History, Vision and Core Values

Birkerød Gymnasium’s Boarding School has a long tradition. It started as a private School in 1868 and has been through all phases of a state school (1920-1987), under ownership of the county of Frederiksborg (1987-2007) and to the situation today, where the school has self-ownership status.

The student population has through time mirrored society’s need to offer young people a safe and stable home. Before the high schools became accessible in all parts of Denmark by the 1970’s, many had geographical reasons to live at a boarding school.

Today the students’ reasons are more diverse. The process of globalisation has made more and more foreigners live and work in Denmark, as many Danes seek work away from Denmark. These new patterns are reflected in the student population who apply to Birkerød Boarding School today. Roughly 60% of the students have an international background and the remaining 40% are students from Denmark.

Declaration of purpose for Birkerød Gymnasium’s Boarding School

We want to give young people of both Danish an international background (no matter their home and family conditions), an opportunity to live under safe, stable and developing settings, as they attend class at the Gymnasium.

Vision of Birkerød Gymnasium’s Boarding School

The Boarding School at Birkerød is a place where young people from around the globe stay and live under the same roof in a contemporary and evolving setting. This setting is the frame of a challenging, inspiring and full life, where barriers and boundaries are broken, facades fall and new energy arises together with new and potential lifelong friendships.

Core values at Birkerød Gymnasium’s Boarding School

The life of the Boarding School is upheld by mutual trust and consideration. This applies between students and the relationship between staff and students. The following seven values form the frame of all that takes place at the Boarding School and are considered to be the beacons that guide the daily life.

Community; The Boarding School does not replace a traditional family, but it is a community of obligation, where everybody must get involved and nobody gets left behind.
Taking part, - opportunity and obligation; The Boarding School has a democratic structure. Boarders participate in hall meetings and Grand Assemblies, and they participate in the students’ council to make sure that it speaks on behalf of all boarders.
The open and tolerant environment; The Boarding School has room for everybody regardless of nationality, religion and culture etc.
Tradition; The Boarding School has an international atmosphere, but it is a Danish school as this is reflected in its Danish tradition and culture.
An active day; The Boarding School offers many activities and it is expected that everybody participates and contributes to the life of the Boarding School in all its facets.
Piece and quiet; The Boarding School has an active and vibrant environment, but we make sure that there must be room for solitude, tranquillity and for personal reflection.
Nature and setting; The Boarding School lies in unique and beautiful scenery setting, that we both look after and protect. The buildings and surroundings are kept clean and everybody must show respect and be responsible for the general environment.