CEPOS study ranks Danish school performance and teaching effects

A new study by the think tank CEPOS examines the academic progress of students in Denmark, measuring the “teaching effect” based on how much students' grades deviate from expectations set by their socioeconomic backgrounds.

The report indicates that private and independent schools generally perform best at raising student achievement levels. Notably, Herlev Privatskole ranked in a tie for 2nd place over a three-year period (2023–2026), with an actual grade average of 10 against an expected 8.6. In the 2025/2026 school year, the school maintained a high ranking at 8th place.

In contrast, the study found that 64 percent of independent schools showed a positive teaching effect, compared to 40 percent of public schools and only 13 percent of residential schools (efterskoler). Some public schools in Herlev, such as Herlev Byskole, Kildegårdskolen Vest, and Lindehøjskolen, showed negative teaching effects, where actual grades fell below socioeconomic expectations.