What to know about schools starting on Wednesday, August 12
Oulu’s basic and upper secondary schools open once again on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. Individual schools notify in more detail about the starting of the fall term on their websites and on Wilma. Preschools open in Oulu on Monday, August 17.
Approximately 1 900 first graders are starting their school career this fall. 1 800 new students will start in Oulu’s upper secondary schools. Oulu Lyseo’s new English programme launches in the IB facilities. 13 students chosen by entrance exams will start in the programme.
Paid afternoon activities are offered to students who received spots in them. Afternoon groups operate at schools, youth centres, and parish facilities from 11.00–16.30.
On top of paid afternoon activities, the city organizes free-of-charge afternoon activities in youth centres all around the city. The schools also offer different free-of-charge clubs. Schools will notify the guardians and pupils about the clubs.
More support for student wellbeing, literacy, and language skills
Three focus areas have been outlined for Oulu’s basic schools for the years 2026–2029. Basic skills – literacy, writing, numeracy, multi-literacy, and learning prerequisites – will be reinforced. Co-teaching and clear support practices will become fixed parts of everyday life at schools. Communality and student participation is also increased to reinforce the sense of belonging and reduce absences.
Local elaborations to the basic curriculum came into effect in early August. The reforms will reinforce the wellbeing, literacy, and language support of students.
Promoting active lifestyles in preschool and basic education becomes mandatory as the fall term begins. Promoting active lifestyles is a central goal of the basic education operational culture. Activity is promoted during the school day with pedagogic solutions, diversifying learning environments, and increasing activity in everyday situations. At least one outdoor recess is guaranteed to all students.
Literacy work is promoted with a city-wide outline which states that each student should read at least four full books during a school year. The goal is to promote the equal development of literacy and multi-literacy in all age groups.
Language support is reinforced especially for the Finnish skills, participation, and integration of students with immigrant backgrounds. New additional preparatory support will be adopted. It is meant for students with immigrant backgrounds who were not born in Finland and whose language skills are not yet sufficient for basic education. The support is targeted primarily for grades 5–9.
Finnish-as-second-language (S2) teaching will also be simplified. Pupils will study according to the syllabus that suits their language skills. The syllabus’ suitability is monitored and evaluated regularly. The goal is to transfer the student from S2 teaching to Finnish and literature courses once their Finnish skills have improved enough.
Wilma’s replacement DigiOne is gradually adopted
Wilma will be replaced by the DigiOne service. It will be adopted gradually starting in August. Madekoski School will adopt DigiOne in the third school week and Ylikiiminki School after the fall break. Future plans for adoption will be compiled based on these first trials.
The renovated and renewed primary school unit of Pateniemi School in Herukka will be taken into use at the start of the fall semester. The Pateniemi unit will now include a daycare centre and youth facilities as well. Teuvo Pakkala School will return to their own school from the temporary facilities in Oulunsuu School after the fall break as the renovation is finished.
School terms and holidays of Oulu’s basic and upper secondary schools 2026–2027