4. Quality Education

The focus of the global goal “Quality Education” is accessibility of quality education and opportunities to participate in lifelong learning. Going to school, levels of education, teachers’ education, educational institutions’ compliance with requirements (incl. sanitary) and differences in study results are observed together.

The 2030 Agenda sets the target to ensure free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education for all. Before school, small children require early childhood development so that they would be ready to enter primary education. The number of youths and adults with technical and vocational skills for
employment must be increased.

A target to reach is that all learners have knowledge and skills for promoting sustainable development. It is important to achieve sustainable lifestyles, value gender equality, peace and non-violence, global citizenship and cultural diversity. Educational institutions must create favourable learning environments, be child-friendly and consider the needs of persons with disabilities. 

The Estonian sustainable development strategy emphasises that the system of education and training is the foundation of economic development: education is the prerequisite of well-being. The global goal “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all” is linked in Estonia with the following indicators of different
forms of education and participation of population groups in the educational system:

  • Participation in lifelong learning
  • Tertiary education
  • Professional and vocational education
  • Digital competence
  • Top performers
  • Hobby education
  • Early leavers from education and training
Life-long learning among adults: participation in formal and non-formal learning 21.1 %
2022
Life-long learning among adults: participation in informal learning 62.6 %
2022
Share of population aged 25–34 with tertiary education 43.9 %
2022
Share of population aged 25–64 with professional and vocational education 74.7 %
2022
Share of persons with at least basic digital skills among population aged 16–74 62.6 %
2023
Share of top performers in reading 10.6 %
2022
Share of top performers in mathematics 13.1 %
2022
Share of top performers in sciences 11.6 %
2022
Share of hobby school students 32.9 %
2022
Share of early school leavers aged 18–24 32.9 %
2022