The Danish government is considering further limiting access to gymnasium (high school), the 3-year youth education system currently accessed by 70% Danish pupils after 9 years of primary school, before they go to university.

Entry to gymnasium was previously restricted - in 2019 - to pupils who passed the final year of primary school with an average attainment grade of 5. The new measure being considered would further increase this average requirement to 6.

Research by the Rockwool Foundation shows that the measure would mainly affect boys, children with ethnic minority background (including both first- and second- generation migrants) and children whose parents did not attend gymnasium. This means, according to the research, that the measure would ultimately have a negative impact on social integration and equality, of both migrants and other minority groups.

The director of educational institute NEXT, which runs several gymnasiums in Copenhagen, said in an op-ed that the new rule would exclude 45% of pupils in suburbs with a high percentage of migrants and those with a low income level from accessing higher education.