Inside Estonia’s Top-Ranked School System in March 2025

European teachers explore Estonia’s education model from the inside

What makes Estonian students some of the top performers in the world? Why is Estonia’s school system praised for being both academically strong and socially equal? These were just some of the questions that brought a group of Erasmus+ teachers to Tallinn this March for a training course hosted by Multilingua.

The course, “What Lies Behind Estonia’s Excellent PISA Results?”, took place from 9–14 March 2025 and offered participants from France, Hungary and Spain a chance to explore Estonia’s education system through workshops, school visits, and museum experiences. They observed real classrooms, met local educators and students, and engaged in lively discussions. Throughout the week, the group also spent time with fellow Erasmus+ participants from the Learning by Doing project – sharing experiences, discovering new perspectives, and making meaningful connections across borders.

Learning from the best of the best

Rather than focus solely on theory, the course brought Estonia’s educational approach to life through school visits, workshops and discussions. Participants visited different schools, where they observed lessons and met teachers and students, and also explored civic education by visiting the Estonian Parliament and the Europa Experience Center.

The course was designed for school leaders, teachers and education professionals who want to understand how Estonia – a small country with a population of just over a million – manages to score consistently among the top five in the world in PISA tests.

I particularly appreciated the quality of the school climate. I think that the projects specific to each school and their autonomy (robotics, etc.) enable teachers to make common choices, and this will inspire my work in France. – Dany from France

Equity, autonomy, and wellbeing: Estonia’s success formula

Throughout the course, participants gained insights into the values that shape Estonian education:

• A focus on equity and access – with one of the lowest levels of educational stratification in Europe
• High school autonomy, allowing teachers and leaders to make meaningful, context-based decisions
• Strong investment in digital transition and 21st-century skills
• An emphasis on student wellbeing and a calm, respectful school climate

The program also gave space for reflection and professional exchange. Participants kept learning diaries, worked on small group outputs, and shared experiences with each other both formally and informally.

I was amazed how well equipped the schools are. – Dori Koltai from Budapest, Hungary

Estonian Culture Friday to end the week

On the final day of the course, participants took part in the Estonian Mother Tongue Day celebrations hosted by Multilingua. This special event, designed for Estonian language learners, included an Estonian language lesson, traditional food, folk dance, and an introduction to Tantsupidu, a traditional Estonian dance festival performed by the folk dance troupe Ingliska. The event offered a perfect ending to the week, combining both cultural and linguistic elements in a lively and interactive setting.

 

Check out the next sessions of PISA course:

6.10.2025 – 10.10.2025 (register by 6.09.2025)

16.03.2026 – 20.03.2026 (register by 16.02.2026)

12.10.2026 – 16.10.2026 (register by 12.09.2026)

Other dates may be provided upon request of 6 or more participants.

Read more about Learning by Doing HERE.