Failing the grade

A lack of international schools, especially those offering the International Baccalaureate diploma, are causing major problems for top Danish companies

Top business executives are calling on the government to recognise the importance of international education for attracting and retaining foreign employees.

At the recent International Talent Symposium organised by the Danish Chamber of Commerce, among others, a new study showed just how important the availability of international schools are to large companies.

An analysis carried out by Heidrick & Struggles questioned a number of HR managers in some of the country’s biggest companies about their biggest challenges. The problem of securing a place in an international school for the children of foreign employees came surprisingly high in fifth place.

Jørgen Buhl Rasmussen, chief executive of Carlsberg, said that securing international schooling was a vital step in recruiting foreign employees.

‘If people can’t get a place for their child in an international school, then they are not ready to accept a job,’ said Rasmussen.

Economy and Business Affairs Minister Lene Espersen was also in attendance at the symposium and told Berlingske Business newspaper that she was shocked to hear about major companies losing potential employees because of a lack of international schools.

‘It’s made a very big impression on me that there continues to be such large problems with international schools when it’s clear that we have a lot of talented people who want to move here with their families,’ Espersen said, adding that she will discuss the issue with education minister Bertel Haarder.

An earlier study carried out by Copenhagen Council found that waiting lists for international schools in the capital were excessive, with 2,400 children on waiting lists for international primary and secondary schools.

Peter Wellby, director of the largest international school in the country, Copenhagen International School, said the waiting lists were a clear problem.

‘We have waiting lists every year for each grade and it's doing a lot of damage to companies, embassies and the like. There is a huge lack of international education available,’ said Wellby, highlighting that students have to travel from as far as Helsingør and Malmø to attend his school.

And the problem is not just restricted to younger students. Prior to a recent bill being passed which allows more schools to apply to offer the International Baccalaureate course, only nine high schools nationwide offered the two year IB education.