Forecasts indicate that Finland will have approximately 96,000 fewer basic school students by the 2030s, translating to nearly 3,840 fewer student groups if each class averages 25 students. This decline places a need for re-evaluation of the current education system, especially considering that while the overall student population decreases, the proportion of foreign-language students is expected to increase. The Finnish Association of Local and Regional Authorities emphasizes that it is essential to maintain the quality and accessibility of education across Finland during this transition.

Irmeli Myllymäki, the Director of Education Policy at the Association, highlights the necessity to ensure educational quality in light of the demographic changes. Furthermore, Susanna Huovinen, the Association's Deputy Managing Director, asserts that losing any child or young person is not an option. The implications of these statistics necessitate urgent scrutiny of competence requirements and how they relate to educational service delivery.

A recent report from the Ministry of Education and Culture, released on March 12, examines the intersections of population development and basic education, with the Association actively involved in the working group. This report addresses the necessity for adaptive strategies that cater to the changing landscape of student demographics, ensuring that a declining student population does not compromise educational standards or inclusivity for all students in Finland.