In Finland there is a strong consensus regarding education and training. Also the consensus between the political parties is strong.  Medium-term plans for education are approved despite changes in Governments. Consequently, the development of education is assumed to continue in a stable and predictable way.

One of the basic principles of Finnish education is that all people must have equal access to high-quality education and training. The same opportunities to education should be available to all citizens irrespective of their ethnic origin, age, wealth or where they live - this has traditionally been a basic value in Finland. Education is free at all levels from pre-primary to higher education. Quality assurance is based on steering instead of controlling and there is no inspection system in Finland.