The priorities in educational development are to raise the level of education among the population and the labour force, to improve the efficiency of the education system, to prevent children's and young people's exclusion and to enlarge adults' opportunities in education and training. Special attention is also paid to better impact and internationalisation of education.

The lifelong learning viewpoint is integrated into education policy and other policy sectors relating to education and training. The aim is a coherent policy geared to educational equity and a high level of education among the population as a whole. The principle of lifelong learning entails that everyone has sufficient learning skills and opportunities to develop their knowledge and skills in different learning environments throughout their lifespan.

Policy lines and relevant programmes and projects

The Programme of the second Cabinet of Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen was published on 19 April 2007. According to the Programme, creativity, competence and a high standard of education are necessary prerequisites for the success of Finland and the Finnish people. The school system must reinforce everyone’s capacity for learning.

The aims listed in the Government Programme are given more concrete content in a strategy document and in policy programmes, which are co-financed by the Ministry of Education as regards education and research.

Education and Research 2003 -2008. Development plan

The Government has adopted a development plan called Education and Research 2003-2008, which is based on the education and science policy aims recorded in the Government Programme and the Government's Strategy Document.

The purpose of the development plan for education and research (2003-2008) is to ensure the realisation of basic security in education.

The priorities are

• to improve the efficiency of the education system
• to support children and young people
• to improve adults' opportunities for education and training