consultation
with the School Board and the School Council. The municipality concerned shall provide theinitial investment costs for the construction of compulsory schools. Municipalities are also
responsible for implementing and financing the maintenance of school buildings, as well as
for the renewal and maintenance of equipment. Space shall be specifically reserved forspecialist services for children with special needs and for working facilities for staff.
[All compulsory schools shall make the necessary arrangements for the operation of aschool library or ensure by other means that its pupils have access to the services of such alibrary, which shall serve as an information centre for pupils and teachers. School libraries
shall be equipped with books and audiovisual materials in addition to other library resources
related to subjects and subject areas covered by the National Curriculum Guide for
Compulsory Schools.]
Buildings and grounds of compulsory schools must correspond to the requirements of thisAct, the Working Conditions Protection Act and the National Curriculum Guide for
Compulsory Schools. Buildings and other facilities shall conform to the objective of ensuring
the safety and well-being of pupils and staff, for example in terms of suitable furnishings,
acoustics, lighting and ventilation.
Municipalities shall consult with interested parties within the school community and withmembers of the local community regarding the design, construction and renovation of
(1)

(1)

compulsory school premises.
The Minister shall, in consultation with the Association of Local Authorities, issue a
Regulation on the premises and equipment of compulsory schools, containing further
requirements regarding facilities, equipment, the prevention of accidents and general safetymeasures within the buildings and grounds of compulsory schools.
(2)

(1)

Act No 91/2011, Article 4. Regulation No 657/2009.
(2)

Article 21 Administration of school buildings
The headteacher shall assume responsibility for the daily administration of school buildings
as further determined by the Municipal Council.
The Municipal Council may, in consultation with the headteacher, allocate school buildings
or any part thereof to other uses, provided that this does not interfere with the legal use of thebuildings.
Article 22 School transport
Municipalities shall be responsible for organising school transport where appropriate, andfor its financing. The Minister shall issue further rules concerning school transport inconsultation with the Association of Local Authorities. School transport shall be provided topupils free of charge.
(1)

(1)

Regulation No 656/2009, cf. No 882/2009, cf. No 605/2012.

Article 23 School meals
During school hours, compulsory schools shall offer meals corresponding to national dietary
goals to pupils. Municipalities may charge fees for school meals based on special rates which
they set.
Decisions on rates pursuant to this Article are subject to appeal under Article 47.
Section VII Study content; study arrangements; study programmes; assessment;
operating period
Article 24 National Curriculum Guide
The Minister shall issue a National Curriculum Guide for Compulsory Schools , whichshall be revised at regular intervals. The Guide shall include further provisions on the childrearing role of compulsory schools and the main strategies as regards teaching and theorganisation thereof, in accordance with the role of compulsory schools as outlined in
Article 2. The National Curriculum Guide shall include an emphasis on:a. pupils’ self-awareness, moral conscience, social awareness and awareness of civil
responsibility and duties;
b. physical and mental well-being, a healthy lifestyle and a responsible attitude to living
beings and the environment;c. training in the use of Icelandic in all studies;d. dramatic and artistic expression;e. pupils’ ability to understand causal relationships and draw logical conclusions;f. comprehension and productive and creative work, innovation and entrepreneurial studies;g. a good balance between academic and practical studies;h. the use of play as a means of learning and development for children;i. education that is useful to pupils in their daily lives as well as in future studies andemployment;j. the preparation of both sexes equally for active participation in society, family life andwork;
k. a variety of ways to acquire knowledge through the use of technological media,
information and communication technology, and library and source work;l. school counselling and the presentation of different occupations and study programmes as
an aid in the choice of future studies and employment.
(1)

In devising the National Curriculum Guide, in the planning of learning and teaching, and indeveloping and selecting learning materials, special care shall be taken to ensure equal
opportunities to learn for all pupils and that they are given the possibility to choose between
subject-matters and approaches in their own learning.
Learning and teaching objectives and the manner of operation of compulsory schools shallbe such as to prevent discrimination on the basis of national origin, gender, sexual orientation,
place of residence, social background, religion, health, handicap or general situation.
In all their work, schools shall promote a healthy lifestyle and take into account thepersonality, degree of maturity, abilities, skills and interests of each individual.
(1)

Notice No 760/2011. Notice No 364/2013.

Article 25 Learning objectives
The National Curriculum Guide shall outline the main objectives of learning and teaching,
the structure and organisation of the studies, as well as the proportional division of time
between different subjects and subject areas in compulsory schools. Maximum effort shall bemade to ensure a cohesive education, whilst allowing each compulsory school to decide
whether to teach individual subjects and subject areas as separate or integrated courses. The
National Curriculum Guide shall define learning outcomes within each subject area. Pupils
shall be given the possibility to fulfil the learning objectives of individual subjects and subject
areas in different ways. The National Curriculum Guide shall set performance criteria making
it possible to determine when a pupil has completed an individual subject or subject area. It
shall also define criteria for pupils who complete compulsory school in less than 10 years.
The National Curriculum Guide shall make provisions for the cooperation of compulsory
schools with preschools and upper secondary schools and the approach to be used to help
pupils adjust and move between school levels.
The National Curriculum Guide shall stipulate the content and structure of education in
Icelandic, Icelandic as a second language or Icelandic sign language, mathematics, English,
Danish or another Nordic language, arts and crafts, the natural sciences, physical education,
the social sciences, equal rights, religion, life skills, and information and communication
technology.
Article 26 Choice in school education
From the start of compulsory schooling, pupils shall have a certain amount of choice
regarding their education, including between topics, learning methods and subjects, inaccordance with the criteria of the National Curriculum Guide for Compulsory Schools andthe organisation of the school concerned. The objective shall be to make pupils responsible
for their own learning and introduce flexibility in schooling. The studies can also be partly
composed of distance education and web-based learning.
[At the lower secondary level, i.e. in grades 8 to 10, the pupils’ choice of subjects andsubject areas shall account for up to one-fifth of their study time, in accordance with further
criteria laid down in the National Curriculum Guide for Compulsory Schools. In grades 8
to 10, schools may schedule varying proportions of elective courses in each grade, and limit
pupils’ choice partly to specified subject areas.]
Formal education outside compulsory schools, for example in musical schools, may beevaluated as part of compulsory education as further stipulated in the National Curriculum
Guide for Compulsory Schools. Where a pupil engages in such studies, the Municipal Council
concerned shall not be obliged to bear any related cost, despite the studies being recognised asa replacement of part of compulsory education. Temporary participation in employment,social activities, sports or organised voluntary work may also be evaluated as part of formal
education, provided that this is consistent with the objectives of schooling.
Compulsory school pupils shall be entitled to be admitted to studies in particular subjects at
the upper secondary level while still attending compulsory school, provided that they(1)

demonstrate the necessary competence. The headteacher of the compulsory school concerned
may authorise the pupil to pursue such studies outside the school based on criteria laid downin the National Curriculum Guide. The headteacher’s decision pursuant to this Article shall begoverned by the provisions of the Administrative Procedures Act.
A refusal to evaluate studies or to issue an authorisation pursuant to this Article is subject toappeal under Article 47. The [Ministry] may issue a ruling ordering the headteacher of acompulsory school to authorise a pupil to enrol in studies at the upper secondary levelpursuant to the fourth paragraph.
(2)

(3)

(1)

Act No 91/2011, Article 5. See also Act No 91/2011, Transitional Provisions. Act No 126/2011, Article 492.
(2)

(3)

Article 27 Assessment
The assessment of the academic results and progress of pupils shall be a regular part ofschooling. The purpose of the assessment is to evaluate how successfully pupils meet theobjectives of the National Curriculum Guide and their individual learning objectives, toencourage pupils to make progress and to determine which among them may be in need of
special support. More detailed provisions on assessment shall be laid down in the National
Curriculum Guide for Compulsory Schools.
Information about individual pupils’ assessment may only be given to the pupils themselves
and to their parents. Nevertheless, the information may be provided where pupils transfer
between schools and in relation to their admission to upper secondary school, subject to astrict requirement of confidentiality and to procedures in accordance with the currently
applicable Act on the Protection of Privacy as regards the Processing of Personal Data.
Pupils and their parents shall be entitled to receive information on assessment results,
assessment methods and assessment techniques, including the right to view assessedassignments and examination papers. They shall also be entitled to an oral explanation of theassessment and to the revision by the compulsory school of the results of the assessment. No
such revision shall be considered equivalent to an administrative appeal within the meaning of
the Administrative Procedures Act.
The Minister shall issue a Regulation containing further provisions on the handling ofassessment results in compulsory schools and the exchange of information on assessment
where pupils transfer between schools and in relation to their admission to upper secondary
school, as well as on the right of parents to access such information.
(1)

(1)

Regulation No 897/2009, cf. No 657/2011.

Article 28 Operating period
The instruction period for pupils in compulsory schools shall be at least nine months every
school year. This shall include at least 180 days of school attendance. The headteacher shalldecide upon the division of this period between days of instruction and other days of school
attendance in consultation with the School Council and after obtaining the approval of the
School Board.
The minimum weekly instruction time for pupils in compulsory schools shall be:a. 1,200 minutes in grades 1 to 4;
b. 1,400 minutes in grades 5 to 7;
c. 1,480 minutes in grades 8 to 10.
The more detailed arrangement of weekly instruction time shall be decided by theheadteacher in consultation with the School Council. Daily and weekly school hours of pupils
in compulsory schools shall be decided so as to ensure a continuous school day withappropriate breaks which does not lead to unreasonable workload considering the age andmaturity of the pupils.
Minimum weekly instruction time pursuant to the second paragraph may be deviated from
temporarily provided that this is compensated by providing pupils with additional instruction
corresponding to the deviation within the same school year.

[Municipal Councils may decide to fix the dates of certain school holidays for all schools
within the municipality in consultation with interested parties.]
(1)

(1)

Act No 91/2011, Article 6.

Article 29 School curriculum guide; operating plan
Each compulsory school shall issue a school curriculum guide and an operating plan. The
headteacher shall be responsible for the adoption of these documents and shall write them in
consultation with teachers. A school curriculum guide is a more detailed version of the
National Curriculum Guide for Compulsory Schools as regards objectives, study content andassessment, the manner of operation, and evaluation and quality assurance in schools. The
school curriculum guide shall take into consideration the specific character and special
circumstances of the compulsory school concerned and shall be revised at regular intervals.
The annual operating plan shall include details on the school calendar, including theduration of Christmas and Easter holidays and other winter holidays, pupils’ study schedule,
school rules, support services, social activities, and any other aspects of the annual operationof the school. The school’s operating plan shall be submitted annually to the School Board forapproval, and its entry into force shall be confirmed by the Board where it is clear that it has
been drawn up in accordance with law, regulations, the National Curriculum Guide, collective
agreements and the Municipal Council’s decisions regarding the organisation of schooling.
The headteacher shall be responsible for the implementation of the above provisions as well
as for ensuring appropriate discussion within the school and in the School Council and forkeeping the School Board informed about the execution of the plans. The operating plan andthe school curriculum guide shall be made accessible to all members of the schoolcommunity.
Article 30 [School atmosphere
All members of the school community shall contribute to the creation and maintenance of agood working environment and a positive school atmosphere.
Headteachers and teachers shall consult with parents regarding the behaviour, well-being
and social interactions of their children. Similarly, parents shall consult with the school on theschooling of their children. The same shall apply to other legal guardians of pupils of theschool concerned.
Compulsory schools shall maintain a coherent policy on ways to prevent cases of physical,
verbal and social aggression within the school. Schools shall also maintain a plan on theimplementation of the statutory reporting requirement of the Child Protection Act, and on the
response to cases involving bullying, other types of aggression or social exclusion. Part of theimplementation of the plan shall be for each school to establish school rules. School rules
shall cover aspects such as general conduct, social interactions, punctuality, diligence in study
and a healthy lifestyle. The rules shall also specify how the school intends to respond to casesof violation of the rules.
The Minister may lay down further provisions on the responsibilities and obligations ofmembers of the school community, in a Regulation issued pursuant to this Article andArticle 14 jointly. The Regulation shall include provisions on a professional council set up by
the Ministry as an advisory body on bullying.]
(1)

2)

1)

Regulation No 1040/2011. Act No 91/2011, Article 7.
(2)

Article 31 Cost to pupils of attending compulsory school
Instruction provided to pupils in public compulsory schools as part of compulsory schoolingshall be free of charge, and neither pupils nor their parents may be charged fees for
instruction, services, learning materials or other materials that pupils are required to use in
their studies where this is consistent with the provisions of this Act and with the National
Curriculum Guide. The same shall apply to any upper secondary level courses attended bycompulsory school pupils, provided that such studies are defined as part of their compulsory

schooling. However, public authorities shall not be required to provide pupils with materials
for personal use, such as writing implements and paper.
Where a compulsory school pupil pursues studies at an upper secondary school that are
defined as part of compulsory schooling, the cost of the upper secondary level studies shall begoverned by the provisions of the Upper Secondary Education Act. In such cases, themunicipalities concerned shall pay the cost of learning materials and admission, as well as any
materials fee. Any further implementation and organisational details shall be a matter ofnegotiation between the compulsory and upper secondary schools concerned.
The [Ministry] must provide compulsory schools with learning materials corresponding to
the main objectives of learning and teaching at the compulsory level as laid down in the
National Curriculum Guide.
No fees may be collected from pupils for trips classified as field trips or which qualify
otherwise as part of their compulsory schooling. However, subsistence fees may be charged
for pupils’ study trips, in consultation with parents.
Decisions on the collection of fees pursuant to this Article are subject to appeal under
Article 47.
(1)

(1)

Act No 91/2011, Article 1.

Article 32 Completion of compulsory school
Upon completion of compulsory school, pupils shall receive a certificate attesting to thecompletion of compulsory schooling pursuant to this Act. The certificate shall contain the
pupil’s assessment report for studies during the final year of compulsory school.
The headteacher shall determine whether a pupil has completed compulsory schooling andassume responsibility for the pupil’s graduation from compulsory school. A pupil may bepermitted to graduate from compulsory school before completing 10 years of compulsory
schooling, provided that the pupil meets study requirements for compulsory schools as
described by the final learning outcomes contained in the National Curriculum Guide. Further
provisions on the implementation of this Article shall be laid down in the National
Curriculum Guide for Compulsory Schools. The headteacher’s decision in this regard shall begoverned by the provisions of the Administrative Procedures Act. Decisions to refuse
graduation from compulsory school pursuant to this Article are subject to appeal by parents
under Article 47.
Article 33 Extra-curricular activities and extended school day
Pupils at every compulsory school shall be given the opportunity to participate in extracurricular and social activities. Extra-curricular and social activities may be organised either
as part of daily school work or outside normal school hours. The Municipal Council may
furthermore offer compulsory school pupils an extended school day outside daily teaching
hours.
Municipalities may charge fees for extended school days and for extra-curricular activities
based on special rates which they set. Decisions on rates pursuant to this Article are subject toappeal under Article 47.
Article 34 Innovation Fund for schools
An Innovation Fund shall support development and innovation in schools in accordancewith official policy and the National Curriculum Guide. Contributions to the Fund shall be as
determined in the annual Budget Act. The [Ministry] shall administer the Fund and issue a
Regulation on the allocation of grants. The Fund shall be common to preschools, compulsory
schools and upper secondary schools.
By means of a Regulation, the administration of the Fund and the award of grants may be
entrusted to an institution under the authority of the Ministry or to another competent party.
(1)

(2)

(1)

Act No 91/2011, Article 1. Regulation No 242/2009.
(2)

Section VIII Evaluation and quality assurance in compulsory schools
Article 35 Objective
The objective of evaluation and quality assurance in compulsory schools is as follows:a. To make information on schooling, its results and its development available toeducational authorities, school staff, receiving schools, parents and pupils;b. To ensure that schools are operated in compliance with law, regulations and the National
Curriculum Guide for Compulsory Schools;c. To increase the quality of learning and schooling and contribute to improvements;
d. To ensure that pupils’ rights are respected and that they receive the service they areentitled to according to law.
Article 36 Internal evaluation
Each compulsory school shall systematically evaluate the results and the quality ofschooling pursuant to Article 35 with the active participation of school staff, pupils andparents as appropriate in each case.
Compulsory schools shall make public information about their internal evaluation, its
relation to the school curriculum guide and any planned improvements.
Article 37 External evaluation by municipalities
Municipalities shall perform evaluation and quality assurance in schools, cf. Articles 5
and 6, and provide the Ministry with information regarding the operation of schools, internal
evaluation by schools, external evaluation by municipalities, the implementation of theirschool policy and any planned improvements.
Municipalities shall follow up on internal and external evaluation in order for it to lead to
improvement in schooling.
Article 38 External evaluation by the [Ministry]The [Ministry] shall analyse and disseminate information about compulsory schoolingbased on information provided by municipalities pursuant to Article 37 and on data collectedby the Ministry itself.
The [Ministry] shall establish a three-year plan on surveys and assessments aimed atproviding information on the implementation of this Act and of the National Curriculum
Guide for Compulsory Schools and on other aspects of schooling. The [Ministry] shallfurthermore organise the participation in international educational and comparative studies.
The Minister shall issue a Regulation on internal and external evaluation and the obligationof municipalities to provide information, after consulting with the Association of Local
Authorities.
(1)

(2)

(2)

(2)

(3)

(1)

Act No 126/2011, Article 492. Act No 91/2011, Article 1. Regulation No 658/2009.
(2)

(3)

Article 39 Coordinated assessment
The [Ministry] shall organise coordinated assessment in compulsory schools, provide
schools with national coordinated examinations for this purpose and be responsible for the
implementation of the coordinated assessment.
All pupils in grades 4 and 7 of compulsory school shall undergo national coordinatedexaminations in Icelandic and mathematics. Pupils in the first term of grade 10 shall undergo
national coordinated examinations in Icelandic, mathematics and English. Other examinations
shall take place as decided by the Minister.
Where objectively justified and as consented by parents, the headteacher may exempt pupils
from undergoing national coordinated examinations in individual examination subjects ingrades 4, 7 and 10.
The Educational Testing Institute or other competent party, as decided by the Minister, shallbe charged with the development and implementation of coordinated assessment andexaminations pursuant to this Article. The Minister shall issue a Regulation containing moredetailed provisions on the organisation and implementation of coordinated assessment,
(1)

(2)

examinations and surveys in compulsory schools and on individual pupils’ exemptions fromcoordinated assessment, in accordance with this Article.
(1)

Act No 91/2011, Article 1. Regulation No 435/2009, cf. No 662/2009.
(2)

Section IX Specialist services and support structures of compulsory schools
Article 40 Structure and implementation of specialist services
Municipalities shall ensure the provision of specialist services in compulsory schools,
decide on the organisation of such services and promote their provision within eachcompulsory school. Specialist services comprise on the one hand support for pupils and theirfamilies, and on the other hand support for the work carried out in compulsory schools and fortheir staff.
From the start of each pupil’s schooling, compulsory schools shall implement preventive
measures consisting of screenings and observations intended to ensure that pupils receive
adequate instruction and learning support. Moreover, pupils with psychological or social
difficulties liable to affect their schooling shall receive appropriate diagnosis. All observations
by a school concerning individual pupils shall be carried out in consultation with and with theconsent of their parents; no fee may be charged for such observations. The results of suchobservations shall be reported to the parents.
A diagnosis pursuant to this Article may be requested by parents or, in consultation withthem and with their consent, by the school’s headteacher, teachers or health service staff. The
specialist services shall ensure that the diagnosis is carried out, submit a proposal on
appropriate action to the headteacher, monitor any measures to improve the situation, andevaluate the results.
Within each school, the headteacher shall coordinate the work of those responsible forindividual pupils’ cases in the fields of specialist services, school counselling and school
health services through the establishment of a Pupil Welfare Council. Consultation with themunicipality’s social services and child protection authorities regarding individual pupils’
cases shall also be promoted as deemed necessary. [A temporary exemption from individual
provisions of the Regulation on Pupil Welfare Councils may be requested through anapplication addressed to the Ministry and accompanied by a reasoned statement. Any
exemption must be justified by objective reasons, such as a small student population or
special circumstances.]
Municipalities operating compulsory schools shall instigate collaboration between specialist
services, social services, child protection authorities and health care services in themunicipality concerning pupils with special needs or long-term illnesses. Municipalities shallalso take the initiative for the collaboration of specialist services with those responsible for
specialised diagnostic and treatment solutions made available to individual pupils by thecentral government.
In implementing specialist services, municipalities shall lay particular weight on promoting
good contacts between preschools, compulsory schools and upper secondary schools in theinterest of continuity of schooling.
The Minister shall issue a Regulation on specialist services and the operation of Pupil
Welfare Councils, in consultation with the Association of Local Authorities.
A decision to refuse a parent’s request for diagnosis pursuant to the third paragraph issubject to appeal under Article 47. The Ministry may issue a ruling requiring a particularpupil to be provided with diagnosis pursuant to this Article.
(1)

(2)

(1)

Act No 91/2011, Article 8. Regulation No 584/2010, cf. No 986/2010.
(2)

Article 41 School health services
School health services in compulsory schools shall be governed by the currently applicableprovisions of the Health Services Act. The structure and arrangement of school healthservices in compulsory schools shall be decided in consultation with the School Board and theheadteacher.
The headteacher shall ensure that pupils receive school health services within the school inaccordance with the arrangement decided upon pursuant to the first paragraph.
Municipalities shall bear the initial capital cost of premises intended for health services inschools and assume responsibility for the operation thereof. The salaries of the staff of school
health services, as well as any specific costs incurred by those services, shall be borne by thebudget of the local health care centre as ‘other costs’ associated with the provision of primary
health care services; staff shall be recruited on the same basis.
Article 42 Special classes
Municipalities may set up special classes in compulsory schools or establish special schools
in those cases where regular learning or teaching approaches do not adequately serve pupils’
needs or interests. The purpose of such classes and schools is to provide pupils with a
specialised learning environment for shorter or longer periods of time, while at the same timeemphasising the provision of support and pedagogical counselling to staff at regularcompulsory schools.
Section X Accreditation of compulsory schools; common operation; home schooling
Article 43 Accreditation of compulsory schools operated by others than municipalities
The Minister may provide accreditation to compulsory schools or parts thereof, see
definition in Article 1, which are operated by others than municipalities, whether as non-profit
organisations, as companies limited by shares or as other recognised legal forms, subject tothe obtention of the municipality’s consent regarding the establishment of the school [and therelated financial contributions]. The municipality may limit its consent to a maximum
number of pupils [and to the further elaboration of certain elements of the service contract
drawn up pursuant to the second paragraph]. Such compulsory schools shall be governed, as
appropriate, by the same laws and regulations as apply to compulsory schools pursuant to
Article 1. This entails an obligation on the part of the school concerned to comply with theprovisions of the Administrative Procedures Act when making decisions that are subject toappeal under Article 47. However, this shall not apply to decisions on any fees to be charged.
[Municipalities shall sign service contracts with all compulsory schools covered by this
Article. The service contract shall contain provisions on the school’s priorities, evaluation andquality assurance measures, financial relations, and the applicability of the contract, including
a trial period. The contract shall also specify whether the service provider is permitted tocharge fees to parents and in what measure this extends to teaching and school meals. Where
appropriate, the contract shall also cover the organisation of specialist services and schooltransport. Every compulsory school which has obtained the accreditation of the Ministry shallbe entitled to being offered a service contract by the Municipal Council concerned.]
Compulsory schools which have obtained accreditation pursuant to the first paragraph shallbe entitled to a contribution from the municipal budget for each pupil who has legal residence
in the municipality in which the school operates. The contribution shall amount to at least
75 per cent of the weighted average total operating cost per pupil in all compulsory schools
operated by Icelandic municipalities, as calculated annually by Statistics Iceland. This
percentage shall apply to schools with up to 200 pupils; for each additional pupil, however,the contribution shall be at least 70 per cent. Calculations by Statistics Iceland of costs
pursuant to this Article shall take into account the change in price levels.
The Minister may issue a Regulation on the implementation of this Article in consultation
with the Association of Local Authorities and Statistics Iceland. The Regulation shall include
further details on accreditation requirements, the formalities involved, [the form and content
of service contracts, including the allocation of any operating surplus attributable to public
(1)

(1)

(1)

(2)

funds], information to be provided to municipalities and to the Ministry, the supervision ofoperations, [the withdrawal of accreditation, and the termination of a service contract forbreach].
(1)

1)

1)

Act No 91/2011, Article 9. Regulation No 699/2012.
(2)

Article 44 Experimental schools
The Minister may authorise municipalities and privately run compulsory schools to operate
experimental schools or to experiment with particular aspects of schooling by derogation fromthe provisions of this Act, of any Regulation issued on the basis thereof, and of the National
Curriculum Guide for Compulsory Schools. Such experiments shall always be subject toreasonable time limits and to a requirement for a post-experiment evaluation.
Financial support may be provided for experimental schools as well as for special
innovations, to the extent permitted by the Budget Act at each time.
Article 45 Common operation
Two or more municipalities may cooperate in running compulsory schools, cf. Section VIIIof the Local Authorities Act. An agreement shall be concluded between the municipalities
concerning the role of the School Board set up pursuant to Article 6. Where municipalities
choose to run a compulsory school in the form of an inter-municipal cooperative society
pursuant to Article 82 of the Local Government Act, the tasks of the School Board shall be
entrusted to the board of the inter-municipal cooperative society, unless the society sets up a
special board to carry out that role on its behalf. The agreement on the establishment of theinter-municipal cooperative society shall contain provisions on any such arrangement.
Where municipal cooperation on compulsory schooling involves the attendance by children
from a particular municipality of a school operated by another municipality, any relatedagreement between the municipalities shall be governed by the provisions of Article 5. Wherea considerable number of children from one municipality attends school in anothermunicipality on this basis, the municipalities concerned may decide in the ordinances on thegovernment of each municipality to appoint a representative elected by the Municipal Councilof the municipality where the children have their legal residence to the School Board of thereceiving municipality, with the right to speak and propose motions.
Municipalities may decide to operate a compulsory school, a preschool and a music school
as one unit led by one headteacher after obtaining the opinion of the relevant School Boards.
The director of such an institution shall be the holder of a certificate to teach at the preschool
and/or compulsory school level. The Municipal Council may decide to join in one council theoperations of the School Council, cf. Article 8 of this Act, and the Parents’ Council, cf.
Article 11 of the Preschool Act. This provision shall also apply to schools operated pursuant
to the first paragraph. The united school shall in other respects operate according to legislation
applicable to the respective school levels.
Article 46 Exemptions
The Minister may grant accreditation to compulsory schools and to study programmes
within regular compulsory schools operated in accordance with recognised foreign orinternational curriculum guides and study arrangements.
Parents wishing to obtain an exemption from Article 3 in order to provide partial or total
home schooling to their children shall apply for such an exemption to their municipality. The
headteacher may grant an exemption having consulted with the School Board and the school’s
specialist services. Children who receive home schooling shall be exempt from compulsory
schooling pursuant to Article 3 but shall be subject to supervision and regular assessment, andmust undergo harmonised examinations as provided for in this Act.
The Municipal Council’s decision pursuant to the second paragraph is subject to appeal
under Article 47. The [Ministry] may issue a ruling ordering a municipality to provide theparents of a child with authorisation pursuant to the second paragraph.
(1)

[The Minister shall issue a Regulation on the requirements for home schooling at thecompulsory school level and on the accreditation of compulsory schools pursuant to thisarticle.] Municipalities shall notify the Ministry of all authorisations provided pursuant to this
Article.
(2)

(3)

(1)

Act No 91/2011, Article 1. Regulation No 531/2009. Act No 91/2011, Article 10.
(2)

(3)

Section XI Dispute resolution
Article 47 Right of appeal
Decisions on the rights and duties of individual pupils made on the basis of Article 5, fourthparagraph; Article 14, fourth paragraph; Article 15, third and fourth paragraphs; Article 17,
fifth paragraph; Article 19, first paragraph; Article 23, first paragraph; Article 26, fourthparagraph; Article 31, fourth paragraph; Article 32, second paragraph; Article 33, second
paragraph; Article 40, third paragraph; and Article 46, second paragraph are subject to appeal
to the Minister. Appeals shall be governed by the provisions of the Administrative Procedures
Act.
The Municipal Council may decide in the ordinance on the government and administrationof the municipality that any appeal pursuant to the first paragraph must be preceded by areferral to the School Board or other specified entity within the municipality’s administration.
In its application of this provision, the Municipal Council shall determine whether this right ofappeal is to apply to particular categories of decisions pursuant to the first paragraph, or to
any such decision, and specify whether such decisions on the part of independently-run
compulsory schools in the municipality, cf. Article 43, are to be subject to appeal in the samemanner. Appeal procedures at the level of the municipality shall be governed by theprovisions of the Administrative Procedures Act.
Section XII Entry into force
Article 48 This Act shall enter into force on 1 July 2008. …
Transitional provisions
I. Compulsory schools that are already in operation pursuant to Article 56 of theCompulsory School Act No 66/1995, as amended by Article 22 of Act No 98/2006, shall beentitled to a financial contribution from the municipal budget pursuant to this Act despite nothaving obtained specific accreditation by the Minister. However, the municipality may limit
the contribution to a maximum number of pupils.
The government’s stake in compulsory school buildings previously owned, in whole or inpart, by the State shall be written off in 15 equal instalments in the period 1996 to 2010 andadded to the balance sheet of the municipalities responsible for the operation of the schools
and the maintenance of school premises. In the case of premises formerly used for theoperation of a school but no longer used for that purpose, the government’s stake shall remainunchanged.
II. Local authorities shall pay an amount equal to 1.3 per cent of their teachers’ andheadteachers’ base salaries into a special fund administered and maintained by the
Association of Local Authorities. The fund shall be used to pay the salaries of teachers andheadteachers of compulsory schools during study leaves lasting up to one year. The fund shallalso manage the government’s financial contributions to lifelong learning schemes forteachers and headteachers. The Association of Local Authorities shall appoint five members
to the fund’s board, two of which shall be nominated by the Icelandic Teachers’ Union andthree by the Association of Local Authorities. The board shall set its own rules of procedureand make them public.
Notwithstanding the provisions of the first paragraph, it may be decided to pay financial

contributions for teachers’ and school administrators’ study leaves into a special fund agreed
upon in collective agreements between municipalities and their negotiating partners.
Appropriations in the Budget Act towards lifelong learning schemes for teachers andheadteachers may be allocated in the same manner.
Where municipalities and their negotiating partners have established a fund pursuant to thesecond paragraph, the Minister shall publish in the B section of the Law and Ministerial
Gazette a notice announcing that the fund is to replace the fund provided for in the firstparagraph.
[Notwithstanding the provisions of the first sentence of the first paragraph, contributions
pursuant to that paragraph during the 2012 and 2013 budget years shall be paid from theMunicipal Equalisation Fund on behalf of the municipalities. In line with the agreement
signed on 5 October 2011, concerning temporary adjustments to the division of tasks between
central and local governments, the contribution shall be deducted from the contributions paidby the Municipal Equalisation Fund to municipalities in proportion to population figures on
1 December of the previous year.]
1)

1)

Act No 180/2011, Article 3.

III. Regulations, Notices and other administrative provisions laid down pursuant to Act No
66/1995, as amended, shall remain in force, insofar as they are not in conflict with this Act,
until the entry into force of new Regulations, Notices or other administrative provisions.
1)

1)

See now Regulation No 220/1999.

IV. School boards elected pursuant to the Compulsory School Act No 66/1995 shall retain
their mandates.
V. …
1)

1)

Act No 34/2009, Article 1.