This category

Statistics Iceland collects data annually on students, staff and school operation in pre-primary schools, compulsory schools, upper secondary schools, colleges and universities. In most cases the data are collected directly from the schools.

In 1997 Statistics Iceland began gathering data on pre-primary education. The data include the number of children enrolled in pre-primary schools with December 1st as a reference date, their age, hours of attendance, personnel and the bodies responsible for the operation of pre-primary schools. 

In 1997 Statistics Iceland also began collecting information on compulsory school pupils. This information covers the number of pupils enrolled on October 15th each year, classes, subjects, number of class hours, personnel and the bodies responsible for the operation of schools at the compulsory level. From autumn 2006 the data are based on information on individual pupils.

Statistics Iceland requests that school authorities at the upper secondary and university levels submit school enrolments with October 15th as a reference date. The information includes the names and ID numbers of all their students, including information on each student's type of programme and progress of studies. These data are recorded and kept in the SI Students' Register, which dates back to the year 1975. Indentured apprentices and students abroad who are registered with the Students' Loan Fund are included. Information on foreign language learning at the upper secondary level has been collected since 1998. Since 1995 data have also been gathered on graduates in upper secondary and tertiary level education. In spring 1998 the collection of data on the personnel of upper secondary schools, colleges and universities was started. Information on the operation of schools at the upper secondary level has also been collected from 1998.

The data collected by Statistics Iceland has e.g. been used to provide data on students’ dropout at the upper secondary and tertiary level, as well as to provide data to international organizations.

Services:

• for telephone enquiries call +354–528 1100 or by e-mail

• the Statistics Iceland library gives you information on education and you can have the relevant statistics photocopied or provided in electronic form

For further information:

• Ásta M. Urbancic head of education and culture statistics, tel. +354–528 1041 (classification systems, contact with international organizations)
• Haukur Pálsson tel. +354–528 1042 (pre-primary institutions and compulsory schools)
• Konráð Ásgrímsson tel. +354–528 1043 (upper secondary schools and universities)