Ages 7-16 — compulsory schooling

In Sweden, all children between seven and 16 are required to attend school. Education at this level is provided free of charge, and by law includes a hot meal.

The majority of Swedish primary, or elementary, schools are municipally run. In many areas, independent schools are also available, offering a similar basic education, but with a more specific focus. Many specialize according to teaching methods, linguistic/ethnic orientation or religious profile. All independent schools must be approved by the National Agency for Education.

Until recently, students were not given scores or grades until the eighth grade. However, this is changing somewhat as more schools begin to offer written evaluations at a younger age. In the ninth grade, which is the final year of compulsory schooling, formal grades (avgångsbetyg) are given to the students and these are used for admission to high school.

As a supplement to primary schooling, children up to the age of 12 have access to daytime childcare, both before and after school. These leisure-time centers, family daycare homes and open leisure-time activities give parents the support and the flexibility needed to continue their work when school is not in session — whether in the morning, late afternoon or during school holidays.

Read more about finding a primary school