Lego to open its own school

By James Brooks

Brainchild of billionaire owner Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen, it is hoped the new institution, based in Billund, Denmark, will put its rural surroundings on the map and become known as the “Capital of Children”. 

The fee-charging establishment, named the International School of Billund, will combine the international baccalaureate, Danish school system and Lego’s emphasis on inquiry-based learning. 

“Allowing time for creativity, play and getting into a state of flow is at the centre of Lego’s philosophy and we’ll be experimenting with this and other ideas in the timetabling,” the school’s British head teacher Richard Matthews told The Guardian. 

“But we also have a responsibility – the children’s education comes first and sometimes the old methods will be best,” he added. 

One prospective parent seemed convinced by the merits of teaching in Denmark telling the paper: “In the UK you’re taught how to pass exams. In Scandinavia you’re taught how to think.” 

The new school is the latest in a long line of projects set up by the international toy manufacturer in owner Kristiansen’s home town. 

Previous investments included the construction of an airport, the second largest in Denmark, as well as libraries, churches and theatres. 

While the school will originally be opened to three-to-seven-year-olds in August, pupils up to 16 will be invited to apply from 2015 onwards, with a half and half split between Danish nationals and international students. 

Those parents wishing their children to attend will have to cover a third of the fees, totalling 3,000 Danish kroner a month (£344). 

The Lego group was founded in 1932 by the Kristiansen family, is the world’s third largest manufacturer of play materials and provides toys and teaching materials in more than 130 countries.