The City of Copenhagen has approved the creation of so-called “akutskoler” (emergency schools) for children who exhibit violent or severely disruptive behavior. The decision, backed by a majority in the Borgerrepræsentationen (City Council), follows a proposal by the Venstre party.
The emergency schools are intended as rapid-response alternatives for students whose behavior is too extreme for mainstream schools but who cannot immediately be placed in special education classes.
Long delays in special education placements prompt urgent solution
According to Jens-Kristian Lütken, Venstre’s Mayor for Employment and Integration, emergency schools fill a critical gap in the education system. “It can take a long time before something can be done in the form of special classes, and therefore there is a need to be able to act quickly,” he said.
The need for faster interventions comes amid growing concerns among teachers and school staff about classroom safety and the lack of support when dealing with aggressive students. The emergency schools aim to prevent further escalation by offering immediate supervision, specialized staff, and a structured environment.
Other cities follow suit amid rising nationwide concerns
The concept of emergency schools is not unique to Copenhagen. Odense is also exploring similar initiatives, highlighting a broader trend across Denmark to address behavioral issues more effectively.
The initiative is part of a wider political debate on how to support both students with special needs and those whose behavior threatens the learning environment for others. It also reflects increasing pressure on municipal services to respond more dynamically to behavioral crises in schools.
A step toward restoring classroom safety
While still in the early planning stages, the emergency schools are expected to offer short-term placements with a focus on behavioral stabilization and educational continuity. The ultimate goal is to reintegrate students into regular classes or transition them to longer-term solutions, depending on their needs.
With violence and severe misconduct on the rise in Danish schools, the emergency school model may soon become a central pillar of educational support infrastructure in the country.
