The nursery class and the 10th class are not covered by the compulsory education requirement, but almost all children attend nursery classes, and about half of all pupils in the 9th class go on into the 10th. The folkeskole is a unified school in which there is no streaming at any level. The curriculum is determined by the Primary Education Act, while regulations concerning the aims of the different subjects etc. are drawn up by the Minister in accordance with the law. On completing the 9th and 10th classes the pupils can, if they so wish, take the final folkeskole examination. The local authorities have the ultimate responsibility for the folkeskole, including appointments, financial frameworks and curricula.
Every school has a board of governors in which parent representatives are in the majority.
The board of governors determines the principles for the school's activities, draws up proposals for curricula and approves teaching materials that are made available to the pupils without payment. The head teacher has the educational and administrative responsibility for the school, while the teachers enjoy a considerable degree of freedom concerning contents and teaching methods. Since 1791 teachers have been trained in training colleges, originally state-run and since 1860 also in some cases privately run. Teachers' in-service and further training takes place primarily in the Royal Danish School of Educational Studies, which also offers graduate courses. As a supplement to the folkeskole pupils in this age group can also attend local authority day continuation schools for a general training with its emphasis on practical and social subjects.