Tallinn reports sharp fall in school leavers without study places

The number of young people in Tallinn without a place to continue their studies after basic school has fallen sharply, with city officials estimating that about 50 have genuine difficulties, ERR reported. Across Estonia, 204 young people currently have no study place recorded.

Data from the Estonian Education Information System (EHIS) show that 94 young people in Tallinn have no record of further studies. The city’s Education Department said the figure includes students studying abroad and others whose enrolment details have not yet been entered or confirmed, as well as applicants awaiting interviews or results from vocational schools.

Last year, nearly 350 basic school graduates in Tallinn did not continue their studies. The city said some of the young people currently facing difficulties have weak Estonian-language skills or poor final results from basic school. Others have special educational needs that limit their options.

The city has tried to contact all young people whose records show no study place, but some parents have not responded. In some cases, officials lack current contact details.

Officials said the extension of the learning obligation to everyone under 18 has helped more young people continue their education. The change has also affected graduates from previous years, some of whom have struggled to secure places this year.

Nationally, 485 young people subject to the learning obligation had not been entered in EHIS by the 10 September deadline. Harju County has the highest current number without a recorded place, at 129, followed by Tartu County with 19.