A group of children in preschool playing with a teacher.

In 2024, 95.0% of children between the age of 3 and the compulsory starting age for primary education in EU countries were in pre-primary education, up from 91.2% in 2014.

This brings the EU one step closer to achieving the goal set out in the European Education Area strategic framework, which aims to have at least 96% of children in early childhood education and care by 2030.

The highest participation rates among EU countries were reported by France (100%), Belgium (98.1%), Lithuania and Hungary (97.9% each).

In contrast, the lowest rates were recorded in Romania (76.5%), Slovakia (81.8%) and Czechia (86.4%). 

Participation in pre-primary education, 2024 (% of children from age 3 to starting age of primary school). Chart. See link to the full dataset below.

Source dataset: educ_uoe_enra21

A sector powered by women

The overwhelming majority of teachers in pre-primary education in the EU, 95.1%, were women.

The highest shares of female teachers were found in Romania (99.7%), Slovakia (99.6%) and Hungary (99.5%). At the other end, but still with high shares, were the Netherlands (87.8%), France (91.6%) and Denmark (92.5%).

Female teachers in pre-primary education, 2024 (%). Chart. See link to the full dataset below.

 Source dataset: educ_uoe_perd03

For more information

Methodological note

  • The early childhood education is monitored by applying the ISCED 2011 classification:
    • ISCED level 0 – Early childhood education
    • ISCED 01 – Early childhood educational development (targeted at children 0 to 2 years)
    • ISCED 02 – Pre-primary education (targeted at children aged 3 years until the starting age of primary school)

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