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Compulsory education was introduced in Sweden in 1842.
Today, education for children between the ages of 7 and 16 is free and
compulsory. Books, transportation and school meals are also free. Saami
students may attend Saami schools, where there is a special emphasis on
their heritage. There are also special schools for children with sight,
hearing, speech or learning difficulties.
Under the Education Act, municipalities are required
to provide preschool activities for all children one to six years old.
Although attendance is not mandatory, most parents enrol their children
in preschool. Most preschools are operated by municipal governments, but
the number of private ones is increasing. |
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From 7 to 16, students attend compulsory school
(grundskola). The municipality in which a student lives is
responsible for the student's tuition, even if the student chooses
to study in another municipality or at a private school. All students
learn Swedish. English is introduced when children are about ten years
old. Later on, they may choose another foreign language. Students
whose mother tongue is not Swedish are entitled to language instruction
classes in their mother tongue. Children attend school for about eight
hours a day, with a lunch break at midday.
The government runs after-school centres that
care for younger children while their parents are still at work. In
August 1998, the national curriculum was adjusted to regulate activities
in after-school centres, as well as in preschool classes.
About 98% of students continue their education
at upper secondary schools after they turn 16. All municipalities in
Sweden are required by law to offer free upper secondary schooling.
This level of schooling lasts three years. Students can choose from
16 programs: 14 provide vocational education and the other two prepare
students for university. Municipalities may set up local programs to
suit local needs. |
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Did you know? |
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Swedes have made many contributions to scholarship
and science. Anders Celsius (1701-44), a Swedish astronomer and mathematician,
invented the Centigrade system of measuring temperature. The Swedish
scientist Carl von Linné (1707-78), also known as Linnaeus,
invented the classification system of plants, animals and minerals
that is used around the world.
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About 30% of young people in Sweden pursue higher
education in one of Sweden's 50 universities and colleges, most of which
are state-run. Tuition is free, but students must pay for housing,
food and textbooks. Government loans and grants are available.
Adults have ample opportunity to continue their
education in Sweden. All employees are entitled by law to educational
leave. Adult education programs serve people with handicaps, workers
who wish to upgrade their skills and immigrants who need to learn
Swedish. |
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