Instruction of pupils with a native language other than Icelandic.

"Icelandic as second language" is a subject for students who do not have a sufficient command of Icelandic to keep  up in a  general class. This is applicable to students whether they are of Icelandic or foreign origin. The Icelandic language contains a lot of specific terminology which is picked up through the pursuit of other subjects. Parents can choose between home schooling and reception wards for students of foreign origin in the compulsory schools of Reykjavík. Reception wards are intended for students aged 9-15 years, and are located in the following schools:

Education for new Icelanders
Children and pupils with another native language than Icelandic are entitled to support and extra teaching in Icelandic, averaging two lessons each week. The headmasters of each school organise the teaching in consultation with the teachers.

Three reception wards for children that come from other countries are to be found in the compulsory Schools of Reykjavik, and four outside of Reykjavik. Parents may choose whether the child starts in the reception ward or is registered directly at the district school. The reception wards in Reykjavik are meant for children 10-15 years of age who have insufficient command of Icelandic for learning in a general class. It is assumed that the children spend a maximum of one year in the reception ward, after which they move to their district school. The reception wards in Reykjavik are in three schools but serve pupils from all districts of the city.

Austurbæjarskóli
at Vitastígur, 101 Reykjavík
Tel: 411 7200, fax: 411 7201
Principal: Guðmundur Sighvatsson

Breiðholtsskóli
Arnarbakki 1 - 3, 109 Reykjavík
Tel: 557 3000, fax: 587 9211
Principal: Sigþór Magnússon

Háteigsskóli
Háteigsvegur, 105 Reykjavík
Tel: 530 4300, fax: 530 4301
Principal: Ásgeir Beinteinsson

Teaching consultants for the children of immigrants are situated at the city centre’s Community Centre and Hlíðar at Skúlagata 21, 101 Reykjavik, tel. 411-1600

Students that relocate to Reykjavík from abroad need to hand in a vaccination certificate to the school.
Furthermore, study assessment data (diplomas etc.) and analysis data need to be submitted, if applicable. Medical assessments for pupils arriving from countries outside the EEA take place at the outpatient department of Hringur Children’s Hospital. Tel: 543 3700. Registration, for home schooling or reception wards is carried out via the service gateway "Rafræna Reykjavík" at www.reykjavik.is

Application forms are available in several languages on the Division for Primary and Junior Education's website

Menntasvið og Leikskólasvið

Adult education at Námsflokkar Reykjavíkur